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Rating Matters: The Trials and Tribulations of Acenden, Shoosmiths and Beyond

CPT Events are pleased to announce the launch of Rating Matters. These new events will cover topics in more detail, incorporating a Rating Talking Heads style, but now provide a means to offer so much more. Presentation slides will be introduced into the new format, along with more time to extensively deal with the complex subjects. This first session looks at 'The Trials and Tribulations of Acenden, Shoosmiths and Beyond'

Start Date Venue Price  
4 November 2025 Virtual Seminar £75 BOOK

Note: All prices are to be paid in GBP and are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate

Event duration: Afternoon Virtual Event (1.3 hours CPD).
Registration from: 12.25. Event starts at: 12.30. Event finishes at: 14.00.

The "Acenden rating decision" refers to a legal case Bunyan (VO) v Acenden Ltd [2023] UKUT 17 (LC) concerned the rating of a property, specifically Ascot House, for business rates. 

It has been described as the decision that keeps on giving because not only did it herald a change in the way the rateable value was captured, the scope and principles, are yet to be universally accepted and thus, remain uncertain. 

The core issue was whether the fit-out of the property, particularly the Category B fit-out, should be factored into its rateable value. The Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) ultimately decided that everything forming part of the hereditament should be valued, regardless of who provided the fit-out, unless there's a specific statutory reason to exclude it. 

There were some that argued that the decision had broad implications for rating valuations across England and Wales, as it clarified that tenant-provided fit-outs are generally included in the rateable value. Others saw it simply as a single decision, hinged on the particular case. Consequently, there have been a string of challenges and appeals arising. Rather than black or white, we appear to be working with various shades of grey when seeking to apply the principles of Acenden.

The latest decision in Amanda Hitchings (VO) v Shoosmiths LLP and Mando Group Ltd [2025] UKUT 224 (LC) applied the Acenden principle, confirming that Category B fit-outs must be valued (typically via amortised cost) when comparables are absent.

So where are we on the current state of affairs for the inclusion (or not) of fit out costs?

Speakers