ISSN 1361-1305 ISSN INSIGHTJanuary/February 2014 £6.50 www.irrv.net

The monthly journal of the Institute of Revenues, Rating & Valuation The teams with the Midas touch Insight goes behind the scenes with Jacobs and the London Borough of Enfield, both Gold Award Winners at the 2013 IRRV Performance Awards

INSIDE: Collection & enforcement • PPP 2013 • Management • Data sharing • Valuation matters • Viewpoint Your IRRV Council: Features

IRRV PRESIDENT SENIOR VICE Cover story 18 Richard Harbord PRESIDENT The teams with the Midas touch MPhil CPFA FCCA Kevin Stewart IRRV (Hons) FIDP FIRRV Insight goes behind the scenes with FBIM FRSA MAAT MCMI Jacobs and the London Borough of Enfield, both Gold Award Winners at the 2013 IRRV Performance Awards. JUNIOR HONORARY VICE TREASURER PRESIDENT Allan Jim Traynor McCafferty FCCA IRRV IRRV (Hons) (Hons)

Phil Alan Robert Adlard Bronte Brown Tech IRRV FRICS BSc FRICS MlnstLM IRRV FIRRV MCMI (Hons)

David John Clark Carol Feature 21 Chapman FIRRV Cutler IRRV IRRV (Hons) Collection & enforcement (Hons) Jamie Waller of JBW Group believes it’s good news that the bailiff industry is finally being consolidated, while Insight homes in on a series Tom Dixon Ian Loiuse of Marston Holdings seminars. RD BSc (Est Ferguson Freeth Man) FRICS IRRV (Hons) FIRRV IRRV (Hons) A message from the Deputy Chief Executive. Richard Guy Mary Gordon FRICS (Dip Hardman Heath Log in to ‘magazines’ in the Rating) IRRV (Hons) BSc FIRRV FRICS MCMI IRRV (Hons) member area of www.irrv.net MCIArb to hear the message online.

Kerry Paul Roger IRRV INSIGHT IRRV Advertising Macdermott McDermott Messenger T 020 7691 8979 BSc (Es Man) Managing Editor Chief Executive IRRV (Hons) IRRV (Hons) E [email protected] FRICS FIRRV John Roberts David Magor OBE IRRV (Hons) Editorial MCIArb REV Editorial Director Northumberland House John Roberts IRRV (Hons) Lester Dinnie 5th Floor T 07952 659 258 Art Director 303-306 High Holborn E [email protected] London WC1V 7JZ Tregartha Dinnie Ltd Maureen Nick Angela Don Tregartha T 020 7831 3505 Ibex House 5 Keller Close Kiln Farm Designers Neave Rowe Storey E [email protected] Milton Keynes MK11 3LL Tech IRRV IRRV (Hons) Tech IRRV Clare Barker W www.irrv.net T 01908 306500 MCMI Roddy Clenaghan Enquiries W www.tregartha-dinnie.co.uk Copy Editor Membership IRRV INSIGHT is produced by Tregartha Vicki Chastney 020 7691 8996 Dinnie Ltd on behalf of the IRRV. Conferences Unless otherwise indicated, copyright Publisher 020 7691 8987 in this publication belongs to the IRRV. Tregartha Dinnie Subscriptions

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INSIGHT MCMI written consent. The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent the views of theInstitute. Whilst all due care is taken regarding the accuracy of information, no responsibility 2 can be accepted for errors. Any advice given does not constitute a legal opinion. Regular items Editor’s welcome

Chief Executive’s notes 05

News and events 06 “Welcome to the Education and membership 08 first edition of Insight for 2014!” Running the Institute 10 From the archives 11 Faculty Board report 12 Once again we aim to bring you all the latest news and opinion across Benefits bulletin 13 our professions, brought to you by regular contributors and some new Revenues roundup 14 ones too. Valuation matters 15 The first of our new contributors is an old face for readers of the Institute’s Valuer magazine, Back office processing 25 which is available on line quarterly to all IRRV members – just log in to the membership area Management 26 and go to ‘magazines’. This month Geoff Fisher brings his popular roundup of all things valuation Data sharing 28 to Insight, and that’s where you’ll find details of events past, present and future. PPP 2013 30 For those of you who thought that the Audit Commission was no longer with us, think again, Welfare reform 31 as we feature the latest ‘Protecting the Public Purse’ offering. On the lighter side, we have our Doherty’s despatch 32 ever popular caption competition, and there’s no shortage of either victims or suggested punch Viewpoint 34 lines... and our management ‘thought for the month’ takes on a different slant on this occasion. Welfare reform continues to provide much debate and discussion too and we are delighted to confirm that the Department for Work and What’s in the next issue... Pensions is willing to continue its regular column. • a special feature highlighting the evolution In this edition, we also have a number of pages dedicated to our regular sponsors and of the electronic signature exhibitors. One of the things we try to do on a • Allen Graham tells it as it is as he steps on regular basis is to encourage key partners of the Institute to contribute their own views – not by to the ‘viewpoint’ podium means of a blatant advertisement for their product • a bonus for students, as Professor Cleverley (sorry, you have to pay if you want to do that!), but as recognition that they too have a voice in and Deborah Davies combine forces. the future of revenues, benefits and valuation. Of course, we still welcome more contributions and comment, so contact me on jcroberts54@ hotmail.com if you want to join in. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 JANUARY/FEBRUARY

John Roberts IRRV (Hons) is Managing Editor INSIGHT of the Institute’s magazines 3 IRRV Distance Learning

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IRRV Certificate Level 3 This course is designed for those who wish Take that to gain a professional qualification and further their careers. step forward Streams available: • Revenues and Welfare Benefits Stream today! • Business Rates Stream • Valuation Tribunal Stream Distance learning is an easy and flexible way to achieve your goals, whether you want to Fee: £1260.00 + vat progress in your profession, change your career, achieve an essential qualification IRRV Professional Diploma or learn something new. By enrolling on one This course is designed for those who wish to of our courses you will enjoy the convenience progress to senior positions. The Professional of studying from anywhere and at any time over Diploma leads to the highest level qualification, the Internet. We provide you with all course IRRV Honours. study material, material updates, past exam Stream available: papers, self-test assignments, revision course • Revenues and Welfare Benefits Stream information, webinars, support from tutors & our team and much more. Fee: £1410.00 + vat

Please send your queries to [email protected] or telephone 020 7691 8984 plans are for the taxation of business. of taxation the for are plans overall government’s the what wonders Tax, one Corporation of nature ‘optional’ apparent the with decisions these contrast you When instrument. fiscal areliable as rate the of itself. process the and evidence of provision the of terms in both process, appeal the in ‘intervene’ to decided also has government The revaluation. 2015 the of postponement the and charge rate empty the of dilution the seen have we concessions, and discounts various the and multiplier the in changes the to addition In Settlement. Government Local the or Statement Autumn the either in clear not were intentions exact the although replaced, be to have will revenue of loss This plans. reduction deficit the of part formed undoubtedly which levy, the of value the reduced have April in force into come which measures the Already bill. rate the of burden the remove completely to afford is cannot they that facing problem government the The and impact. incidence in its has proved to be too ‘efficient’ work? don’t measures the if do government the will what but economy, our of element key this revitalise and investment encourage will reforms these that hopes One a future? system have Does therating and modernisation that ensures that itdoes. ensuresthat that and modernisation David Magor’s New Year pleaisforreview These measures have significantly weakened the status status the weakened significantly have measures These that atax on attack continuing the of part are changes The “

levy, including appeals.” aspectofthe process throughtoevery elements ofthetax, fromthevaluation The reviewshouldencompassall overheads. ratepayers’ ofthe bill part rate as ofthe cost the reduce to and high the on street pressure the ease to system, manipulateto rating the pressure the to succumbed government The has Chief Executive of the Institute is (Hons) IRRV OBE Magor David process. collection accountable properly a finally and administration, tribunal and courts the into fits that mechanism appeal an process, valuation independent and to ensure is there an effective of administration, the financing business. of taxation the of elements various the between and relationship the government, of local financing total the to relevant yield the at look also to needs review The appeals. including levy, the of aspect every to through process valuation the from tax, the of elements all encompass should review The century. twenty-first the for purpose for fit is it so modernised be to needs It reviewed. be must rate the of structure the that mind my in doubt no is There What must not be ignored in any review is the proper proper the is review any in ignored be not must What Chief Executive’s notes 5 INSIGHT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 News and events

West Midlands Association dinner dance with a difference! The West Midlands Association celebrated in October last with their annual dinner dance, held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. The venue was excellent and the food superb, with the disco going on until one o’clock – but it didn’t end there, as the added bonus was a casino on site, where many of us had a flutter... and some even won! We would like to thank Institute Chief Executive David Magor, Immediate Past President David Chapman, all our sponsors and our guests for their support and attendance at a very enjoyable evening Pictured are representatives from the sponsoring organisations, who were full of fun, laughter and many fond memories. BNP Paribas Real Estate, Bristow & Sutor, Callcredit, Capita, Colliers, Datatank, Equita, Jacobs, Moore Stephens, Newlyn, Rundles and Smith & Williamson. Amrik Boghan IRRV, West Midlands Association President

Layla does it again! A successful day was had at the House of Commons recently discussing the importance of promoting earlier diagnosis of people with neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), and ensuring all patients get access to the expertise, treatments and care that is available in the UK. Afternoon tea was hosted by Eric Ollerenshaw MP and the NET Patient Foundation, and the Institute’s very own Layla Stephen (photographed third from left), who is the coordinator for PLANETS, a charity dedicated to defeating pancreatic liver and neuroendocrine cancer that she helped to set up with her surgeon in 2011, after being diagnosed with incurable multiple NETS in December 2008, shortly after giving birth to her son. Layla has been running and fundraising for PLANETS now for over two years and has also recently set up an e-petition regarding the wider availability of Gallium PET scans, and has asked the IRRV to help her get more signatures from members – see link: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/56106. For more information on PLANETS please contact Layla on [email protected] or see the website www.planetscharity.org.

