Driving real cost savings for clients.

Despite the stalled NI Non Domestic Rating Revaluation 2026, Ambit continues to secure significant rates cost savings for clients, with many of those savings backdated for up to 4 years (back to 1st April 2023).

The objective of the Rating Reval. 2026 had been to update all rateable values using “recent” rental evidence, helping ensure a fairer distribution of rates across all NI business sectors. However, on 29th January, shortly after the draft List was published online, the Finance Minister John O’Dowd announced a “pause” of the Reval 2026 process.

The draft List  had signposted substantial increases in cost terms particularly across the hospitality sector and lobbying from that sector was an important factor in the decision not to proceed with the Reval.

The flip side is that many other business ratepayers would have expected to have seen reduced rates bills if the draft List had been implemented as planned in April. As a result, many commercial properties and businesses across NI continue to be assessed on outdated valuations which no longer reflect either current rents or wider economic conditions – and potentially this is leading to inequities across business sectors.

We don’t know for sure when the next Revaluation will come into effect, but it’s important to be aware that this “pause” does not prevent new challenges to existing rating assessments.

Experienced rating consultancy advisors add value for clients. We at Ambit can carry out high level reviews, identify opportunities for savings, recommend and carry out appeals and help support strategic forecasting to mitigate future liabilities.

The NI Assembly will reschedule the Revaluation and while significant value shifts are inevitable, perhaps next time limited relief schemes for some sectors would be a better solution to a predictable issue.

We will update clients in due course.