News story

Temporary suspension of business rates agents

Agents suspended as the VOA investigates a potential breach of its standards.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has temporarily suspended two business rates agents, Rateable Value Experts and Re-Rates UK. This is while we investigate a potential serious breach of our agent standards. 

The suspension means we will not work with, or accept any information from, these agents while we investigate the potential breach. 

We have written to affected customers. We cannot comment further while investigations are ongoing. 

Our VOA agent standards set out clear expectations for agents regarding:  

  • their behaviour  

  • their professional practice  

  • the service they provide to their customers  

We take breaches of our agent standards very seriously. We will always take action if we substantiate a breach of the standards. 

You should be cautious of any agent who:  

  • tries to pressure you to make a decision or sign a contract  

  • says they are acting on behalf of the VOA or forwards emails they claim are from the VOA  

  • demands large sums of money up front  

  • makes claims about ‘unclaimed credits’ or similar  

Remember – you don’t have to use an agent to manage your business rates.ÌýÌý

You can challenge your rateable value through our online service. This service is free to use.ÌýÌý

If you want an agent to manage your business rates, use . Don’t let an agent choose you.ÌýÌý

We also have guidance on staying safe from scammers.ÌýÌý

We collect evidence of poor agent behaviour and practices in the course of our work. This evidence allows us to proactively address issues or concerns.ÌýÌý

If you are concerned about poor behaviour by agents, send any evidence to agentstandards@voa.gov.uk.

Updates to this page

Published 7 January 2025
Last updated 20 January 2025 show all updates
  1. Added Welsh translation.

  2. First published.