London and Home The President’s blog Counties Association Institute President Richard There’s still time to book for the annual London and Harbord is well into his second Home Counties dinner, which is once again to be spell in the hot seat, and invites held at the prestigious Innholders Hall in the City members to share in his activities. of London, on the evening of Friday 7th February. You can find out what Richard has been Go to the Association’s website for details: doing over the past weeks by logging in to http://www.irrvassociations.org.uk/index. www.irrv.net http://richardharbord.blogspot.co.uk/. asp?AId=4 or email [email protected]. INSIGHT 6 Insight is off to Scotland again for a report on the 2013 Scottish Benefits and Fraud Conference Les Robertson, IRRV Scottish Association President, reports from another highly successful event held at Crieff Hydro Hotel on the 4th & 5th December 2013.

Over 150 delegates attended the Scottish ensure that the replacement council tax Benefits and Fraud Conference, which benefit scheme will continue to award the signalled the commencement of the festive most needy up to 100% awards until at least period in the minds of some of the delegates 2014/15. This commitment was welcomed by and exhibitors. This festive theme was all delegates present who have to deal with the continued long into the Wednesday night, welfare cuts on a day-to-day basis. which starts with the traditional Christmas The conference is quite unique in Scotland, dinner and disco. A special mention must in as much as it brings together the benefit go out to John Cunningham (East Lothian administrators and the fraud community to one Council) and Gary Smith (Scottish Borders conference. The fraud parallel sessions were Council) who kept the delegates entertained particularly well attended, but the conversation long after the Association President called it a seemed to concentrate on the introduction night (to stay fresh for the Thursday sessions, of SFIS in 2014/15. Jim Donnelly from of course!). The pair came prepared with the DWP gave the departmental view of the guitars in hand and introduced a medley of implementation, which will see all welfare Huw Meredith and Alan Sullivan on songs which kept those who were ‘networking’ benefit fraud being investigated by the new the developments of welfare reform and entertained into the wee small hours. organisation. However, the key message for Universal Credit (UC). On the topic of UC, However, it is a bit remiss of me to introduce me was the DWP’s insistence that this will be a video upload was received from Alison the social side of this conference, especially done in consultation with key stakeholders McKenzie Folan, who gave delegates an given the number of revenues and finance with a view to ensuring that the best use of update from the perspective of Wigan managers who read Insight! There were also resources and data sharing is maintained. Council, and introduced the concept of a joint two days of interesting papers and debate The issue of TUPE was discussed – DWP still service within local support services. covering the major developments within await confirmation if TUPE would apply, but Other speakers gave updates on benefits and fraud administration. In addition undertook to confirm that the principles of Discretionary Housing Payment (Louise to all the speakers, the exhibition area TUPE would be a minimum. Freeth), council tax reduction (CTR) was full, with 12 companies exhibiting their This led on to fraud presentations on schemes (Robin Haynes), the new review products, enabling delegates to take note of corporate fraud, which is especially lacking process for CTR (Keith Clews), the combined the developments and potential for improving in Scotland. Steve Talbot indicated the areas impact of welfare cuts (Geoff Fimister), the their service. that councils should be considering to set up a Scottish Welfare Fund (Dorothy Ogle), the The conference was opened with the corporate fraud team. The overriding message bedroom tax and other housing benefit ministerial address from Margaret Burgess is that where a council provides benefits to its issues (Jim McCafferty and Peter Meehan)... MSP, who gave the Scottish Government’s view community, certain individuals will try to take and last but not least a view of the current state of the welfare reform agenda, and the fact advantage. The key to developing a corporate of welfare changes from the Institute’s Chief that in an independent Scotland we would anti-fraud strategy is the proper identification Executive, David Magor. have the ability to design our own welfare where fraud is potentially being committed, The IRRV Scottish Association Executive system based on the needs and priorities of and building this into a business case to retain would like to thank all speakers and exhibitors, Scotland. Margaret also reminded the audience some/all of our experienced counter-fraud who all helped to make the two days very that the national UK government will reduce specialists before they are transferred to SFIS. worthwhile for the attending delegates. welfare spending in Scotland by over £4.5 The key message was the urgency of doing this All conference slides are available for billion in the five years to 2015. She also – if we do nothing, councils will find that their download from www.irrvscotland.org.uk at reinforced the Scottish Government’s views that highly trained staff will transfer to SFIS, and the www.tinyurl.com/scbens13. they will do everything they can to mitigate the opportunity will be lost. worst effects of the cuts, by finding £20 million Barry Moncur and Sharon Hughes gave an JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 JANUARY/FEBRUARY in 2013/14 and 2014/15 to augment the DHP informative paper on the rules of disclosure, fund allocated by the DWP. She committed to ensure all LAs were disclosure compliant, in an additional £9.2 million to increase the terms of the six core principles. Scottish Welfare fund, as well as working The main conference received updates INSIGHT with local authorities (LAs) in Scotland to from the DWP from the PDT’s John Giblin, 7 News and events CaptionsCaptions It’s caption time again! This month, get your thinking caps invited!invited! on and try and guess what was on IRRV Council member Alistair Townsend’s mind as he greeted East Midlands Association Secretary Andy Solley at a recent IRRV Association dinner. Email the editor on [email protected] with your suggestions!

Last month, we wanted to know what IRRV stalwart Colin Holden was thinking as he found himself in a compromising pose at one of the IRRV’s international events. The winner on this occasion is Terence Goodwin, with the thought provoking, “So this is what is meant by Continuing Professional Development!” He came close to a second award too with a tongue in cheek “I hope that my wife doesn’t read Insight!” (Editor – sorry, Past President Julie, but I thought it was worthy of a mention!). However, the real runner-up goes to Peter Hurlstone, with, “Take that smile off your face and keep your hands to yourself.” And our mystery ‘sucrologist’ is on the case again, with “Mr Harbord... you do have cold hands!” (Editor – and here was me thinking it was a Brian Blessed lookalike, not an IRRV President lookalike!).

Education and membership: New members

STUDENT MEMBERS CORPORATE MEMBERS NAME EMPLOYER NAME EMPLOYER Louise Tiernan South Norfolk District Council Kit Wilson Liberata UK Ltd Alison Gotheridge Derby City Council Katie Swain Gedling Borough Council HONOURS MEMBERS Nisha Lakhani Southwark London Borough Council NAME EMPLOYER Stuart Clewes-Garner North Hertfordshire District Council Austin Marshall Conneely Tribe Jade Fuller Coventry City Council Jonathan Percy Montagu Evans Niamh Ni-Ghormain Birmingham City Council Rachel Ellis Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Christopher Pike Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council Rachel Lancaster Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council QCF MEMBERS Kerry Sixsmith Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council NAME EMPLOYER Stacey Smith Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council Charlotte Boardley City Of York Council John Cramp Oadby & Wigston Borough Council Lottie Fawsitt Derbyshire County Council Jenny Holland Taunton Deane Borough Council Emma George Coventry City Council Victoria Boateng Allsop Llp Michyla Adlam Civica UK Limited Robert Hayle Milton Keynes Council www.irrv.net INSIGHT 8 in force in the different jurisdictions. in force in different the regulations the to conforming course of while July to September 2013 1.4% of September to July –adecrease from quarter the in issued were certificates 2013.million four than September fewer Just and April between introduced qualifications 1,700 than more new includes This ago. years five than more times three available, now are in all subjects qualifications vocational and to maximum the maintain strive will Institute the Scotland, and Wales England, between case the now is as However, UK. the across processes approval and regulation separate for implications with Wales, in exist regime independent qualifications 2013. December 20th by in due were consultation the to responses the and October, in document aconsultation issued Government Welsh The Wales. in Institute) work based certificates award to likely is regulator this time in but qualifications, school Initially, concerns this Wales regulator, Qualifications independent own its establishing towards working been has Recently, Wales and procedures. functions own their review regularly qualifications, Institute’s Scotland The regulators for for regulators The Latest vocationalqualificationsuccesses Congratulations toeveryone!! According to to According It may therefore be that in 2014 in that be an therefore may It Jolle Begum Jolle Lang Jenny Buckle Karen Miller Sarah Tom Hewitt Moffat Michelle Payne Lisa Anneyce Wheatcroft Dawson Julie Walter Paul Harrison Lisa NAME comparability

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ranks. Its Chair is now now is Chair Its ranks. its to members new some welcomed has and elections, Council the following committees all do as changes, annual its underwent and information. advice professional of source informative an into Association’s The members. valuer all of interests the serves insights to our work. our to insights fresh bring undoubtedly will perspective his and time, to time from space this in articles contributing be will Kevin role, Committee his In areas. educational in least not years, the over to Institute the provided has constantly he support the for members to known well be will He President. Vice Senior IRRV also is WebArea2=Faculty%20News faculties2013/index.asp?faculty=Valuation& through Association www.hmca.co.uk/irrv.htm 7691 8978 [email protected] on him Contact IRRV. the with Manager Membership Michael Hopkins The Education and Membership Committee Committee Membership and Education The Education andmembership . You can contact HMCA on on HMCA contact . You can web page is Qualifications and Qualifications is http://www.irrv.net/ Kevin Stewart is steadily growing growing steadily is , and the Valuers’ Valuers’ the , and http:// or or – who who – 020 020 9 INSIGHT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Running the Institute

