President's update for November 2020

As I was preparing to write this latest update to you it has been confirmed that we are to enter a second national “lockdown”. We will all perhaps have slightly different views on the announcement and will also have concerns about what is to come.  Across the country our members have been experiencing a range of different regional controls and restrictions and the latest announcement will undoubtably have a massive impact on not only our social and mental health but also on the economy. However, I want to take a moment to think and be grateful for all those in community leadership roles, local government officials, civil servants, national health service and support workers, officers and employees along with all who are volunteering who are working so hard to look after use when it is most needed. Their support and dedication is so much appreciated by all.

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