Supporting someone else with business rates valuation

I have been asked to help someone with their business rates valuation. They have a business rate valuation account and want to assign me as an agent to support them. On this page on the VOA site: " www.gov.uk/guidance/appoint-an-agent ", it states an "Agent" may be a rating agent, friend or relative or trusted helper. Under appointing an agent it states: "You can appoint a rating agent, friend or relative as your agent. They will: register for a business rates valuation account and be given an agent code" I have registered for a business rates valuation account but have not been given an agent code to give to the person that wants me to act for them. As a friend, relative or other, how do I get an agent code to pass on to them, or help them if I cant get an agent code? Thanks for any help.

Hi,

Please contact the Valuation Office Agency for advice.

Contact VOA

Thank you.

I spoke with the VOA by phone and they were completely useless telling me to do it via trusted helper form, which clearly states that it will be rejected if the user has already set up a form for themselves. The link you gave me I looked at already and there is no specific category for my type of enquiry and it can take up to 28 days for them to respond. The webpage for appointing an agent states: "A friend or family member will get an agent code when they register for a business rates valuation account themselves" Why is it so difficult!