Gary Watson is on hand to • Forum (and Benefit Advisory) Services • Consultation documents summarise all the latest news and • Update on activities in Scotland and • Reports of the three Faculty Boards Northern Ireland • Meetings with government bodies views, following the Institute’s • Communications Working Group • Research update November round of Council and (magazines, website and publications). • Update on welfare reform. Committee meetings The focus for Committee at the meeting was Committee reviewed the responses to the the Annual Conference (including Performance following consultation documents (copies of the IRRV HQ was again the venue for the fourth and Awards). Delivering the event on budget was responses are available on request) the Institute, final cycle of quarterly Council meetings in 2013. A welcomed, as was the positive feedback received through the Faculty Boards, had submitted since summary of what was discussed is detailed below: from delegates and exhibitors. Exhibition and the last meeting: delegate numbers had held up, whilst we were • DCLG: Business Rates – New Build Empty Council again at capacity for the gala dinner. Property Technical Consultation (England) The meeting was chaired by the new President, Attention then moved to the Annual (Deadline 26th July 2013) Richard Harbord. Key reports considered by Conference for 2014 and the options available. • DCLG: Community Amateur Sports Clubs Council at this meeting included: There had to be acceptance that in the current (UK) (Deadline 12th August 2013) • Reports of the Standing Committees financial climate, the Institute is required to run • DCLG: Formalising the Involvement of • Chief Executive’s report both the Annual Conference and Performance Property Owners who do not pay Business • President’s report. Awards on a fraction of the budget that existed Rates in BID schemes (England) (Deadline before we moved to Telford in 2011. It was 17th September 2013) Policy and Resources Committee agreed to continue discussions at a subsequent • DWP: Work and Pensions Parliamentary Richard Harbord was elected as chair for meeting, once the Institute had engaged with Committee Inquiry: Support for Housing 2013/14, with Carol Cutler as vice-chair. exhibitors on the options open. Costs in the Reformed Welfare System (UK) Key reports considered by Committee at this (Deadline 27th September 2013) meeting included: Education and Membership Committee • Northern Ireland: Replacement of Housing • Management accounts Kevin Stewart was elected as chair for Benefit for Rates (Northern Ireland) (as at 30th September 2013) 2013/14, with Dave Chapman as vice-chair. (Deadline 11th October 2013) • Professional fees and expenses 2014 Key reports considered by committee at this • Welsh Assembly: Discretionary Powers for • Governance and administration meeting included: Local Authorities to increase Council Tax • Media/marketing consultants. • Membership on Second Homes (Wales) (Deadline 28th • IRRV courses October 2013) The management accounts as at 30th September • Qualifications and examinations • RICS: Surveyors Acting as Expert Witnesses 2013 were reviewed. These excluded the outturn • Electronic learning. (UK) (Deadline 31st October 2013). for Annual Conference, that had taken place in October, although indications were the event had As always, the report on membership was Committee also considered the following two been delivered on budget. However, there was discussed in detail, with an update provided on consultation documents that had recently much work still ahead if a balanced budget was the President’s ‘Find a Member’ campaign. The been published: to be delivered for 2013. take-up had been particularly disappointing, with • Scottish Parliament: Extending Council Tax In advance of approving the budget at one being able to count on one hand how many Exemption to Articulating Students (Scotland) the January meeting, Committee agreed the new members had been recruited as part of the (Deadline 15th November 2013) professional fees and expenses for 2014. With campaign. Increasing (and retaining) members • Northern Ireland: Non-Domestic Rates the need to keep expenditure under tight control, remained key to the future of the Institute, and Revaluation 2014 – Decapitalisation Rates: it was agreed there should be no increases again it was very much a case of ‘going back to the Converting Cost to Rateable Value (Northern for next year. drawing board’ on what could be done to recruit Ireland) (Deadline 10th January 2014). On governance and administration, there new members. was concern over the small poll for elections to The report on IRRV courses showed an Although a number of reports are deemed to Council in 2013, following the move to online increase in students enrolling for the day release be ‘commercially sensitive’ (particularly those voting – albeit postal votes were available on course in London, the distance learning course considered by Commercial Services Committee request. It was agreed that the arrangements for and autumn pre-examination course. This was where a number of papers are only circulated 2014 should remain unchanged, although more encouraging, although there remained the to those that sit on this committee), national publicity was needed to secure a larger poll. increasing problem of trying to recruit lecturers Council is keen the membership is aware of what and authors/tutors - many who have been is discussed at its meetings. Should a member Commercial Services Committee involved previously have now stepped down. require further information on any of the reports Ian Ferguson was elected as chair for 2013/14, considered by National Council, they should w ww.irrv.net with Nick Rowe as vice-chair. Key reports Law and Research Committee contact Gary Watson (Deputy Chief Executive) considered by Committee at this meeting included: Gordon Heath was elected as chair for on [email protected]. • Conferences (including Performance Awards) 2013/14, with Robert Brown as vice-chair.

INSIGHT • Sales and sponsorship Key reports considered by committee at this Gary L Watson IRRV (Hons) is 10 • Professional meetings and training courses meeting included: Deputy Chief Executive of the Institute have achievedin2014! Subscriptionsreceived the firstmonthofyear–atargetwehopeto four newmembershadjoinedtheAssociationin editions ofLondonnewspapers. the balancesheetwouldthenappearin12 to £46/4/2d. attheAGM, Subjecttoagreement consisted solelyofmembershipfees)amounted £79/18/9d. Incomefortheyear(which meeting –theseshowedabankbalanceof balance sheetfor1893 waslaidbeforethe 12th January1894. (andaudited) The certified meetings heldon25th November1893 and began byapprovingtheminutesfrom January be extendedtomembersoftheexecutive. distributing ticketsandthe‘favours’thatwould togetherwiththearrangementsfor was agreed, himself hewouldpay to payingforthestringquartet, confirmed thatiffinancescouldnotstretch be obtainedfor£1.The President,MrSchiller, could £8/8/0d, andthatasmallstringquartet forthegentlemenat toperform secured artistes French Saloon. committee andAGM takingplaceearlierinthe Saloon, withthemeetingofexecutive made. The eventwouldtakeplaceintheRegent arevisedchargeof5/-wouldbe it wasagreed venue hadacapacityfor120 gentlemen,and to beheldon27th January(mybirthday!).The Hall, Piccadilly,wheretheannualdinnerwas had metwiththeproprietorofSaintJames’s Mr Ricketts,confirmedthatheandMadge family bereavement.The HonorarySecretary, Parkhouse, whowasunabletoattendduea letter wasreadfromtheVice President,Mr Secretary’s homeon12th January1894. A Dinner Committee, whichmetattheHonorary The firstmeetingof 1894 wasthatofthe [email protected] on him contact Please request. on provided be can articles previous of copies addition, In history. Institute’s the on questions any answer and try to happy also is Executive Chief Deputy The Institute. the of memories personal own their with forward come and feature the towards contribute to invited are Members our membershipbody new year, 1894, of inthehistory part ofhisanalysisanother Watson Gary presents thefirst In terms of membership, it was reported that In termsofmembership,itwasreported The executivecommitteedulymeton27th Mr Rickettswentontosaythathehad (Mr Harbord, pleasenote).The above(Mr Harbord, (that ismybirthdaybytheway!)and

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receive theirfavours!” where theycouldbeentertained...andexecutivemembers The gentlementhenproceededtotheRegentSaloon, • asbeing: for thecurrentyearwerereported rendered duringtheyear. The best thankswere officersforservices members congratulating to ageneralmeeting. tobebroughtbackcommittee , andforareport thatthisbedeferredtotheexecutive agreed expanding roletheAssociationnowplayed.Itwas the annualsubscriptiontotakeaccountof unlike inotheryears,allverystraightforward. and MessrsSalesWarren asauditors– Treasurer, MrRickettsasHonorarySecretary tocontinueasHonorary Mr Rustagreed President –thiswasagaincarriedunanimously. be againsolicitedtotakethepositionofVice (seconded byMrHuish)thatParkhouse carried unanimously. MrAlldridgethenproposed stand againasPresident–adecisionthatwas by MrWalden) thatMrSchillerbeaskedto Association. MrParkhouse proposed(seconded officers, alwaysahighlightatanyAGM ofthe were dulyapprovedwithoutanyquestions. andbalancesheet finances. The annualreport highlighted thehealthystateofAssociation’s Chairman touchedonanumberofsubjects,and andbalancesheetwastakenasread.The report attended bysome60members.The annual the position. timeafterholding Diss passedawayjustashort Association’s veryfirstPresident,MrHughes, Association members.Aswasthecasewith had beenpresentedexpressingthesympathyof President, MrDiss,on22nd January. Awreath attended thefuneralofAssociation’slate the President,MrRustandAger, hehad thattogetherwithThe Secretarythenreported • Benevolent Fund: Benevolent Members’ subscriptions: The meetingconcludedwithanumberof A discussionthenensuedoverincreasing Members thenmovedtotheelectionof The AGM tookplacelaterintheday, andwas

£1/15/0d £4/5/0d

Deputy Chief Executive of the IRRV Executive the of Chief Deputy is LWatson (Hons) IRRV Gary to thenextgeneralmeeting. carried onavoteof14 to2,andwouldbetaken fees increaseto10/-. The amendmentwas (seconded byMrSutton)thatthesubscription amendment wasthenproposedbyMrMaltby a subscriptionof7/6 perannum,andan Offlow (secondedbyMrAlldridge)proposed deferred tocommitteebytheAGM. Mr on futuresubscriptionfees,whichhadbeen the advicegiven. of theexecutive)expressedhisappreciationfor (who waspresentatthemeeting,asamember Members sharedtheirviews,andMrCoates where insufficientgoodscouldbedistrained. of femaleratepayers to approach takeninparishesonthecommitment (Hampstead), whoaskedforclarificationonthe at thedinner. thathadplayed President forthemusicalquartet in theminutebooktoanycontributionfrom general account–however, thereisnoreference thedeficitwouldbechargedto It wasagreed £34/10/0d, againstexpenditureof£38/14/0d. considered. Incomefromticketsamountedto Diss, whohadpassedawayearlierintheyear. memorial cardreceivedfromthefamilyofMr were approved.Referencewasalsomadetoa (did Imentionthatwasmybirthday?)which to theminutesofmeetingon27th January 24th February, thePresidentsoughtagreement their favours! andexecutivemembersreceive entertained... to theRegentSaloon,wheretheycouldbe the Association.The gentlementhenproceeded by MrMadge)forhisexcellentstewardshipof extended tothePresidentbyMrGiles(seconded The meetingconcludedwithadiscussion A letterwasthenreadfromMrCoates ontheannualdinnerwasthen A report When theexecutivecommitteenextmeton Holloway Prison

