The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have introduced a new mandatory code of practice for Chartered Surveyors who support clients through the business rates appeals process which aims to bring clarity for the sector following the upheaval created by recent business rates revaluations.
The RICS joined forces with Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation and Rating Surveyors’ Association to develop the new code. The code seeks to improve customer protection and support professionals by clarifying appeals processes following rates revaluation. The mandatory standards apply across UK; however, the guidance recognises practice differences within Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
About the new code
The code will ensure RICS accredited professionals are better placed to support clients who wish to appeal business rates decisions following the revaluations in Scotland, England and Wales.
Setting stringent standards for consultants’ communications with clients, the code protects consumers by ensuring contractual conditions, particularly in relation to fees and contract terminations, are clear and easy to understand. Furthermore, by updating the Declaration by Ratepayers, clients in England & Wales are fully aware that providing incorrect information to the Assessor may result in civil penalties.
businessratesadvice.com are fully regulated by the RICS and welcome these new guidelines and confirmation of transparency requirements. Please contact us should wish to discuss any aspect of this.
Further information on the guidelines and Regulation of Firms in general can be found at http://www.rics.org/uk