Flintshire advertises for ratings firm to fight appeals

Flintshire County Council is seeking a ratings expert to help it manage the review of new rateable values in April 2010 and appeal against high valuations.

The Government's decision to expose businesses and public sector occupiers to increased business rates during the recession has been fiercely criticised across the property industry. The new rateable values for all non-residential properties comes into force on 1 April 2010 and lasts until 2015.

Flintshire is looking to spend between £100,000 and £150,000 a year on a rating consultant to act on behalf of the estates department.

The contract will last for an initial 12 months and could run for up to four years.