The month of May – the beginning of summer perhaps and yet we are all making the most of being at home with family and keeping in touch with extended friends and family on line. We are nearing the halfway point of the calendar year yet so much has happened but in a different way. Much of the month has seen fair weather and the frustrations of following the advice. It has been difficult for some to follow, yet in the main the new message to stay alert, to control the virus and save lives has been followed. In the work place and at home there has been plenty to consider as we have tried to get to grips with technology, online meetings in various forms or formats and discussion points on matters pertinent to the profession or just to keep in touch.
The beginning of the month saw many commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE day. I saw a series of most interesting posts from IRRV members participating in their own special way as part of the commemorations.
This month for me however has see an “stream” if you’ll pardon the pun, of meetings and catch ups on issues. From an IRRV perspective has seen two meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee and the first virtual meeting of the Institute's Council. There are challenges ahead but the work of Officers, Staff and Council members on a range of projects and initiatives appears well received. The Institute has been actively working to support colleagues and government on the various initiatives to support businesses and those struggling as a result of pandemic. I think likely many organisations we have seen firsts, one that I was extremely pleased to participate in was a virtual meeting of IRRV Association Representatives. It was extremely well attended and the feedback positive. David Magor, Gary Watson and I were able to update Association representatives on issues and discussion and take questions. The aim is to continue with these catch ups in the coming months.
I have also taken the opportunity to participate in a number of CPD events including a series of updates “Light at the end of the tunnel? - Introducing new evidence in the VTE and UT under Check Challenge, Appeal” and two technical sessions “The History & Application of the R&E method” and “The History and Application of the Contractors method” all proved interesting and very educational. There is certainly not shortage of updates and webinars to improve and enhance learning.
Of significant importance however was the outcome of the Supreme Court decision relating to Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) with the judgement being handed down by Lord Carnwath. The judgement provided plenty of commentary in the press and from those in the profession. This issue had been ongoing for some 10 years and presented challenges for all parties. I was reminded however of the reference in the judgement to comments made by Lord Sumption in Woolway (VO) v Mazars “the rating system has a very long history. As a fair and effective method of taxing property of all kinds, it has proved remarkably resilient and adaptable to technological developments and new forms of property” indeed and so have our members and the profession in adapting and changing working practices and the focus of their attentions in recent months and over many years to date.
For some the decision to press ahead with separately assessing ATMs caused consternation and bemusement. Others considered there to have been a wholesale change in behaviours that led to a transformation that required action. The outcome however is now clear in that keeping the approach simple, we should not overlook the context of rateable occupation nor the principle of who is in control.
Working as a professional requires us to be respectful of others, work competently, act with honesty and integrity, be reliable and accountable to be flexible exercise self-control. I am sure IRRV professionals we will continue to promote these values in our day to day work.
Finally, if you have not already seen the video David Magor and I prepared on the outcomes of the ATM case, this followed on from an initial update to members at the start of the month. It seems that such an approach has been well received and as a result the IRRV and its Council will continue to develop and present informative discussion and debate across all areas of practice. We would certainly welcome ideas for future topical discussion focusing on streams covering all disciplines including revenues, education, training, benefits and welfare.
Wishing you all well
Andrew Hetherton - IRRV President
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