Non-Domestic Rates: Ports

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 2 March 2010, Official Report, columns 1153-54W, on non-domestic rates: ports, for what reason the Valuation Office Agency decided (a) in 2002 that Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprise should not be separately rated and (b) in 2009 that it should be separately rated. (322225)

I have been asked to reply.

The Valuation Office Agency determined that Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises should not form a separate assessment in 2002 on the back of information they were provided at the time. However the facts now show the fish market should be separately assessed for business rates.

Where a change has been made to alter the rating lists this has been as a consequence of new information that alters the overall balance in terms of the decision on paramount occupation. The decision as to who is in paramount control, and therefore who should be rated, rests on the facts of each case.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what guidance was provided to the Valuation Office Agency on steps to ensure that the assessment and rating of port businesses consequent on the end of prescription rating were separate processes. (322290)

The assessment of rateable value and the maintenance of rating lists is the responsibility of the Valuation Office Agency and not this Department. We do not provide guidance to the Valuation Office Agency on professional valuation issues.