11 INSIGHT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Faculty Board report “Such a taxation shift could create administrative problems, however, especially concerning the incentive for owners to withhold information and to avoid tax by providing dishonest information.” The key to reform is There’s a flurry of activity to report on from England, Scotland and Wales, Moira consultation Hepworth discovers, as she reports on the latest activities of the Institute’s communities in order to discourage second authorities’ concerns about delays in dealing home ownership, and/or to alleviate certain with appeals, and the financial uncertainty Local Taxation and Revenues social and economic pressures created by the this brings under the rates retention scheme. Faculty Board incidence of such ownership. Such a taxation The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has shift could create administrative problems, reduced the number of outstanding appeals however, especially concerning the incentive in eight successive quarters to less than for owners to withhold information and to 170,000, and the government has committed avoid tax by providing dishonest information. to clear 95% of those currently outstanding The Scottish Government issued a paper If full or further increased tax on second appeals by July 2015. late last year concerning extending council homes is regarded at the national level in The proposals in the consultation paper tax exemption to articulating students. Wales as desirable, a standard approach seek to improve transparency in the Currently, full time students are generally should be considered for implementation valuation process, to give improved exempt from council tax from starting a across all the local authorities. Failing that, confidence in rateable values. They also aim course to graduating. Students completing a the Institute would support local discretion – to bring business rates into line with other course and thereafter progressing to another and the provision within that discretion of as systems, by requiring ratepayers to provide at a higher level (and frequently a different much flexibility as possible, in order to reflect with their challenge an explanation of why institution), however, are not deemed to be local needs. they think the rateable value is wrong. There ‘students’ for the intervening period – and Increased second home taxation may would also be separation of the ‘proposal’ so are liable for council tax. The proposed encourage fraud, and additional sanctions stage in the VOA from the ‘appeal’ stage extension to exemption from council tax is for to discourage such fraud should be in the Valuation Tribunal. The government’s the intervening period, between completing a considered. Particular care will be required, view is that these proposals will allow well course and thereafter progressing to another so that the administrative framework to founded challenges to be resolved faster, at a higher level for those that meet the be introduced is robust enough to ensure thereby bringing greater financial certainty for exemption criteria. Typically the intervening that second homeowners cannot opt to local government. period should be no longer than four be considered as occupying non-domestic The deadline for responses is early months. The Board agreed with the Scottish property simply for tax reduction purposes, March, and you can read more about the Association Executive’s view that formal as this will just create different economic Chancellor’s announcements on page 15 of response was not needed by the Institute to pressures for the local authority. this edition of Insight. this pragmatic proposal, as it was essentially The Institute response remained neutral a non-controversial tidying up exercise on the question of what the maximum level that came after informal discussion with of additional council tax on second homes practitioners at an earlier stage. should be, but it stated that if the discretion is introduced, it should again allow as much flexibility as possible, as deemed necessary to The Welsh Government issued consultation reflect local needs. late in 2013 that sought views on the proposal to seek further powers for Welsh ministers to amend legislation to allow local Amongst the raft of local taxation authorities the discretion to charge additional announcements included in the Chancellor’s council tax on long term empty domestic Autumn Statement in December was

www.irrv.net properties in Wales. consultation on reforms to the business The Board’s detailed response was prefaced rates appeal process. Both LTR Faculty with general observations. It recognised Board and the Valuers’ Association Board INSIGHT that the taxation of second homeowners are in the process of considering this paper. Moira Hepworth is the Institute’s Policy 12 is likely to be embraced by some local The government has stated that it shares and Research Manager “The dangeristhatwithallthethreatsofhoards to housing benefit claimants by landlords, landlords, by claimants benefit housing to resistance in increase rates, collection tax council lower as such evidence, anecdotal cite reforms the of consequences hidden the are clear not is what But • • • reforms: of these impact Universal Credit implementing of charge in were authorities DWP. local the only If with working close effective to thanks applied, caps 28,482 benefit October, by then and in April, and notified identified households 547,341 the saw that providers housing registered with formed were partnerships 31st the by January, approved – CTRS delivered have authorities local again, yet that benefit cap the of implementation the saw country the of rest the of all August by then and April, in DWP) the from statistics latest 522,905 the to in reduced now figure (a 547,341 saw affected which households Subsidy Room Spare of Removal recipients. appeals from disaffected Service the over doubts and required, contributions the make to ability taxpayers’ over concerns with (CTRS), council reduction tax schemes local their to touches final the putting country the down and up authorities local with off started 2013 It it? Well, wasn’t year abusy was welfare reform? real impactof What’s the there isn’t reallyaproblem.” slightly offthemark,thereisatendencytobelievethat disgruntled benefitrecipientsstormingthetownhallbeing per week. with 50seeingacapofmorethan £500 are seeingacapoflessthan£50perweek, of the28,000benefitcaps,almosthalf bedrooms toomany too many,or£29perweekforhavingtwo £15 perweekforhavingonebedroom reductions inhousingbenefitof,onaverage, whether topursue‘small’debts authorities arecaughtinthedilemmaof council taxishardertocollect,and immediate the seeking are we now So is this of all about say to thing pleasing The the of introduction the saw we that to Add ’s ability to deal with the floods of floods the with deal to ’s ability Valuation Tribunal . We can all . Wecan . (RSRS)

! and other debt cases to see if there was away was there if see to cases debt other and arrears rent scanning proactive, being were allocation DHP their spend under would they that werepredicting they that reporting all were authorities the exceptions, two or one With demographics. of range wide a represented they and Christmas, before just ‘ of category the into fall well could it then case, the be 2014. March come this Should allocation full their spend to going not potentially are they that authorities some from hear to is worrying is what However, reforms. welfare total the cover fully to enough be to going never was funding additional the that clear HousingDiscretionary Payments up top to received funding additional the changes. these of effect full the other the or way one prove to data sufficient gather to and same the doing others worthwhile well be may it and evaluate the cumulative effect those numbers of business the in engaged and are this, currently addressing help. and adifference make actually to society of fringes the those at ignore to government local in start didn’t us of Many them. on focussed be should that attention the diminish shouldn’t that but election, an swing not may votes, to comes it when and small, are affected numbers aproblem really isn’t there that believe to atendency is there mark, the off slightly being hall town the storming recipients benefit disgruntled of hoards of up? all it back to provided been has data what but etc., use, foodbank in increase I had a discussion with a group of authorities authorities of agroup with adiscussion I had was it numbers, bare the at Looking year last was introduction One welcome are authorities of number A small the cases, some in that, to Added threats the all with that is danger The schoolboy error schoolboy and attempting to and attempting , but entered entered , but crunching crunching ’. ’. . , (DHP). (DHP). . Many Many . inform thedebate for someclearevidenceto Phil Adlardisstillwaiting groups ‘ of thought previously that identified also was it but expected, be May, would as demand in apeak seen had utilised. be could DHP that DHP to be backdated be to DHP for arequest submitted had who claimant allonce was considered. assistance financial additional of need great fully establish the true picture. true the establish fully can we that extent an such to informed be evaluatethoroughly the data and down sit we until not is it –but etc – consequences suspected the of some at perception public – reforms welfare the of impacts the all of press! the in reports by judging spent, been had DHP available the of all that thought they that hadn’t earlier, replied applied they Vice-Chair of the IRRV Benefit Faculty Benefit IRRV the of Vice-Chair and Council, Institute’s the of a member Phil Adlard evictions The reasons for this were interesting. Many interesting. were this for reasons The The most illuminating tale was of one of was tale illuminating most The And that perhaps is the most challenging challenging most the is perhaps that And ’ were not, on examination, in such a such in examination, on not, ’ were , Tech IRRV MInstLM MCMI is MCMI MInstLM Tech IRRV food banks Benefits bulletin . I have already hinted hinted already . Ihave . When asked why they they why asked . When , bailiff action bailiff in April and in April that we will will we that priority priority , 13 INSIGHT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Revenues roundup “The new compliance stage fee will now justifiably allow billing authorities to prescribe what action should be taken by their contractors for the new fee, and before they knock on the door.” The enforcement review is far more than ...concludes just a review of fees Alistair Townsend

There have been numerous recent publications door by a bailiff. In the past, I suspect I Local Authorities (Contracting Out of stating that the pending change in bailiff law have said something similar, but through my Tax, Billing, Collection and Enforcement is the most significant change in this sector for involvement with the MOJ working group, I now Functions) Regulations 1996. Since 2004, many years. I believe this is correct, but I also have a much clearer picture of what is intended SI 1992/613 (as amended) has allowed for believe that the consequences of the change by the term ‘transforming bailiff action’. It bailiff costs to be included in an attachment of go much further. The effects aren’t just a may be that a knock on the door is currently earnings order. However, this is based on the change to bailiff law, they directly affect local the most effective way, but it seems that this fact that the costs actually belong to the billing taxation enforcement to an extent not seen is really only down to the fact that bailiffs authority. If under the new legislation the fees for at least 25 years. currently visit first, so we have no alternative belong to the enforcement agent and cease I have been specifically reviewing the by which to draw comparison. I see this new to become recoverable once the process has procedural effects of the new legislation, to structure, with an up front compliance stage ended, it means that the attachment of earnings understand how the law will impact upon fee, as an opportunity to do what I would have order cannot include fees incurred when taking processes for local taxation enforcement. always liked to have done, but have never been control of goods, because the process of Council tax and national non-domestic able to justify, due to the cost – a programme taking control of goods has to have ended to rates enforcement regulations were originally of outbound letters and telephony that goes enable an attachment of earnings order to be designed around what was then the settled far beyond a simple notice of compliance. commenced. It would be understandable on law of distress. In recent months, I have This method has proven to be very successful this basis if contractors did not wish to issue come to the view that practitioners could risk in many other debt streams, but has been and monitor attachment of earnings orders on underestimating the changes by categorising underutilised in local taxation – I suspect due behalf of billing authorities. This needs to be them as a change in bailiff law, when in reality to the cost of the infrastructure to make it accounted for in any contract variations. they are actually a repealing of distress and a efficient and effective. The new compliance This same issue will obviously apply in replacement with entirely new law. We need stage fee will now justifiably allow billing other proceedings, such as insolvency and to consider a root and branch review, and the authorities to prescribe what action should be committal. If the fees are irrecoverable after the timeframe in which to do so is shrinking rapidly. taken by their contractors for the new fee, and enforcement power has ended, it will mean they This isn’t just a change of the fees structure. before they knock on the door. are irrecoverable in committal and insolvency. If it was, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) Rather than insisting on visits within seven The question is whether these issues would have simply amended Schedule 5 or fourteen days, as currently stated in my are unintended consequences of the new of the Council Tax (Administration and contract with my bailiffs, my council intends to legislation. I do not believe they are. From my Enforcement) Regulations 1992 (as prohibit visits within a specified time and until involvement in this process, it has become amended) (SI 1992/613) and Schedule 3 of specific office based action has been taken. very clear to me that these are intended the Non-Domestic Rating (Collection and This will involve multiple letters and telephone consequences, as the aim is to transform Enforcement) (Local Lists) Regulations calls. This way, I can then ensure that debtors bailiff action. It cannot be transformed without 1989 (as amended). The MOJ has been clear have been given the maximum opportunity to fundamental changes, and whilst it is always that this change is far more fundamental than engage, and that many of the emergent issues tempting to minimise changes to fit with that – it is about transforming bailiff action. In are dealt with before a visit is made. existing practices, this would be a mistake, as if the ‘new world’, the process and fees structure Another aspect of fees is that in the ‘new the overriding aim of the legislation is lost, the is designed to require enforcement agents world’ they belong to the enforcement agent future review to which the MOJ has committed to undertake significant work prior to visiting, and not the billing authority. They will only itself will result in even more changes that and it rewards them accordingly (something be recoverable whilst the ‘enforcement power’ might nullify the remedy entirely. that simply did not exist previously). It seems defined in Paragraph 1(2) of Schedule 12 to

