Case study:

Metal Recycling Company | West Midlands

This metal recycling company is a scrap metal recycling company, specialising in the collection, processing, and recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

KEY
FACTS

19%
REDUCTION

BASED IN
WEST MIDLANDS

BACKDATED
SAVINGS
TO 1ST APRIL 2023

The Client

Located at Unit 2 Oak Ln, Kingswinford, the client operates within the metals industry, providing essential metal supplies to various sectors.

As a well-established business, they have continuously evolved and adapted to market demands while maintaining a strong focus on quality and customer service.

The Problem

A significant issue was the inclusion of a warehouse in the valuation that had been demolished years prior. Upon inspection, it was clear that the warehouse, which had been demolished at the start of 2018, was still being considered in the assessment.

Additionally, errors were identified in the assessment of unsurfaced, fenced land. While similar land parcels were receiving a 25% adjustment, the client’s property was only being granted a 15% adjustment. This inconsistency in valuation added to the overall financial burden.

The Solution

RVA Surveyors stepped in to help rectify the situation. After speaking with the client, it was confirmed that the warehouse had been demolished at the start of 2018. The initial submission to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) requested that this demolition be recognised as the effective date for the assessment. Furthermore, it was argued that the 25% adjustment granted to similar properties should be applied to the client’s property as well, to ensure a fair and accurate valuation.

The process involved submitting multiple checks and challenges. The first check was submitted, followed by a second check, and a challenge. Although the VOA initially pushed back, citing a lack of evidence regarding the demolition in the council’s planning portal, RVA explained that no planning permission had been required due to the simplicity of the demolition—being a single-sheet tin cladding warehouse that was removed in just two hours.

The Outcome

After a series of back-and-forth submissions, the challenge was successful. On 16th July 2024, the VOA accepted the adjustments without further contention.

As a result, the client saw a significant reduction in their business rates liability, achieving an accurate and fair assessment that better reflected the property’s current status.

Savings achieved: £18,016 

Surveyor comment

“By identifying key discrepancies in the valuation, we successfully ensured the client wasn’t overpaying and secured a fair adjustment through the CCA process.”