Rebecca Evans MS, Minister for Finance and Local Government
Today, I am launching a technical consultation on draft Non-Domestic Rating (Alteration of Lists and Appeals) (Wales) Regulations 2023 (‘the draft Regulations’). The draft Regulations will deliver reforms to the Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) appeals system for Wales.
The Welsh Government previously consulted on proposals for reform of the NDR appeals system, between 17 October 2017 and 9 January 2018. One of the key messages from the consultation responses was that no changes should be made midway through an NDR list and the optimal timing for changes would be to coincide with a revaluation. The next revaluation will be implemented on 1 April 2023.
On 29 March 2022, I made an Oral Statement setting out the Welsh Government’s plans to reform non-domestic rates during the current Senedd term. These plans include pursuing more frequent revaluations in the future. Changes to the appeals system, underpinned by the adoption of a digital platform delivered by the Valuation Office Agency, will be a critical enabler for this objective, ensuring that ratepayers in Wales are able to benefit from ongoing improvements.
The technical consultation sets out the effect of the draft Regulations, to apply to rating lists compiled on or after 1 April 2023, and seeks views on their legislative clarity and practical application.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks, and responses are requested by 11 October 2022.
The consultation is available at: https://gov.wales/regulations-reforming-non-domestic-rates-appeals-system-wales
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.