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1. Minutes Of The Previous
Meeting
The minutes of the previous meeting held on 4 February 2003
were agreed to be a true record.
2. Matters Arising
Collection of Rental Information
Professional Bodies had raised concerns about VOA
staff seeking rental information etc direct from ratepayers who
had retained agents acting for them.
It was agreed that Stephen Wright would investigate existing
instructions, liase with the Professional Bodies with a view to
them recommending an acceptable form of words for the VOA
to consider
Chargeable Amounts (Amendment Regulations)
The lengthy delay in laying the amended Regulations has been
raised with ODPM
by David Tretton. Professional Bodies to make similar approach.
Professional Bodies stressed that once the regulations are in
place their clients would expect a quick turn around re TR Certificates
which would clearly have resource implications for the VOA.
Historic Assessments
Concerns were expressed at the length of time taken to address
the various difficulties being experienced with historic assessments.
VOA has met
with ODPM
representatives regarding this matter and gave a presentation
that clearly outlined the difficulties being encountered. Counsel’s
opinion has subsequently been sought.
Minor Rating List Alterations
It was agreed that minor list alterations are not intended to
affect payment liability in any way.
3. Revaluation 2005
3.1 Antecedent Valuation Date.
The relevant SIs
have now been made prescribing the AVD
(1st April 2003) for the 2005 NDR
Revaluation.
3.2 Lease Register Information
Work continues to improve the records held in the central database
to ensure that the valuations produced for the revaluation are
based upon accurate, up to date, and consistent information.
3.3 Standardisation
The VOA is
looking to standardise processes. There are prescribed standards
to define how survey information is to be recorded and how valuations
are to be structured. Standard Scales have been introduced to
assist with a consistent approach to analysis and valuation.
3.4 Rental Information Collection
Multiple Electronic Rental Information (MERI)
MERI
is a new facility, allowing ratepayers and their agents to provide
large amounts of rental data to the VOA electronically.
Bulk class rent return form (VO 6003)
A more user-friendly new rent return form is now in use incorporating
explanatory text alongside the relevant questions.
Alongside the MERI
facility there will soon be an electronic version of VO 6003.
Ratepayers will be able to access the form via the Internet, completing
and submitting it on-line.
“Boomerang” rent return form (VO 6004)
A very short rent return form (the “boomerang” rent
return) has been introduced for use in rent review cases only.
This is sent to the occupier inviting them to simply confirm or
update the information currently held.
Valuation Office Ratepayer Contacts (VORCs)
An evaluation of the VORCs
pilot showed significant benefits for both parties and as a result
the pilot scheme has now been extended, with one
VORC located in each Group and a further 20 companies
have been identified to participate in the scheme.
3.5 Summary Valuations
It is intended to provide most ratepayers with a copy of the
summary valuation relating to the property they occupy before
the new rating lists come into effect. It is also hoped to publish
these summary valuations on the Internet.
3.6 Ratepayer Forums
National Ratepayer Valuation Forum (NRVF)
The NRVF
continues to meet regularly and provides an important link with
ratepayers at national level. One recent development is the setting
up a sub-group of the Forum to specifically address the concerns
of small businesses.
Local Ratepayer Valuation Forums
Following the results of the evaluation of the pilot Local Ratepayer
Valuation Forums (LRVFs) the existing LRVFs
in the North Wales and South West Groups will be continued through
the entire revaluation period so they can be properly “tested”
in that environment. Newcastle has now been selected as a suitable
location in which to run LRVFs
in a more densely developed urban environment.
4. Programming
The VOA reported that it was to increase the number of appeals
originally programmed for clearance in 2003/04 by a further 40,000
in England. Programming of these additional appeals will in the
main commence in the second half year.
5. MCC Appeals
The VOA has firm view re the wording of valid proposals received
citing Congestion Charging and closure of the Central line as
an MCC.
6. Electronic Communication
Update on Valuebill
VOA is initiating an internal project to handle the VOA's involvement
in the Valuebill trial and to manage the implement of VOA's part
in the trial. Funding for Valuebill is approved, and due for release
shortly.
Electronic Service of Proposals
Professional Bodies expressed concerns over VO’s querying
receipt of proposals served electronically. EDS have been asked
to look into this.
.7. Rating Cases of Interest
Sewage Treatment Works occupied by Winchester
CC
In the Winchester STW
Lands Tribunal Rating Appeals where the appellant is arguing that
they form appurtenances to domestic dwellings, VOA
have until 25th April 2003 to submit our Statement of Reply.
