Treasury written question – answered at on 17 July 2026.
Tan Dhesi
Chair, Defence Committee, Chair, Defence Committee
To ask the Chancellor of the exchequer, what recent discussions she has had with the flexible workspace sector on (a) changes to the Valuation Office classification of serviced offices and (b) the potential impact of these changes on small businesses.
Dan Tomlinson
The Exchequer Secretary
Both HM Treasury Ministers and officials continue to engage closely with the flexible workspace sector.
The Valuation Office (VO) is responsible for valuing non-domestic property for business rates purposes. They are required to maintain accurate rating lists in England and to carry out valuations impartially and in line with relevant legislation and caselaw.
At this time, there is no sector-wide review of serviced office assessments underway. The VO is addressing properties where they have received legal advice, or where unit of assessment issues are brought to its attention.
Where the VO is required to determine the unit of assessment, it does so on a case-by-case basis, with all facts being considered. Reviewing a small number of cases will help clarify the application of legislation on serviced offices and the VO will continue to monitor legal developments and update its approach as needed.
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