Overview
Job Title: Business Rates Officer
Location: Birmingham
Rate: £14.82 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Duration: 3 November 2025 - 31 December 2025
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:00
About the Role
We are seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Business Rates Officer to join a dynamic Revenues and Recovery Team. This role is essential in maintaining and safeguarding the Council's Business Rates base, ensuring accurate billing, collection, and enforcement.
Key Responsibilities
* Assess and establish liability for Business Rates, applying appropriate reliefs and exemptions.
* Maintain accurate records in the Rating and Valuation Lists.
* Provide clear, in-depth advice to customers regarding Business Rates.
* Handle enquiries via email, phone, letter, and in person with professionalism and courtesy.
* Liaise with estate agents, solicitors, and property owners regarding empty properties.
* Refer properties for inspection and liaise with the Valuation Office Agency.
* Administer mandatory and discretionary rate relief applications.
* Promote direct debit payments and support enforcement actions when necessary.
* Attend court hearings and provide technical advice.
* Identify and report suspected fraudulent applications.
* Support service improvement projects as needed.
Person Specification
Essential:
* Minimum 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths and English, or relevant work experience.
* Experience in Revenues or a similar environment.
* Strong knowledge of Business Rates legislation and enforcement processes.
* Proficiency in using Revenues and Benefits software and electronic document management systems.
Desirable:
* Experience with NEC and Information at Work software.
* Ability to challenge valuation decisions effectively.
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