[2025] UKUT 00291 (LC)

This case concerns an appeal against a decision of the Valuation Tribunal for England (‘VTE’) in which it dismissed an appeal against a decision notice issued by the Valuation Officer (‘VO’) confirming the 2023 rating list assessment of a small shop in Clapham (‘the Property’) at rateable value £17,500.

At the hearing the appellant, Ms Xiaoli, represented herself and spoke through a Tribunal appointed interpreter. Mr Karl List represented the VO and called Mr Wai Hung Mak, MSc LLB (Hons) BSc (Hons) MRICS as an expert witness.

I inspected the Property on the day before the hearing. I was accompanied by Ms Xiaoli, Mr List and Mr Mak. I was shown the ground floor and basement areas and I also viewed neighbouring shop units from the street.

I am grateful to both parties for their submissions.