Future of Valuation Office hanging in balance
The Valuation Office is expected to come under further pressure following government plans to crack down on business rate appeals.
It is subject to a Next Steps review which isconsidering a range of options from privatisation to removing itas a department of the Inland Revenue to a stand-alone arms-length agency of the Department of the Environment, Transportand the Regions.
The threat emerged following the government’s response to aCommons Treasury Report which opposed further demands forefficiency savings from the Valuation Office and urged steps toensure the agency can carry out valuation work effectively andcompetitively.
The Treasury’s response made it clear there will be closeliaison between those carrying out the next steps review of theagency and the comprehensive review of the business rate.
The DETR announcement on the business rating appeals systemincluded proposals to timetable appeals well in advance andwork towards ending a culture of brinkmanship by cutting offlast minute discussions prior to hearings.
Reforms to business rates appeal system prompt fears over delays