The coming weeks will be
challenging but I know that together we will work in the best interests of our
communities and be both understanding and compassionate whilst perhaps being
nervous, frustrated or scared. But together, by looking out for each other and
working collaboratively we will be able to work through the challenge to come,
look out for one another and be grateful for what we do have.
October saw a considerable amount
of work being undertaken by the Institute. Of course we started October with
the virtual Conference & Exhibition which proved extremely successful and
well attended. Again it is right to thank all the staff at IRRV HQ who worked
tirelessly to facilitate this event which was fully managed and run in-house.
If you have not already had the opportunity to review the sessions you missed
you can do so until the end of the calendar year.
Once Conference was over I was
pleased to participate in a series of online discussions and meetings with
other professional and trade organisations on the Fundamental Review of
Business Rates. The discussions formed a significant part of the Professional
Bodies Liaison Group and Business Rates Advisory Forum meetings. There was the
opportunity to hear from a wider range of representatives and the discussion
was particularly insightful. It seemed there was a consensus on the approach to
more frequent revaluations, a firm belief that the level of the multiplier was
too high and that there were a number of ways to improve the current business
rates system including reforms to Check, Challenge & Appeal but also
importantly a desire for greater transparency on the disclosure of evidence and
a simplification of reliefs and the billing process. The challenge now for
Government will be decide on a course of action but particular care and
consideration also has to be given to ensuring an appropriate and adequate
funding settlement for Local Authorities.
I was extremely pleased to be
able to meet up virtually with representatives from across many of the IRRV
Associations around the country at the IRRV Association Representatives meeting,
hearing of their efforts to support members locally whilst actively working to
support their local councils or businesses. I know many are missing comradery
and social interaction and hopefully as Christmas approaches, we can all find a
way to meet up virtually again for a bit Christmas cheer.
I took the opportunity to attend a number of
virtual hearings of the Valuation Tribunal for England as an observer. The
hearings covered both Council Tax and Non-Domestic appeals. I know the
Valuation Tribunal Service has worked extremely hard to put in place the
arrangements and to facilitate the access to justice for the aggrieved parties
and their efforts are to be commended. At the other end of the scale I watched
and listened with interest to the latest hearing before the UK Supreme Court in
the matter of the appeal Hurstwood Properties (A) Ltd and others (Respondents)
v Rosendale Borough Council and another (Appellants) UKSC 2019/0071. I look
forward to reading the judgement in due course.
During my career I have worked
with Mark Higgin FRICS FIRRV, a Partner at Montagu Evans. I have very much valued
his support both personally but also for the Institute, the Rating Surveyors’
Association and RICS. We worked collaboratively together in many professional
and social settings and I want to pay particular thanks to him as he now
embarks on a new and well-deserved role as a Valuer member of the Upper
Tribunal Lands Chamber. I am sure he will settle into this new role extremely
well and wish him all the best.
I am also looking forward to the
opportunity to attend in November the Annual meeting and professional talk of
the Association of Chief Estates Surveyors and Property Managers in the Public
Sector (ACES). Whilst normally this
would include lunch this year a virtual reception is being held and look
forward to catching up and meeting the new President of ACES Simon Hughes.
November will also include our
next meeting of Council with reports and updates from each of the portfolio
holders for Commercial Services, Education & Membership and Law &
Research along with meetings of the other standing committees of Council. There
will also be meetings of the various faculty boards in the coming weeks which
will update on matters affecting us all as members. So it will be another busy
month and I will update date you all in due course.
In closing I know that the next
few weeks will be challenging but Christmas will be just around the corner and
we will hopefully have been able to over come the current challenges and look
forward to catching up with family and friends during the festive season.
Best wishes to you all and have
Merry Christmas
Andrew
