On the 29th of October the UK Government published its updated Methane Action Plan. Here…
Long running rates challenge set for hearing at upper tribunal , Royal Courts of Justice in April 2026?
Leading business rates advisor to the sector, Handel Rating Consultancy (HRC Limited) have now referred their lead case appeals to the Upper Tribunal / Lands Tribunal, for a final decision on the appropriate approach to the valuation for rates purposes of crop fed electrical and gas to grid AD plants in England and Wales.
This will bring to a close 4 years of negotiations with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) supported and funded by 18 owners and operator clients of HRC.
The decisions made by the Tribunal on the lead cases both of which are operated by Material Change in East Anglia, will be rolled out to HRC’s clients shortly after. If successful, many will see significant refunds for overpayments stretching back to 2017 as well as a reduction in the current tax charges and those going forward.
To ensure the best outcome for the AD sector and yourselves log in to the VOA Gateway and confirm the facts of your plant before 31st of March 2026, this will be the best way to ensure you get the correct valuation and the best benefits from a positive tribunal outcome.
Quote from Chris Handel from HRC
“Supported by our clients and ADBA throughout, with evidence from industry experts, we have worked tirelessly to reduce the burden of rates imposed on the sector and successes have been achieved along the way, but ultimately the VOA were not prepared to come away from their standard renewable valuation method which we think does not properly reflect the challenges and risks of running an AD plant when compared to wind and solar generators.
We will be putting forward a compelling case to the Tribunal that rateable values are too high, and this remains by far the best opportunity the sector has reduce the tax burden for both existing plants and new plants to ensure that the tax does not hinder the growth of the sector.
At the end of this month the Government will publish its draft 2026 rates revaluation and this is expected to hit the AD sector particularly badly, with large increases in the tax forecast from April of next year.
To protect the interests of ADBA members, all crop fed AD owners and operators, in England and Wales must register their business and plants on the VOA’s online Gateway account to agree the facts of the plant before the deadline of 31stMarch 2026. Failure to do so will mean it will very difficult to adjust a plants rates assessment in line with the precedent set by the Tribunal decision next spring.
HRC Limited are well placed to assist members with this task and advise on the impact of the upcoming rates revaluation and can be contacted by their email”
Quote from ADBA Policy Lead Dr. Gareth Mottram
“We fully support Chris and his efforts on behalf of the AD industry, this is a serious issue with the increased uncertainty in the government support for the sector and a disproportionate rate review would pose a major challenge. We hope our members will engage with Chris and build a united front to ensure that there is no un-reasonable rise in business rates for AD plants. Please engage with the VOA through the Gateway as soon as possible to get the facts of your AD plant right.”
