Compensation Compulsory purchase and acquisition is required to promote public interest in privately owned lands. Examples of such schemes include road widening schemes, road by-passes, sewerage improvements and Airport expansions. McAfee Commercial have a proven track record of success in completing compensation claims for clients who have been affected by compulsory purchase and acquisition schemes in the North West and beyond. On behalf of claimants we can provide advice on how best to protect their position if part of their land is included or adjacent to a potential compulsory purchase scheme. We also advise on negotiation and settlement of compensation claims to include appearance before the Lands Tribunal if necessary McAfee Commercial offer a free consultation to advise those whose property may be subject to acquisition by statutory bodies. Rating In Northern Ireland, The Land and Property Services of Northern Ireland (LPSNI) undertake Non-Domestic Rates Revaluations on a 5 yearly basis. A revaluation is a process to bring rateable values back into line with current property values. It results in a new Valuation List. The next revaluation is due to take effect on 1st April 2010 and will use rental values as at 1 April 2008. Immediately after a revaluation all ratepayers pay in direct proportion to the rental value of the property they occupy. However, over time, this becomes unfair because social, economic and environmental circumstances change, but do not affect all properties and areas in the same way. The result is that - Businesses in areas which have experienced proportionate economic decline since the last revaluation may pay proportionally too much in rates. Businesses in areas that have benefited from improved economic conditions may pay proportionally too little in rates. Rating is an area often overlooked by occupiers due to its complex nature and lower impact than passing rents. McAfee Commercial provide advice on a wide range of Rating issues and offer a rates consultation and appeal service with respect to commercial property. In our experience this process can often generate substantial savings for our clients. Rates appeals are similar in nature to rent reviews involving extensive research with the aim of challenging the rateable value on which rates payable invoices are based.