Tribunals · City of London Corporation · 2017 rating list

Knight Frank, Woolgate Exchange, EC2V 5HA

Offices and premises Decided 18 March 2025 CHG100559432

OutcomeAllowed in partThe tribunal reduced the rateable value, but by less than the ratepayer sought.
Original RV—£485/m²
Ratepayer sought—
VO conceded first£3,100,000
Tribunal decided—£425/m²

Figures are as stated in the decision; a dash means the document does not state that figure. This decision covers 7 properties; the figures shown are for the first listed.

What was argued and what the tribunal found

The appellants challenged the rateable values of seven office properties in the 2017 rating list at Woolgate Exchange, contending that the unadjusted base rate of £485 psm was excessive. The Valuation Officer conceded a reduction to £460 psm during the challenge period, then the appellants sought £400 psm. The tribunal found the current valuations unreasonable and, after reviewing rental evidence from within the building, comparable property assessments, and considering the Acenden judgment on Category A/B fit-out distinctions, determined that an unadjusted base rate of £425 psm was appropriate, allowing the appeals in part with effect from 1 April 2017.

Summary generated from the decision text and checked against it. The appellant was University of Chicago Booth School of Business, represented.

Grounds argued

  • Comparable assessments (tone) · decisive
  • Valuation method
  • Effective date
Evidence
Rents, Settled assessments, Earlier tribunal decisions, Photographs, Expert report
Cases cited
Lotus and Delta v Culverwell; Dawn Bunyan v Acenden Limited
Hearing
20 February 2025

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