1

As part of the implementation of changes resulting from the Process Improvement Project (PIP), some new Council Tax forms have been designed.

2

The new forms are:-

VO 7455

Proposal Form. This now has the dwelling details questionnaire which was developed by PIP as a perforated attachment (Part D). Part D is not part of the statutory form and its completion is not mandatory. A proposal should not be treated as invalid if Part D is not returned or is returned uncompleted. When forwarding copies of a proposal to the Valuation Tribunal, the Billing Authority or any other interested party, the Part D must not be copied or sent.

VO 7455 GN

Guidance Notes. This is now a separate sheet and replaces the notes formerly attached to the proposal form.

VO 7497

Dwelling Details. This replaces the questionnaire which was attached to the PIP process maps, and is for issue to the public when a proposal form is not being sent.

VO 7498

Telephone Query Details. This too replaces the questionnaire which was attached to the PIP process maps, and is for use by caseworker support when taking down details obtained by telephone. It is intended that this will be available for completion on-screen in due course.

3

The details sheets now incorporate requirements to assist with the Mass Data Capture of Dwellinghouse Coding in preparation for the CT Revaluation (England).

4

Bi-lingual versions of VO 7455, VO 7455 GN and VO 7497 have been prepared and will be distributed to the two Groups in Wales for use. The text for the Guidance Notes has been changed to show the current band values operating in Wales. VO 7498 is not required in the Welsh Language as this form is for internal use only.

5

The proposal forms in both English and Welsh which are available on the VOA’s web site are also being changed to accord with the new hardcopy. Dwelling Details questionnaire VO 7497 is also being made available for completion via the Internet.

6

An automatic supply of 1,000 of each of the above is being made to each location.

All Groups should receive their supplies in time for a start date of 18 August 2003.

7

The new forms must be brought into use immediately following delivery.

Any stocks of the old version of the Proposal Form, and any unused hardcopy questionnaires, should be destroyed as waste paper.

8

Using these versions of the forms is mandatory. The Process Maps available on the intranet will be amended to include these versions as attachments.

9

Future supplies should be obtained within the quarterly Forms order from Alphaprint.

10

Following the design and issue of these forms, PIP ‘missiles’ relating to the design etc of proposal forms and questionnaires can no longer be forwarded.

Suggested alterations must be submitted to the VOA Innovations Scheme using the standard suggestion form.