www.irrv.net clearly intended that visiting debtors should the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act only be undertaken after every effort has been 2007 (as amended) remains. Alistair Townsend FIRRV MCMI is Revenues made to secure payment by other means. Currently, many external bailiffs issue both & Benefits Service Delivery Manager with INSIGHT I have heard it said that the most effective fourteen day letters and attachment of Milton Keynes Service Partnership and a 14 way to secure payment is a knock on the earnings orders for their clients under The member of the IRRV Council • • • • • • • measures: rates business of apackage Statement in announced Autumn the Chancellor The Statement Autumn • • • busratesinformationletters/ localgovernmentfinance/businessrates/ communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/ gov.uk/20120919132719/http:/www. http://webarchive.nationalarchives. information-letters at: internet the on available are letters Previous year. this Government Local and Communities for Department the by issued be to letter information rates business ninth the is This Letter (9/2013): Business Rates Information rating professionsprepareforanotherbusyyear annuals’, aspractitionersinthevaluationand DCLG whichhighlightssomeofthe‘hardy the contentofvitalinformationletterfrom This month,wemakenoapologiesforreproducing 95% oftheSeptember 2013backlogin over 12instalments insteadoften,and ratepayers willbe allowed toelectpaybills or more premises thathavebeenemptyfor ayear 2016 –forbusinessesthatmove intoretail – between1stApril2014and31st March a 50%businessratesrelieffor18 months from 1stApril2014 £50,000 fortwoyearsuptothestateaidlimits, restaurants witharateablevaluebelow a discountof£1,000forshops,pubsand 12 months will continuetoreceivetheirexistingrelieffor currently disqualifythemfromreceivingrelief that takeonanadditionalpropertywhichwould ratepayers receivingSmallBusinessRateRelief 31 March2015 will beextendedforafurther12months,until the doublingofSmallBusinessRateRelief details below) will becappedat2%insteadof3.2%(further the RetailPriceIndexincreasein2014/15 appeal process. consultation –thebusinessrates the 2014/15provisionalmultipliers the AutumnStatement covers: letter This https://www.gov.uk/business-rates- , or for archived letters: letters: archived for , or .

should be 1.1p be should 2014/15. for torate small relief fund business supplement the that estimated has State of Secretary The scheme. relief rate business small the of cost estimated the fund to adjustment an plus multiplier non-domestic small business is the multiplier rating non-domestic the that 2014/15 for multiplier domestic 47.1p. of non- business small aprovisional in results This 2%. to increase Index Price Retail the reduce and power, making order that exercise will Treasury HM that Statement Autumn the in announced power. making order its exercises 2013 Treasury HM September for unless (3.2%) inflation Index Price Retail for adjusted multiplier, 2014/15 in multiplier 2013/14 the on based is business small the that ensure rules These 1988 the 7to Act. Schedule by determined is scheme. relief rate business small the for pay to supplement the includes multiplier, rating which and thenon-domestic relief, rate business small for qualify that those to applicable is which multiplier, rating domestic are non- small the business These multipliers. two are there 1988 Act (as amended), Finance Government Local the 7to Schedule Under 2014-15 for multipliers provisional The s31 grants. through made be will Refunds measures. these of aresult as receipts in suppliers. software authority with meetings holding be will and shortly, measures all of implementation on information further provide Wewill changes. legislative require will measures 1988). other The Act Finance Government Local s47the of (under powers discount local authority through delivered be will relief reoccupation and £1,000The discount Schedule 7 to the 1988 Act also provides provides 1988 also the 7to Act Schedule Chancellor the above, mentioned As multiplier smallThe non-domestic business loss the for refunded be will authorities Local July 2015(furtherdetailsbelow). business ratesappealswillbeclearedbefore • • will: paper consultation the in proposals the Additionally, 2015. July by appeals outstanding currently those of 95% clear to committed has government the 170,000, and than less to quarters successive eight in appeals outstanding of number the scheme. retention rates theunder this brings and thefinancialuncertainty appeals with dealing in delays about concerns authorities’ Weshare process. appeal rates business the to reforms on paper consultation a published also has government The appeal process rates –business Consultation 2014, 1March earlier. or is Commons, whichever 2014/15for of House the by approved been has report finance government local the either after confirmed be will multipliers provisional the Act, 2014/15. in 48.2p be therefore will multiplier non-domestic provisional The your-rateable-value consultations/checking-and-challenging- https://www.gov.uk/government/ is: document consultation appeals the to link The 2014. 3rd is March responses for deadline The government. local for certainty financial greater bringing faster, resolved be to challenges founded well allow will proposals these We believe • rateable valueiswrong challenge anexplanationofwhytheythinkthe by requiringratepayerstoprovidewiththeir bring businessratesintolinewithothersystems to giveimprovedconfidenceinrateablevalues improve transparencyinthevaluationprocess reduced has Agency Office Valuation The 1988 the 7to Schedule with accordance In Valuation Tribunal. Office Agencyfromthe‘appeal’stagein separate the‘proposal’stageinValuation Valuation matters . 15 INSIGHT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Valuation matters

We stand corrected! Jon Bestow is on hand to put the record straight, following the inclusion of a report (December Insight, page 15) on VTE President Professor Graham Zellick’s presentation at the Institute’s Annual Conference in Telford

May I correct your report of Professor the work was too complex for lay panels, but the The failure of a billing authority to produce the Zellick’s address to the IRRV conference? VTE was and is a predominantly lay tribunal. relevant paperwork with judgment for the appellant The VTE does not have links with the three The VTE was established to bring together by default otherwise is exclusively a feature of the government departments listed. It is sponsored the 56 local valuation tribunals into one national new council tax reduction jurisdiction. by DCLG, with judicial appointments made by the tribunal under a single judicial leadership. The reference to the VO’s Reasons for Lord Chancellor. The Cabinet Office and MoJ have The VTE is not “similar to a court”. It is a Assessment relates to a revised Practice been involved with the intended transfer of the court in all but name, as are all tribunals. We Statement in relation to NDR appeals which is VTE into the first-tier Tribunal and the abolition of are masters of our own procedure only to the still under discussion. the VTS and transfer of its functions to HMCTS, extent that the procedure regulations and legal There are no ‘Practice Notes’, but Practice which we now know is not going to happen. principles permit. Statements, which have binding force. The VTE was not established “because it was I do not know where the phrase “no fuss, no considered that lay tribunals were too complex costs” comes from, but it was not used by Jon Bestow IRRV (Hons) is Registrar & Chief for lay people”. You obviously meant to say that Professor Zellick. Clerk with the Valuation Tribunal For England

Editor’s note: Whilst every care is taken to ensure England, and Professor Zellick in particular for that reporting at events accurately reflects the misrepresenting the content of his presentation on content of presentations, occasionally we can get it this occasion. wrong! Insight apologises to the Valuation Tribunal

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Welcome to our new monthly page designed to provide a summary of events, news, and features of interest to IRRV Valuers’ Association members and of course all our readers V@MP interested in this vital aspect of our Institute’s work. This Valuers’ Association Monthly Page month’s contribution is compiled by Geoff Fisher.

RATING chain of office to 2014 Chairman Wayne Cox notes/rating-appeals-3rd-edition/ and RICS Guide (see photo below). The morning professional talk to Surveyors acting as Expert Witness – Revised was given by Diploma Holder Gerry Biddle on 4th Edition following consultation – should be the rating valuation of power stations, including published spring 2014. http://www.rics.org/uk/ a wide range of energy supply issues, as well as knowledge/professional-guidance/practice- various basic concepts of rating. Earlier, the AGM statements/-expert-witnesses---surveyors/. had agreed a new constitution and recorded The Rating Surveyors Association is the progress of the two groups taking the new planning a series of a series of events on the Diploma Study Programme. government’s consultation on business rates in February and March, but first held a Burns The IRRV London & Home Counties Night in Glasgow on 29 January 2014! http:// Association held a timely rates meeting on www.ratingsurveyorsassociation.org/index. current issues on 16th December, including the php?option=com_content&task=category&sec Autumn Statement, completion notices, retention tionid=4&id=13&Itemid=33/. of rates, and the Red Book, etc. The speakers Valuation Tribunal Practice Statement are pictured above enjoying a moment’s respite. (PS) changes (effective November 2013) to PS For slides from the event, see http://www. A7-1 Disclosure and Exchange (and President’s irrvassociations.org.uk/item_new.asp?II=1286. explanatory note); PS A8 Sending and Delivery of The RICS Rating Diploma Holders held Documents; and C3 Publication of VT decisions. another successful annual lunch in November Reminders: RICS Guidance Notes on Rating See website, which includes VT User Group at the RAF Club, Piccadilly, hosted by 2013 Appeals, 4th edition – http://www.rics.org/uk/ Minutes, on http://www.valuationtribunal.gov. chairman Henry Spence, who handed over the knowledge/professional-guidance/guidance- uk/VTUsersGroupMinutes.aspx.

