This month seems to have flow by and I have been pleased to attend a number of events including the Northern Counties IRRV Association AGM. I am looking forward to my first in person event as the road map for easing of restrictions permits, I hope to be able to attend some in the closing few months of this Presidential term of office, so please let me know as you as can.
My virtual appearance at the Northern Counties AGM provided an update to the members present on issues affecting the profession whilst David Magor the IRRV CEO was able to update on the work of IRRV in supporting our members, students and more generally the profession.
The last month has seen a number of meetings and liaison group meetings which will undoubtably influence the future for our profession.
The Queens most gracious speech to the both Houses of Parliament confirmed the Government’s intention “to level up opportunities across all parts of the United Kingdom supporting jobs, businesses and economic growth and in addressing the impact of the pandemic on public services”. Secondary legislation had already been introduced to limit the grounds for business rates appeals on the basis of Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention (NPI’s) from 25th March 2021, along with a £1.5bn package of further assistance for business. The Rating (Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualification (Dissolved Companies) Bill will make the necessary legislative changes to give retrospective effect. The issue affecting many of our members is the administration of the relief package but also having to deal with the challenges in the interim to protect their clients’ interests. This will undoubtably result in the preparation of challenge submissions. This was a topic of discussion at the Professional Bodies Liaison Group Meeting I attended. It has also been confirmed that the Valuation Officer Agency are, it seems, not going to progress Covid MCC challenges given the legislative programme, yet ratepayers and their agents are undoubtably going to have to consider protecting their interests with the submission of appeals (albeit at no cost). It seems to many in the profession therefore that the sooner the legislation is progressed through Parliament the better for clarity, the delivery of necessary support and what is to be likely wasted work on checks, challenges and appeals.
Another event I was able to observe took place in the Palace of Westminster this being a debate in Westminster Hall on “Regulation of Business Rate Reduction Services” tabled by Kevin Hollinrake MP for Thirsk & Malton with cross party support from a number of MPs who were all rightly concerned about so-called rouge rating agents. There was a call for industry regulation to protect vulnerable businesses who are suffering financial distress as a consequence of instructing rogue rating surveyors. This is an increasing problem for reputable firms and indeed those who are “succoured” in or as it was suggested subjected to misinformation and alleged fraudulent alteration of contracts. The irony or scandal, if you like, being that in some instances the purported savings were in fact reliefs and grants available to the said businesses by merely writing formally to their local authority. Sadly, the IRRV and other professional bodies are powerless at present to take action as the perpetrators are not members. I would certainly support consideration of regulation or register of providers but the administration of such a scheme needs to be considered extremely carefully and may be best provided by an independent body such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) much in the same way as insurance and the financial services sector is regulated. I hope to work with IRRV Council and Faculty Boards to work up proposals on a solution that works for all and present a joint approach with other professional bodies.
It would be remiss of me not to mention the calls for reform of business rates. Reference was made to the Fundamental Review of Business Rates, in the debate, along with calls for the consideration of a Land Value Tax (LVT). I know there are a wide range of views on reform and what might or should work but there remain man unknown unknowns when it comes to a wholesale change of approach. The first being how this translates into an effective tax that funds local services but also, second, the approach to openness and transparency when it comes to the disclosure of evidence. Issues, which some would suggest are not working for the present system, yet alone an approach based on land value with limited transactions. Considering a lease register could help with the present system and avoid the need for wholesale change provided the overall tax rate is reviewed and reduced from an eyewatering 50% plus.
On the subject of grants and reliefs I think we should always be mindful of the sterling work that has been undertaken across Local Government to deliver numerous business grants, discounts and reliefs to support payments made to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic. The efforts of Local Authorities should be acknowledged as the work was undertaken in very difficult circumstances not only having to work remotely but also with a fast-moving pace with guidance issued at short notice or where it was subject to numerous iterations.
Early June will see a Summer Series of events run by the IRRV, there will be plenty of activity with meetings of the IRRV Council in July which will be reported in Insight. Then all being well we will be hoping for a successful and hopefully in person return to Telford for the IRRV National Conference, Exhibition and Performance Awards so plenty to look forward to. But till then enjoy summer and ensure that you make the most of the weather and the opportunity to meet colleagues, friends and family.
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