Maughan Mitchell

07/10/2026

Court of Appeal brings changes to Rates Mitigation Schemes

https://maughanmitchell.co.uk/court-of-appeal-ends-box-shifting-business-rates-mitigation-scheme/

Landmark judgment could have major implications for owners of vacant commercial property.

Whether you own a single vacant commercial property or manage a larger investment portfolio, our experienced surveyors can advise on legitimate business rates mitigation and ensure your strategy reflects the latest legal position.

Contact Maughan Mitchell today to discuss your circumstances.

Landmark judgment could have major implications for owners of vacant commercial property. Owners of vacant commercial property who have relied on so-called ‘box shifting’ business rates mitigation schemes should seek professional advice following a landmark Court of Appeal judgment. In The Mayor...

28/01/2026

https://maughanmitchell.co.uk/pubs-get-a-pour-of-relief-but-the-rest-of-hospitality-is-left-dry/

The government has announced a 15% business rates discount for pubs and live music venues in 2026/27, followed by a real terms freeze on rates bills for a further two years. The move is a direct response to concerns that the 2026 revaluation would push many community venues toward closure. What it m...

12/09/2025

HM Treasury report published – Transforming Business Rates: Interim Report

Trying to Bridge the Gap to the 2025 Budget?

Read why we think it’s a hollow Interim Report. ⬇️

Trying to Bridge the Gap to the 2025 Budget? With the Autumn Budget pushed way back to 26th November, HM Treasury published their report today, which emanates from the 2024 Budget - it has taken some time! The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said: “Our economy isn’t broken, but

31/03/2025

Empty Business Rates - win creates over £78,000 in savings, on Ex Barclays Bank property, Godalming, Surrey

Empty Rates savings - Ex-Barclays Bank, Godalming – Empty Rates Deletion Through our partnership with Owen Isherwood, Maughan Mitchell were appointed to advise Moss & Co in relation to their retail development in Godalming, Surrey. At the time of receiving instructions, Moss & Co, had already unde...

02/09/2024

Acting for a private landlord, Maughan Mitchell have successfully negotiated terms, for a new lease, on a large retail store, in the market town of Romsey, Hampshire. Faced with a seemingly difficult retail climate, the tenant, Superdrug, were initially pushing for a 31% reduction in their passing r...

15/05/2024

Business Rates – 2026 Rating List

https://maughanmitchell.co.uk/business-rates-2026-rating-list/

It may feel like the 2023 Rating List is fresh news, with us only recently entering into the second year of the three year Revaluation cycle. 1st April 2024, however, is marked as the Antecedent Valuation Date (AVD) for the forthcoming 2026 Rating List. Importantly, this means that future Business Rates tax liabilities, from 1st April 2026, will be based on rental values this year.

Any businesses who have recently agreed a new lease, or are looking to take a new lease, over the course of this year, should therefore be mindful that their future Business Rates liability is likely to be impacted by their own agreed rent –

Business Rates payable from 1st April 2026 = 2026 Rating Assessment (based on rental evidence, around 1st April 2024) x the government set Business Rates Multiplier / Rate Poundage (this is currently at 49.9p in the £ for properties assessed at below £51,000 and 54.6p in the £ for larger properties.

Between now and the start of the 2026 Rating List there will also be a number of significant changes introduced into the Rating system, which it is important ratepayers are aware of.

As a professional practice of Chartered Surveyors, specialising in the areas of commercial lease advice and Business Rates, Maughan Mitchell would be pleased to hear from you, if you need any advice regarding your current or future Rating Liabilities.

It may feel like the 2023 Rating List is fresh news, with us only recently entering into the second year of the three year Revaluation cycle. 1st April 2024, however, is marked as the Antecedent Valuation Date (AVD) for the forthcoming 2026 Rating List. Importantly, this means that future Business R...

09/05/2024

Business Rates - Double win for LV – Frizzell House and Victoria House, Bournemouth

Through our partnership with Realest, Maughan Mitchell were appointed by Liverpool Victoria, to provide Business Rates advice across their property portfolio.

Following a reviewing of LV='s portfolio, MM lodged a 2017 List appeal on Frizzell House, LV='s HQ; where we saw opportunity to present a reasonable case for the Assessment being high. Subsequent to detailed negotiations, with the Valuation Office, we successfully secured a Rates reduction from £1,180,000 to £1,040,000, backdated to 1st April 2017. This £140,000 reduction in Assessment, produced significant Business Rates savings, to our client, of over £340,000.

Further to this exercise, we have also been able to secure over £40,000 of additional Rates Savings for LV=; by way of Empty Rates Relief at Victoria House, Bournemouth, which had become surplus to LV=’s operational requirements.

29/04/2024

Business Rates – Carnival House, Southampton

2017 List Reduction secured - £2.19m to £1.92m

https://maughanmitchell.co.uk/maughan-mitchell-case-studies/