Process

Check I Challenge I Appeal

Understanding the Check • Challenge • Appeal (CCA) Process


The government’s CCA system remains the formal route for appealing business rates in England. Here’s how it works under the 2023–26 rating list:

Check

This is the first step, where the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) reviews the factual details of your property — such as floor area, layout, and use.

  • We submit the Check on your behalf, flagging any errors or inconsistencies.

  • The VOA has up to 12 months to respond, although replies are often issued sooner.


Challenge

If we disagree with the revised facts or believe the Rateable Value (RV) remains too high, we submit a Challenge.

  • A Challenge must be made within 4 months of the VOA’s Check response.

  • It includes a reasoned valuation case backed by rental evidence, comparable properties, or material changes affecting value.

  • The VOA must issue a decision within 18 months of receiving the Challenge.

During this stage, we engage with the VOA to negotiate a reduction wherever justified. Most cases are resolved at this level.


Appeal

If no agreement is reached at Challenge stage, we can escalate the case to the Valuation Tribunal for England (VTE).

  • This must be done within 4 months of receiving the VOA’s decision notice.

  • The Tribunal is independent and will review the case, including all submitted evidence and arguments.

3 Step Guide to Appealing

Business rates will now be managed through a Government Gateway which is a central online system. The ratepayer essentially needs to set up a secure account within the gateway, where they can register their details and business and appoint an agent to help.

  1. Register yourself and business through the Government Gateway
  2. Claim your property
  3. Appoint a professional agent to act on your behalf

Step 1

How do I set up and register on the Government Gateway?

You will need:

  1. National Insurance Number
  2. Date of Birth
  3. UK passport or PAYE payslip or P60
  4. Scan or Photograph of Business Rates Bill
This is fairly simple and self explanatory. Follow the below:
Follow online instructions
Register

Step 2

How do I register/claim my commercial property?

Sign in to your existing or newly formed Government Gateway. Once you are in your dashboard, click on Claim properties and enter the postcode into the search bar. Once you have located the correct property and assessment click on Claim and follow the online instructions. If you have more than one property, you will need to claim each one by clicking on Add Property

Add Property

Step 3

How do I appoint an agent?

Sign in to the Government Gateway or go back to your dashboard and click on Manage Properties. Your claimed property will show here (if not showing allow a little time and then refresh).

Click on APPOINT AGENT and enter our AGENT CODE 38551 and select YES for us to CHECK and CHALLENGE.
Government Gateway