THE Society of Chartered Surveyors has urged occupiers of business premises to seek independent professional advice if they are concerned about rates. Mr Noel Quinn, of the society's general practice division, in a statement, says society members, along with the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute and the Incorporated Society of Valuers, are regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public from malpractice. They are also required to hold adequate professional indemnity insurance.

Mr Quinn said there is no requirement for a client to enter into any prior written contract other than a letter of instruction. There should be no requirement for any payments being made by a client prior to a proper survey being carried out, appropriate advice being received and the case being concluded either by agreement with the Commissioner of Valuations or by appeal to the Valuation