Wind Turbine Rateable Value Reduced – £63,000 Saved
Business Rates Bill for Wind Turbines
We were contacted by a landowner in Cornwall who had recently been hit with an unexpected business rates bill for a wind turbine on their land. Like many farmers and landowners, they had installed the turbine some years ago – only to be shocked when the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) entered it into the non-domestic rating list for the first time, backdated to 1st April 2023. The initial rateable value was set at £42,250, triggering a sudden annual rates liability of £21,000.
This is becoming an increasingly common situation. The VOA is actively assessing renewable energy installations and issuing retrospective demands, catching many owners off guard.
Our Approach
Our business rates team carried out a detailed review of the VOA’s valuation, which was based on a receipts and expenditure model. We analysed the energy output and income, making justified deductions for site constraints and allowable expenses. This formed the basis for a robust challenge.
Negotiation with the VOA
We submitted a formal “Check” with a revised valuation, clearly evidencing multiple issues in the original VOA calculation. Our team provided a more accurate assessment reflecting the true operating and income conditions of the turbine.
Outcome
The VOA accepted our revised valuation, reducing the rateable value from £42,250 to £11,000. Crucially, this brought the assessment below the threshold for small business rates relief – meaning our client’s business rates liability was reduced to £0, including all backdated charges.
Result
- Total saving: £63,000
- Backdated bill eliminated
- Ongoing rates liability reduced to zero
What to do if you have an unexpected bill for your wind turbine
If you’ve installed a wind turbine – even some time ago – you may be at risk of receiving a large, backdated business rates bill. Our specialist team at Vickery Holman has a strong track record in successfully reducing wind turbine valuations and securing full relief from business rates.
If you’ve received a demand or have concerns about your valuation, please get in touch with our Business Rates team. Wind turbine valuation is complex. Vickery Holman have a proven track record in successful negotiations with the VOA in this field and can help you through this process.
