The UK government’s Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is seeking the help of business owners who receive a business rates bill to take part in a research project. Business rates are the taxes paid on non-domestic properties such as offices, shops, and warehouses.
The VOA sets the rateable values of all non-domestic properties in England and Wales, while local councils use this value to calculate the business rates bill. To improve its services, the VOA needs to understand how business owners use and interact with its services.
If you receive a business rates bill, you can help the VOA by signing up for the GOV.UK user panel. This will involve answering a few simple questions about yourself, which should take around 5 minutes. You do not need to have any particular skills with computers or the internet to join.
Once you have joined, you will have the opportunity to take part in research sessions in person or online. You can always decline an invitation to participate, and you can leave the panel at any time. Research sessions usually last an hour, and you may be compensated for your time.
It is important to note that your participation in this research project will have no impact on your dealings with the VOA. The information you provide will be fully confidential and stored securely.
By participating in this research, you can help improve the VOA’s services for all business owners who receive a business rates bill. So if you are interested in making a difference and have a few spare minutes to help, sign up for the GOV.UK user panel today!
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