GENERAL PRACTICE UK Valuation Standards and Appendices May 2014 – see http://www.tegova.org/en/ RICS Valuation – Professional Standards (mandatory) and certain Guidance Notes p4912c568dc99b. (Red Book): January 2014, published in (best practice) are included in the printed The latest Recognised European Valuer Association with the IRRV, is now effective, with Red Book binder, which also includes the (REV) journal is on the TEGoVA website and the revised Global Section in new format International Valuation Standards at the back covers the latest key European issues. Want to (useful guide on pages 2 to 4), and including: • market value is defined in paragraph 29 of become a REV? Consult IRRV http://irrv.net/rev/ • Professional Standards (PS) 1 and 2 – the IVS, with Paragraphs 30/34 outlining the index.asp. compliance with professional and valuation conceptual framework, and repeated in the RICS The Compulsory Purchase Association standards and ethics, competency and Global VPS 4 under 1.2.1, with 1.2.2 to 1.2.9 (CPA) is holding its annual drinks reception disclosures. These are mandatory for all giving further guidance. and dinner on 6 February 2014 in the practising valuation, defining parameters NB – The Red Book includes references to the West End of London. See http://www. for compliance, setting out RICS regulatory IRRV Code of Conduct under Section 9 of PS1 compulsorypurchaseassociation.org/ for the requirements, and clarifying RICS Rules of and elsewhere. latest news, including local meetings. The CPA Conduct on valuation work site includes information on the publication of • Valuation Practice Statements (VPS) 1 to RICS Guidance Notes – Surveyors Acting the High Speed Rail (London – West Midlands) 4 – on terms of engagement, inspections and as Expert Witness – this important guide Bill – a hybrid Bill which includes the compulsory investigations, valuation reports and bases of for surveyors giving expert evidence has been purchase order which has to go through value, assumptions and special assumptions. Also revised by the RICS following consultations, Parliamentary process. mandatory in relation to providing a valuation and publication of the 4th Edition is planned for Association of Chief Estates Surveyors which is IVS compliant the spring. (ACES) held their AGM in November in Cardiff, • Exceptions to the mandatory application of The ISVA (Independent Surveyors and with their next Presidential Conference planned for VPS1-4 are set out in section 6, page 14 of the Valuers Association) 2013 Conference covered 11/12th September 2014, in London. Go to http:// Red Book a range of professional and general practice issues www.aces.org.uk/news.php4?n=2.

• Valuation Practice Applications (VPA) 1 to 9 – the 2014 event is planned for 13th May. Go to 2014 JANUARY/FEBRUARY provide implementation guidance in the specific http://www.surveyorsweb.co.uk/. Geoff Fisher FRICS Dip. Rating, IRRV (Hons) instances listed, e.g valuations for secured lending The European Group of Valuers’ REV is a professional consultant at Strettons INSIGHT and for inclusion in financial statements. Whilst Associations (TEGoVA’s) spring General chartered surveyors. Contact him on: not mandatory, they embody best practice. The Meeting will be held in Oslo from 14th to17th [email protected] 17 Cover story

The teams with the Midas touch

The first part of this month’s the client management team to ensure client inspection and verification process. The cover story feature sees requirements were captured. company was subsequently announced as The development had many challenges, finalists and we were very proud to provide Insight discover the nuts as it not only involved the extraction and demonstrations to delegates at the Institute’s and bolts behind the award manipulation of data from the company’s debt Annual Conference in Telford in early October. winning Jacobs team, as recovery system, Onestep, and historical data Simon Jacobs, Partner, said, “We are archives, but it also involved identifying and extremely pleased to win a gold award in the company takes the 2013 working with new innovative technologies. such a highly professional and prestigious IRRV Performance Award for With ipad being the latest technology used event. There were many high quality entries Excellence in Innovation (IT) by the bailiffs, Jacobs decided to build the in this year’s Excellence in Innovation (IT) software for use as a mobile application. category, so to win Gold demonstrates an This provides enhanced presentations and outstanding achievement for the Jacobs Jacobs is highly delighted to win a Gold greater data mobility. The client team is able team. The application is innovatory, and the Award in the 2013 IRRV Performance to present a whole host of graphical and creation of more meaningful and transparent Awards, the award being achieved in the data charts in a live environment at client performance information that is easy to read, category of Excellence in Innovation (IT). review meetings. access and understand key factors at a glance This also puts Jacobs in the record books as allows clients and Jacobs to make informed being the first bailiff company to win first place The key features of ANERIS PERFORM are: decisions, and set new initiatives and throughout the history of the awards. • over 13 interactive charts and strategies to improve collections year on year.” Jacobs’ submission in this Innovation data views category was based on ANERIS PERFORM, • real time data extraction which is the performance reporting • offline capability – no internet application of Jacobs’ business management connection required Jacobs’ latest Newsletter, Issue 15, system – ANERIS. • multiple debt type analysis available to download from the website at: ANERIS is designed to link and harmonise • previous year to date www.jacobsbailiffs.co.uk (newsletter all internal systems and processes together, performance comparisons section) details more information on providing a complete management system for • detailed supporting information ANERIS PERFORM. all business activity. The focus of the system and forecasts is quality and performance, ensuring that • instant data selection and creation If you would like to see how ANERIS routines are automated and that all functions of PDF with email facility. PERFORM can assist with your authority’s and outputs can be measured effectively. recovery and collection strategy, and how it Seeking continuous improvement in Ben Leigh–Quinn says, “From the initial fits into the Jacobs tailored range of quality every aspect of service delivery, it became concept stage of the project through to debt recovery and enforcement services, clear that clients required more meaningful the implementation and release, ANERIS please contact: performance management information that PERFORM has been an exciting and Alyn Lewis, Business Partnerships Manager was easy to access, read and understand at challenging development that we have always at [email protected] to arrange a a glance. The company wanted to completely believed would create a new standard of demonstration. change and revolutionise the way it reported performance management in our industry. performance, but there was nothing available We are delighted that it has truly delivered in the marketplace. It therefore designed this vision to our clients, and to receive this and built the system ‘with their clients for accreditation confirms that it is fit for purpose their clients’. and we are driving change for the benefit of

www.irrv.net ANERIS PERFORM is unique and exclusive our clients.” to Jacobs, fully designed in-house, with Jacobs made an initial written submission Ben Leigh-Quinn, Systems Development for the Awards in April, followed by the

INSIGHT Manager leading the project (which took Performance Awards Panel judges’ site visit, 18 over 12 months to develop), working with which was a very comprehensive audit, Our second cover story feature goes behind the scenes at the London Borough of Enfield, identifying the good practice that saw the authority scoop the gold award in the Excellence in Innovation (non IT) category

The London Borough of Enfield progressed a multi-agency approach to implementing welfare reform changes, with particular focus on the benefit cap and social housing under accommodation restrictions. This approach recognised the scale and breadth of the changes, and the great impact on a wide involved assistance from JCP in terms of proposal to create a ‘hub’ team, working range of service users. employment advice or work readiness. In total, together on an ongoing basis to deal with the The authority set up a steering group to to 14th October 2013, 269 capped families most vulnerable and financially challenged include representatives from a variety of had found employment, which has removed residents. This will include ongoing support council services, including revenues and them from the effects of the cap. for capped cases, and will continue to include benefits, housing, schools and children’s Enfield continues to work with the DWP to DWP staff collocated in Enfield’s offices. services, adult social care services, mitigate the negative impacts of the reforms, A member of the Citizens Advice Bureau communities and voluntary sector team, and can quantify outcomes in terms of is also about to join the team, providing communications team, business and those who have moved, found work, found debt advice from a base in Enfield’s offices. economic development team, and the the shortfall from elsewhere, or obtained A member of the housing options team has council’s ALMO (Enfield Homes). exemption from the cap. Additionally, the also been seconded to the hub in order to A further steering group was specifically authority has successfully offered seventeen provide expert affordability and suitability created for the benefit cap, to include capped individuals trainee positions within the advice to tenants looking to move to more representatives from the Citizens Advice council, thus immediately removing them from affordable accommodation and to assist in Bureau and Jobcentre Plus (JCP). the benefit cap and providing an opportunity negotiation with landlords. The hub team The group runs regular briefing sessions to gain valuable work experience over the is merging with the Emergency Support for social housing providers, landlords, coming twelve months. Scheme (ESS) team, as experience during community groups and local MPs. Enfield The welfare reform agenda has provided the early implementation of the ESS scheme was one of four early adopters for the cap, an unprecedented opportunity for the has shown that there is often a commonality and worked closely with the DWP and its council, the JCP and others to work as one of clients requiring services from both teams. software suppliers to design and understand unit towards a common goal. Breaking down The team is also acting as first point of contact customer journeys and to test the software boundaries and working collaboratively across for all parts of the council, including adult and prior to national rollout. It secured dedicated the organisations involved has been hugely children’s social care, to determine the most resources from JCP – three full time JCP challenging, but as the team has proved, far appropriate channel for support, whether that officers are now based with the cap team from impossible. be via Discretionary Housing Payment or ESS. at Enfield’s offices. Those most likely to be The overwhelming success of this project Outcomes for capped cases at 14/10/13 are affected by the cap by more than £100 per has inspired the participants to develop a illustrated in the table below: week were proactively targeted. Enfield provided Temp Private Private consistent advice and Engagements and Enfield Temp Grand Accomm RSL Tenant Tenants Outcomes Recorded Homes Accomm Total messages, and in RSL LHA RO conjunction with affected households sought the Engagement – Enfield Homes 35 35 most appropriate solution Engagement – Housing Options 3 1 121 6 3 134 for the family. In some Engagement – Revenues and Benefits 18 51 13 485 75 37 679 cases, this has involved Engagement – Temporary 4 5 7 3 193 212 assistance with moving Accommodation to more affordable Outcome – DHP Assistance 3 3 6 29 117 158 accommodation. Where Outcome – Eviction 1 4 1 6 this has been the case, Outcome – Exempt Benefit Awarded 2 5 5 60 26 7 105 the authority has assisted Outcome – Move within Enfield 2 4 10 26 11 1 54 with the associated costs Outcome – Move out of Enfield 2 2 41 8 3 56 by using Discretionary Outcome – Can Pay from 1 16 8 44 1 70 2014 JANUARY/FEBRUARY Housing Payments to Current Income fund rent deposits or rent Outcome – Found Work 4 12 3 185 45 20 269 in advance payments. Total Engagements 33 86 98 959 529 73 1778 INSIGHT In other cases, this has and Outcomes 19 IRRV Benefit Advisory Service

The IRRV’s Benefits Advisory Service is the essential tool to navigate through the current changes in benefits and provide vital support in managing these transitions. This service comes at an annual rate of only £495.00* (+VAT) per organisation. Your Subscription Includes: • Electronic copy of ‘Benefit’ magazine • Resource Centres for Council Tax Reduction Schemes, Housing Benefits and Universal Credit • Discounts at Institute conferences, professional meetings and training courses • A weekly alert • Free access to HB online training programmes • Access to a Technical Enquiry Service • Free webinars • Free access to Jobs Online Please visit www.benefitsadvisoryservice.org.uk to view the wide range of themes covered and to subscribe.

