Companies under investigation for ‘potentially serious breach’

The Valuation Officer Agency announced Farnworth based Re-Rates UK and Manchester based Rateable Value Experts, with a correspondence address also in Farnworth, were suspended.

The government agency said the suspension is in place while they investigate a “potential serious breach of our agent standards.” 

A statement said: “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.”

The Valuation Office Agency has suspended the two companies (Image: Valuation Office Agency) It added: “We take breaches of our agent standards very seriously. 
“We will always take action if we substantiate a breach of the standards.” 

Re-Rates UK states on its website it specialises in providing a professional business rates reduction service for commercial properties throughout the UK.

Both of the companies were named in the same statement as being under investigation. 

According to Companies House, the company that trades as Re-Rates UK trades is officially known as Overratted Rates Ltd, with Murtada Khalil Abady listed as director.

The company’s registered address is on Market Street in Farnworth. 

It says that both the accounts are overdue with the last accounts made up to June 30 2021 and the next set for June 30 2022 having been due by March 31 2023.

Companies House also says that the confirmation statement is also overdue with the last statement having been dated June 16 2022.

The next statement date for June 16 20203 had been due for June 30 2023.

Rateable Value Experts Ltd, whose director is listed on Companies House as Riccardo Williamson also has its accounts listed as overdue.

The company’s listed address is on King Street in Manchester, but Mr Williamson’s correspondence address is down as Market Street in Farnworth. 

 

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The first accounts made up to November 30 2023 had been due by August 15 2024.

The company’s confirmation statement was also overdue with the last statement having been dated November 14 2023.

The next statement date for November 14 2024 had been due by November 28 that same year. 

The Bolton News attempted to contact both companies by telephone but was told that neither is able to take calls right now. 

The VOA statement said: “Remember – you don’t have to use an agent to manage your business rates.  

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

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

“We also have guidance on staying safe from scammers.  

“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.  

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

Source – INDIA TV