ATM’s – Supreme Court allows the Valuation Office Agency to appeal – what does this mean?

ATM’s  –  Supreme Court allows the Valuation Office Agency to appeal – what does this mean?

Last week the Supreme Court agreed to allow the Valuation Office Agency to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal that was reached last year. What does this mean?

For the ratepayer it means continuing to pay business rates on properties which are already within the rating list and which by the Court of Appeal decision would have been taken out of the rating list.

For the Billing Authority it means continuing to make provisions for losses on the substantial number of ATM appeals which are currently in the rating system.

The decision of the Supreme Court could mean a significant cash loss for the Billing Authority if the Supreme Court agree with the decision made by the Court of Appeal or if the Supreme Court reverse this decision it could mean increased revenue for Local Authorities with the significant number of units which have been identified as missing from the rating list.

The grant of appeal for the Valuation Office Agency does mean there will be further delays in getting this matter resolved which will be a frustration we are sure for all relevant stakeholders.