* the subscription year runs from 1st April to 31st March and is calculated on a pro rata basis

Contact [email protected] to take out your subscription

IRRV Conferences 2014

• Welfare Reform and Benefits Conference & Exhibition Keele – 29 & 30 April

• Local Taxation & Revenues Conference & Exhibition Keele – 1 & 2 May

• Welsh Conference Llandrindod Wells – 12 June

• Scottish Conference & Exhibition Crieff – 3 & 4 September

• Annual Conference & Exhibition (TBC)

• Performance Awards Gala Dinner (TBC)

Please send your queries to [email protected] or telephone 020 7691 8987 is that some organisations will lose and lose will organisations some that is harder. not smarter, work must providers bailiff future So information. management comprehensive through management of contract, the meaningful amore providing and bailiffs, local than money more clients council saving therefore bailiff, local any than time of space shorter a in money of amount agreater collect can I thistechnology, within analytics propensity the using By know. not does partner own her or his that adebtor on information personal AR-12 JBW’s like systems into log securely Ican phone mobile my From offshore. or street high the in based are they whethernow available to all organisations, information this all with changed, has world local and local intelligence end. an to office local bailiff the of days The equity. private and lending through areas these in money of amounts considerable JBW at monitored closely (something changes we havepredictable these tracked and smart were that those . training standards vigorous more and and personal in investment aconsiderable made have who suppliers seek They partners. their of more demanding now are agencies and departments venture in manyresulting partnership space, debt the in interest businesses FTSE and equity private further to led has turn in This years. ten last the in than 24 months more seen have we services, related debt more outsource to seeks government central As consolidated industry isbeing Finally thebailiff However, the problem with consolidation consolidation with problem the However, need longer no services bailiff of Providers are most benefit will that companies The government local and central Both acquisitions opportunities. contract management contract data security technology payment offices payment , local in the sector in the past past the in sector the in ), and then invested invested then and ), , with higher higher , with arrangements , and get , and joint joint and are coming teams. This This teams.

“There arebenefitsofconsolidation–therewilleventually and regulation.” investment intechnology, qualityassuredservicedelivery be asmalleramountofreputablefirms,withgreater of providing the service, as well as our as well as service, the providing of cost internal the and debtors to apply we fees the reduce to business the enabled 2012. August in technology live The went that £2m approximately in technology invested we JBW At happening. is consolidation processes. workflow reduction beconsiderable will there technology, management be will there and higher, be will behind years many is just industry bailiff The and transformation. change of types these through goes history in industry as prevail, every eventually will They bright. is future the that and reduce will challenges legal the that mature, will industry the that investors their convincing time atough have however, will, They like.the recent procurement challenges at like the challenges, legal comprehensive through industry the of image the reduce and down, consolidation of process the slow will fighters the Unfortunately, invest. than rather tide the against fight will lose will they know that businesses lifestyle and traditionalists Some win. will some delivery and regulation. The The regulation. and delivery service assured quality technology, in investment agreater with firms, reputable bea of smaller amount eventually will – there of consolidation are benefits There There is already positive evidence that evidence positive is already There win. will tide the with go that Those , with data analytics and advanced analytics data , with of vulnerable debtors. Through of debtors. vulnerable . recovery rates better ESPO cost cost and and

industry consolidation. consolidation. industry and greater companies, bailiff fewer bailiffs, physical fewer mean will focus that then stage, acompliance at collections of favour in visits bailiff reducing about serious are we If vulnerable. the for protection of level greater a and compliance payment more visits, before. ever than staff enforcement less using recoveries, and delivery service of level asuperior deliver such as and standards, of and in money innovation amounts greater invest can they contracts, more win government. central UK for trial propensity and analytics data successful ahighly completed have and contracts, parking six clients, taxation government local ten won have we offering in theindustry. provider other any than cost asmaller for bailiffs, fewer using quickly, more money, more collected have we 12 past months the In activity. enforcement believes thatisgoodnews ...says JamieWaller, andhe more exciting industry to compete within. within. compete to industry exciting more a this make will investment and innovation Jamie Waller Personally I think it’s great. New regulations, regulations, New great. it’s Ithink Personally bailiff Less want? all we what that’s Surely providers fewer consolidation through If service asuperior offer to able being By Collection &enforcement is CEO of JBW Group JBW of CEO is 21 INSIGHT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Collection & enforcement

A shared insight on the future of the industry Insight homes in on a series of Marston Holdings seminars unpicking the detail of the changing enforcement world

The most significant period of change within enhance accountability and agent probity and explained how the Rossendales 90 seat local government collections since the give clients greater peace of mind. contact centre, operating on a three shift implementation of council tax in 1993 will Next came the ‘main event’ – not the Carl pattern and using a predictive power- be effected in April, and to prepare councils Froch v George Groves boxing match (and dialler, has achieved unprecedented results for the onset of the changes, Marston some readers may even remember when through its innovative pre-committal strategy, Holdings (Marston) held a number George used to teach council tax law!) – recovering £1.25 million of ‘unrecoverable’ of seminars across England and Wales but CIVEA Vice President and Rossendales council tax debt in just five months. More throughout November and December. Managing Director, Mike Shang, presenting details of the strategy are highlighted in the Focusing on the forthcoming changes on the new TCE Act. Mike said, “There are box on the next page. expected with the implementation of Part many key factors arising from the new At the beginning of the seminar, delegates 3 of the Tribunals Courts Act 2007, regulations, including the tools of the trade were asked what their expectations of the Enforcement by Taking Control of Goods exemption now limited to goods worth new administration stage were, and how soon (TCE Act), the seminars saw over 300 £1,350. The new fees proposed are all- after the notice of enforcement would they delegates across local government and the encompassing, meaning enforcement agents want their agents to visit. The results were: advice sector gather at various locations to cannot apply transaction charges and may • 17% said seven days’ clear notice share insight on the future of the industry. have to apply a limit to credit card payment • 63% preferred 14 days’ notice The first session, entitled ‘Collecting methods. Additionally, the requirement • 15% wanted a visit to take place after council tax levied as a result of the for serving the enforcement notice to an 21 days welfare reforms – the experience so individual means enforcement agents cannot • 5% preferred 30 days. far’, was delivered by Rossendales Customer proceed against joint and several taxpayers Services Director and IRRV Immediate at the same time, without a further service As the seminars came to a close, Dave Past President, Dave Chapman, and local of notice. reminded delegates of the level of government revenues expert and IRRV Council Taking control of goods can only take place administration involved and what activities member, Alistair Townsend, from Milton on relevant premises, which for council tax is the new administration stage was designed Keynes Service Partnership. where the debtor usually lives, or retrieving to cover. The attendees were asked the same Dave Chapman commented, “It was goods on the public highway. Vehicles in car question, and the results could not have been important to examine the effect of the parks, second homes, lock-ups, and similar, more different: introduction of the council tax reduction will need a separate individual application to • 1% said after seven days’ clear notice scheme and various methods applied towards court for a warrant. If there is a refusal to sign • 5% preferred 14 days’ notice retrieving monies. We discussed many the controlled goods agreement, debtors will • 13% opted for a visit after 21 days different approaches to collections, from a potentially be faced with immediate removal, • 81% preferred a minimum of 30 days straightforward debt collection approach as the agent will have no powers to re-enter before the first enforcement visit. limited to 30 days pre-liability order, through at a later date. to Milton Keynes’ innovative scheme where Also, there is a new requirement to Dave concluded, “These changes are possibly liability order costs are used to fund a hybrid identify any co-owners and serve separate further reaching than most stakeholders debt collection and doorstep visit approach.” paperwork, which could be a new issue for first thought, and may initially provoke Various collection results were presented, taking control of a family car. And finally, considerable interest from mainstream/ giving delegates real insight into what can be enforcement agents will be able to make consumer media. I believe the new expected when trying to forecast and collect visits on a Sunday if required.” regulations will do much to advance the

www.irrv.net this challenging type of debt. Dave Chapman then presented the professionalism of the sector and, provided Attendees were also treated to a final session, in which he explained how a that local authorities and enforcement agents demonstration of ‘body worn’ video modern debt collection agency can achieve are prepared to embrace the changes, will INSIGHT cameras, including real life footage, success using just telephony and lettering transform bailiff action.” 22 highlighting the new technology’s ability to strategies, with excellent outcomes. He “At thebeginningof theseminar, delegateswereaskedwhat Between April and August 2013, August and April monies Between results. impressive delivering is centre, skills negotiation payment excellent the with coupled The new new The can produce impressive results strategy innovative pre-committal ...and seminar the at presents Chapman Dave pay ‘ hardened most the from often outcomes, positive to deliver debtors with engage to able is it that means a approach comprising to debt collection, clients clients to returned were cases unsuccessful strategy, new this of implementation to the Prior like Rossendales. companies by beingdeveloped innovation continued the of example another yet want their agentstovisit.” and howsoon afterthenotice of enforcementwould they their expectationsof thenewadministrationstagewere, two-letter strategy two-letter The The ’ debtors firmly-worded letters firmly-worded ‘nulla bona’ ‘nulla Insight pre-committal strategy pre-committal . discovers that the that discovers . The company’s fresh fresh company’s . The of the contact contact the of and telephony and , won’t is is , success rates.” of power/predictive diallers increases use the that means hours office normal telephony.outbound proactive with made is attempt a further engagement, no is there If debtors. with reconnect to intention the with sent are letters which after process, enrichment and cleansing athorough undergoes data the clients, our from information of retrieval Dave Chapman clients. the for cases successful in increase a20% to led has which arranged, been have £5,000,000 almost of value the this momentum, payment arrangements to To to add months. five just in £1,000,000 £333,747. over totalled sum overall The totalling letter second the from funds with £685,966, impressive an totalled out sent letter first the from collected “Additionally, availability outside of outside availability “Additionally, Rossendales Customer Director, Service , comments, “Following , comments,

recommending it to others.” to it recommending in hesitation no have would and strategy pre-committal the with pleased very Wecomplaints, only are payments. no had have we scheme the adopting worded proved letters unfounded. Since strongly such using at concerns initial Council, 2014.” April in process enforcement the to stage compliance new the of introduction the with vital be will this welcome... very is that revenue extra us strategy…) secured has Council, secure payment. and debtor the reengage to telephony in outbound result will arrangement apayment in abreak that so calls, and following inbound stored telephone captured are numbers phone Debtor Senior Revenues Officer at Basildon Basildon at Officer Revenues Senior Revenues Manager at Leicester City Kerry Pittick Kerry Gita Mistry , adds, , adds, “Our “Our , commented, “(The “(The 23 INSIGHT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Pre-committal strategy delivers impressive recovery rates for council tax

Rossendales’ new and innovative approach, comprising a two letter strategy and telephony, ensures that even the most hardened ‘won’t pay’ debtors are choosing to engage with us.

