Business rates regulator to no longer deal with man and five linked companies

The Valuation Office Agency, VOA, says that it will no longer deal with Murtada Abady, also known as “Jack Abady” and “Rico Banks”.

The regulator says that it has written to affected customers and has advised where people can find further guidance.

VOA chief executive Jonathan Russell said: “We take breaches of our agent standards very seriously.

“We act where we substantiate a breach and refer cases to other authorities if appropriate. 

Murtada Khalil Abady is listed as a director of Re-Rates UK (Image: Public)

“But I urge customers to still be vigilant and protect themselves against unscrupulous agents. 

“Do your research, follow our guidance and remember that, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” 

The VOA’s statement said it will “no longer deal with an individual and five companies offering services to business rates customers.  

It said: “Murtada Abady and the companies connected to him can no longer use our Check and Challenge service to manage business rates on behalf of customers.

“Murtada Abady is also known as Jack Abady and Rico Banks.”

The VOA said the five companies it will no longer deal with include Metro World Limited, trading as “Optimise Business Rates”, and Overratted Rates Limited, trading as “Re-Rates UK”.

It will also no longer deal with Rainbow Finance Limited, also trading as “Optimise Business Rates”, Rateable Value Experts and Rate Masters Limited, trading as “My Rates”.

The VOA says that Abady has previously used new company names and aliases to “disguise his activities”.

The regulator says its decision applies to aliases or companies that Abady is linked to now or in the future. 

The VOA says that it has written to customers who may have been affected.

In January this year the VOA announced that both Re-Rates UK and Rateable Value Experts had been suspended with an investigation was carried out.

According to Companies House, “Murtada Khalil Abady” is listed as director of Re-Rates UK, also known as Overratted Rates Ltd.

The company has its correspondence address on Market Street, Farnworth.

For more advice on business rates visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/valuation-office-agency

Business rates are a local tax that is paid by the occupier of all non-domestic or business properties.

Source – INDIA TV