HARD-WORKING small business owners have won an appeal victory when their rates doubled after moving an internal office just two metres.

The rates for Ombersley Road-based PS Kitchens were set to go from £129 per month to £265 after a revaluation visit by a Government valuation officer.

To make matters worse, Worcester City Council which collects the monthly rates bill for businesses was taking the company to court over non-payment of rates.

Owners Karen and Paul Simpson were furious at the rise and the summons, writing to appeal the valuation and also contacting your Worcester News.

Now, after a fresh visit by the Valuation Office Agency, the Government body has not only revised down PS Kitchens’ rateable value, but also waived a rise in rates to £7,600 due to come in from April next year.

Mrs Simpson said: “We’re happy with that.”

Mr and Mrs Simpson had been paying £129 while awaiting their appeal, which prompted the city council’s court letter.

Mrs Simpson said: “On our appeal paperwork nowhere does it say you have to pay at the revised rate.

“When the officer came around he agreed that their paperwork does not make clear you have to pay the revised rate while awaiting an appeal decision.

“We’d have been paying for something we shouldn’t have been.

“Then we’d have had to go to the trouble of claiming back that money.”

In April, the kitchen fitter and supplier which employs and sub-contracts 25 staff moved its internal office from the front to the rear of its premises.

But a valuation officer visited and told the owners the office move increased the rateable value from £4,850 to £6,200 because the new office area had a stud partition wall. The value has now been reduced to £6,000.

Mrs Simpson said: “Because the wall could be removed in the future, the office space had to be counted as retail show space.”

They appealed and then last week got a court summons demanding the total sum of the underpayment of £1,170 with £70 legal costs.

When Mrs Simpson phoned to explain the company’s situation she claims the city council Worcestershire Hub phone operator told her not to bother turning up to court “because the judge will find in our favour.” In all such cases, attendance at court is recommended so that defendants can make their case.

A Valuations Office Agency spokeswoman confirmed the appeal and said: “A ratepayer is obliged to pay the rates while an appeal is going on.”

A city council spokeswoman said: “Customers struggling to make payments should contact the Worcestershire Hub so we can advise.”