National Ratepayers Forum: Terms of reference

Main role and objectives

The NRF will aim to respond to the needs and requests of its membership and to

• Encourage and promote a better understanding of the rating and rating valuation systems and processes, including take up of rate relief

• Encourage the engagement of ratepayers in the rating valuation process, including the provision of rental information

• Provide a conduit for information to, and feedback from, ratepayers and their representatives on national rating and valuation issues, including any policy consultation exercises carried out by the ODPM and WAG

• Identify problems and issues with the administration of rating and rating valuation policy and identify potential solutions where possible

• Advise the VOA and central government generally, on improvements to customer service and on meeting the VOA’s vision and objectives.

Membership and meetings

The membership of the NRF will comprise of representatives of national business organisations and other non-domestic ratepayers, national and local government, rating professionals and the valuation service.

Meetings will usually take place twice a year, although this may vary with the agreement of the membership if business dictates. A record of the meeting will be issued within two weeks of each meeting and circulated to members before being published on the VOA website.

Valuation Office Agency
December 2006