HC Deb 11 June 1998 vol 313 cc649-50W
Mr. Oaten

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if his Department publishes guidelines in relation to uniform business rates and the value of public houses; [45019]

(2)what measures are taken to monitor the accuracy of information given on forms used to assess uniform business rates for public houses; [45020]

(3)if (a) turnover prices and (b) the value of a property are taken into account in the setting of uniform business rates for public houses. [45018]

Dawn Primarolo

[holding answer 9 June 1998]: No general guidelines are published in relation to uniform business rates by HM Treasury. A guide relating to the valuation of public houses, entitled "Public Houses—Approved Guide to Valuation", is available to the general public as part of the Tolley's Tax Link CD-ROM from Tolley Publishing Co. Ltd. The guide forms part of the Valuation Office Agency's Rating Manual and sets out the agreement between the Valuation Office Agency and the Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association as to the method and broad levels of the value to be adopted for public houses as part of the revaluation of non-domestic property for business rates purposes, which came into effect on 1 April 1995.

The rateable value of a public house, in common with other non-domestic property subject to business rates, is an estimate of the amount of rent for which the property might reasonably be expected to be let. The capital value of the property is not taken into account. In arriving at the rateable value for public houses, the Valuation Officer, an employee of the Valuation Office Agency, has regard to turnover when estimating fair maintainable receipts. This yardstick is adopted to analyse rents and to compare properties.

The Valuation Officer has a statutory power to request information which is required to compile and maintain lists of rateable values for business rates purposes. Those supplying the information, usually the occupiers/owners of the property or their representatives, sign a declaration of authenticity. The supply of false information can lead to prosecution. The accuracy of information given on forms will be considered at both the valuation stage and when dealing with appeals.