Archer Ltd v Robinson (VO)
An appeal by the ratepayer to the Court of Appeal has been received
on the above case involving a factory at Bilton Way, Luton that
had a leaking asbestos roof. The landlord cured the problem by
adding an additional roof covering and insulation, leaving the
original in place. The tenant argued that the work was not repair,
and that repair would not have been economic. The VO
argued that the work was repair, and that there should be no reduction
for the disrepair. In his decision, NJ Rose said that the actual
work was necessary and that it did amount to repair (excluding
the insulation), and that no reduction was appropriate.
Dell Stadium Brierley Hill
A pre trial review was recently held because of the lack of
progress in this case. The Respondents were given two months to
complete their enquiries into questions posed which are essential
to the issues involved.
Leeds Magistrates Courts
Costs have been awarded to the VO,
and no appeal has been made, the case is closed.
Evans (VO) v. RLM Packaging
This case was heard on the 20th of March 2003. This case was
concerned with a unit of assessment issue concerning two factory
units engaged in metal packaging manufacture some 380 metres apart
and separated by 7 intervening hereditaments. - In essence, the
LT had to decide: one assessment or two.
The member concluded:
‘’My decision on this appeal is that the functional
link which has been proved in this case is not sufficient to justify
treating two significantly separated properties as a single hereditament.
I would therefore allow this appeal accordingly and reinstate
the separate descriptions of the Main Factory and Unit 2 in the
1995 list. No application has been made for costs.’’
District Heating Undertakings occupied by
Tower Hamlets LB
The Valuation Tribunal reconvened on 10th February to determine
the argument as to value of these hereditaments and in particular
whether their value is limited to RV £1. The Tribunal determined
that the value of the hereditaments was limited to £1. The
VOA has appealed to Lands Tribunal.
Nottingham Orange Highway Mast
The case was heard on 25th March. Rateability was accepted, the
question before the LT was, whether or not there should be a notional
site rent in respect of a mobile phone pole mast and equipment
cabinet, sited on public highway land, when the licensed telecom
operator is entitled to locate his apparatus without charge under
Telecom Code Powers.
Tuxedo Royale
The decision of the Court of Appeal found in favour of the VOA
in this case involving a floating hereditament on the River Tyne
at Gateshead. At issue was the rateability of the vessel.
Eddison First Power
The House of Lords heard the appeal of Edison First Power Ltd
-v- The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and
the Regions on 17th & 18th February. The issue was that of
alleged double rating arising from the transfer of a hereditament
from the Central List to a local list. The House of Lords approved
the approach adopted and the appeal was dismissed
8. Council Tax
Welsh Revaluation
Following initial consultation the Minister (Edwina Hart AM)
has agreed to a further stage of analysis of sales and a short
period of consultation
English Revaluation
OGC Gateway Review - The review was undertaken in late February
2003. A number of recommendations were made and are being implemented.
Data Capture
Pilot stage – East Midlands, Leeds, Wessex, West Midlands
are 98% complete or 54,000 details captured. The next stage within
the pilot is to collect circa 20,000 details by Mid May for the
testing of supplier’s models.
Mass Data Capture
The target is to capture at least 17% of property details in
England during 2003/4. This information will be put directly into
the VOA database.
Procurement of AVM Supplier
Original list of 13 suppliers has now been short listed to 5.
The preferred supplier will be chosen in June 2003. They will
work with VOA-EDS
over the following year to calibrate the valuation model for use
in England.
9. Customer Services
Customer Survey
Data capture of the NDR
and CT customer surveys
for the year 2002/03 is being completed and the results will form
part of the VOA
Annual Report.
Racial Equality Issues
Customer Services has been asked to ensure that VOA
services are accessible to ethnic minority groups and as such
is auditing the various modes of communication used by the Agency
with a view to identifying areas for improvement.
Switchboard Services
Professional Bodies complained about unanswered telephones and
poor switchboard service. Pat Duckworth responded that answer
times overall on main switchboards have improved but it was conceded
that this does not measure abortive calls.
10. Any Other Business
RICS Rating Conference 2 July 2003
Flyers for this event, which is aimed at ratepayers, are being
printed. The key speaker will be Chris Leslie MP.
RICS – Proposed Rating Practice Statement
One final draft is expected prior to internal consultation. After
approval by RICS
it is anticipated that the Practice Statement could come into
effect from January 2004.
Summary Valuations on the Internet
Professional Bodies enquired whether this type of data would
be sold by the VOA
to outside bodies. Jerry Schurder will take this forward with
Vic East.
Communication Strategy for 2005
The 1st draft has been circulated and Professional Bodies are
unhappy with the term “appeals culture” which occurs
several times within the document. Jerry Schurder will Email Paul
Sanderson regarding concerns.
David Tretton
Director, Rating – VOA
Chairman |
