Business Rates Office-Birmingham

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.