By the end of 2013, we received a 20% rise in the number of successful cases we delivered for our clients.

Find out how we are helping local authorities to achieve extra revenue with higher success rates, within a culture of no complaints.

Contact Dave Chapman, Customer Services Director Telephone: 01706 833 040 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rossendales.com www.irrv.net INSIGHT 24 “However, forwardthinkingLAsarebeginningtosee business unitsinamuchmoreholisticandsystemicway.” significant changesthatareneeded,viewingtheirseparate the currentenvironmentasanopportunitytomake view, one that requires fundamentally different different fundamentally requires oneview, that comments. recent most Chancellor’s the given that, beyond far probably and 2016 least at until come to cuts severe more still yet with years, recent over reduced significantly been have –budgets spending reduced this for target Whitehall amajor be to good management financial taxes.” increased than rather spending by reduced borne reduction deficit of burden main the with aParliament, of course the over deficit structural the of reduction the accelerate “significantly to commitment core its with ahead push to continues coalition the as finances, government local of area an abundance of in lemons thecurrently cocktails. make customers their help to developed been have that tools provide and party the host to able are that suppliers with or teams, and departments internal between such collaboration. without possible been have not would which involved, all by enjoyed and reached be can improve the situation, a situation, the improve to made being already efforts the enhance and further complement that options offering to seeking by that secondly and positively viewed usually can find find can that outlook an suggests it firstly because me with resonates This it. from far –no, sorrows aparty.’ have and vodka them given has life whose somebody by, completed is and piece, this of title the within starts us, behind just are 2014 in welcome to celebrations that given and like, Iparticularly that One in. ourselves find we that asituation of most the making are many suggest There that familiar phrases make lemonade! you lemons, When lifegives But there is a is there But of history along has government Local is there that clear is it mind, in this With already, is happening collaboration This I am not suggesting that we all drown our drown all we that suggesting not I am opportunity local authorities local collaborate with others new landscape in a situation that is not is that asituation in positive outcome (LAs), their (LAs), ‘…and try to find find to ‘…and try , but continues continues , but coming into that are that

process and leading to to leading and process making decision the supporting a ‘ insight providing and systems, IT of across departmental information view common one with past, the of athing be, will or are, silos operational collection data on differently things ‘ of ways cost-effective but innovative things different ‘ be to need now LAs successful. it make to and behaviours cultures organisational identify and reduce this percentage. Rather Rather percentage. this reduce and identify proactively to position stronger a much in are systems IT departmental across view asingle have that Councils or fraudulently ineither error. Discounts tax council of 2013 billing. tax council for up gear to starting be expenditure. council and improvingrevenue streams in-year affecting positively LAs, error and fraud better decisions better in-house. held already is that information to gain valuable and intelligence insight from holistic more amuch in units business separate their viewing needed, are that changes significant the make to opportunity an as environment current the see to are beginning LAs However, forward-thinking continue to presentchallenges. enormous removed, with the right tools, an SPD review review SPD an tools, right the with removed, and identified are that discounts the of amount asignificant provider the pay to having a‘ on provider service amanaged to process the outsourcing than single version of the truth the of version single Over the next few weeks, LAs will will LAs weeks, few next the Over There is no doubt that that doubt no is There collaboration reiterated 4-6% that between Protecting the Public Purse Purse Public the Protecting and systemic and (SPD) are received received (SPD)are Single Person data management data and across across ’ as well as continuing to find find to continuing as well ’ as , reduce reduce to , helping digital innovation digital ’, concentrating efforts ’, efforts concentrating risk, reward risk, way. Narrow faster

fiscal austerity and and

’, ’,

’ basis,

doing

, doing , will ...says NickTurner! area, please feel free to email me. email to free feel please area, this in doing Iam what about more out find to like would you if or discuss, to like would you that above the of any on opinion an have ‘ the on advice free 2014! providing in lemonade currently Iam making are you if touch in get do please so to? equate qualify. not do that discounts those re-bill and remove identify, quickly to as year, so the throughout staggered and projects internal mini several as run be can www.intecpublicsector.co.uk [email protected] on him Contact Sector. Public Turner Nick It really isn’t all doom and gloom, though, though, gloom, and doom all isn’t really It base SPD your of 6% does value What Back officeprocessing is a Director at Intec Intec at a Director is single view or through through or ’, you if and 25 INSIGHT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Management

Improving your capacity for resilience to secure sustainable performance is key for the manager of today, says Mark Davies

Resilience has become an increasingly common more responsibility/accountability without improve performance becomes a significant word of late. It’s similar to stress and work/life compromising our health and our lives outside challenge. Your health is also likely to suffer. balance – these terms began to creep into daily of work? Not irreversibly... yet. usage in the late 90s and today they are an What is the answer? In simple terms, the industry in their own right. What sits behind the What do we mean by this exactly? answer is preventing the container from increasing focus on resilience, and can you get Here’s my view... reaching the top. You cannot do this by ahead of this new development for the benefit Imagine you have a container inside you. This controlling the external world (unless you run of your people and the organisation? is your pressure or stress container. It has a away!). The external world is outside of all of Well, this is just a theory, but, as ‘stress’ daily limit which allows you to cope safely and our control. There will always be challenges, and ‘stress management’ grew in popularity successfully. It begins to fill from the moment change, unpleasant surprises as well as as the new challenges to solve, the response you awake. Maybe an unexpected bill in the post pleasant surprises. However, you can become was typically ‘stress audits’ and workshops on begins that filling process, and it accelerates a more skilled at letting the container drain away. causes and symptoms of stress. All well and little as you are delayed on your journey into By allowing an outflow of stress (a release) you good, but how does that help the organisation work, as the diagram below illustrates: continually create space for more challenges to exactly? And the individual? be let in. Maybe it created the impression that the This is how you become more resilient health and safety policies are keeping pace Key team player – by becoming more skillful at letting go of with wider developments in society. But are off sick the stress, and releasing the mindset that people less stressed today because of audits Challenges continue accompanies it. We have a physiological Metrics down to build on top of and workshops on stress management? Is the system that enables you to do this, and we each other through organisation confident that managers and their Bad meeting the day – as they can become coached in accessing this natural teams can keep pace with yet more change do so the container resource with more ease and success. As we Traffic and more restructuring? Do managers know slowly fills become more resilient, we experience more how to keep people in the top right quadrant of Gas bill challenges. As we cope with more challenge, the now familiar diagram without slipping into we become more confident in our ability to rise the bottom right, and then burning out in the to future challenges. It’s a very positive upward bottom left? spiral, that generates feelings of security rather An early morning than insecurity. Great health accompanies high energy meeting does not go improved internal mindsets. according to plan, the Case studies of local authorities that have high energy; high performance; performance metrics embraced this approach have generated the unrealised potential discretionary effort are going in the following benefits: wrong direction this • reductions in absenteeism down to low engagement high engagement month, and then you 1.5 days per FTE discover a key team • improvements in morale and engagement player has gone home surveys within three months burnout/cynicism, presenteeism early complaining • improvements in call centre handling metrics absenteeism of feeling ill. By the • managers confirming improvements in time you get home confidence and willingness to accept low energy your stress container increased responsibility has reached the full • improvements in quality and frequency of point – anything else ‘one to ones’ for staff Resilience as a new response to and it overflows. Or, to express it differently, • independently accredited awards for training, new challenges there is no more capacity left to accept any customer service, wellbeing and professional As restructures continue, and the search for more challenges – you cannot perform any practice value and yet more performance pushes ahead, more on this day. In fact, you could overreact to • Investors In People ‘Gold’. it is not enough to do audits and describe what any situation, and it may be a family member stress is. Managers and their teams need new or someone close to you that feels the brunt Einstein said the definition of insanity is“doing resources and tools to help them “up their of that reaction. Or, maybe, you inadvertently the same thing over and over again and game” in the face of this continuous pressure. neglect them. expecting different results”. Why don’t you try But they also need to come out the other side There is no resilience left on this day, and something different? Give your people the skills

www.irrv.net with their mental and physical health in good you may feel like you need a drink – and to become more resilient, and in doing so grow shape. If we succeed at the expense of our there is a difference between needing a drink your performance. health, what success is that? and enjoying a drink! Put many of these days

INSIGHT Resilience is the response to this challenge. together, and the cumulative loss of resilience Mark Davies is Managing Director of 7Futures. 26 How can we improve performance and accept means harnessing your ability and energy to Contact him on [email protected] Management Thought for the month

This month, Insight’s management advice takes an original turn. As the cartoon illustrates, when the world of leadership appears to be getting the better of you, don’t forget that it’s often necessary to make sacrifices for the common good!

IRRV Training 2014

• 31 January – South Norfolk (Janet Alexander) Introduction to Business Rates • 17 February – London (Janet Alexander) Introduction to Council Tax • 18 February – London (Janet Alexander) Introduction to Business Rates • 24-25 February – London (Janet Alexander) Council Tax Master Class • 10-11 March – London Business Rates Master Class • 13 May – South Norfolk (Louise Freeth) Introduction to Benefits • 20 May 2014 – South Norfolk (Janet Alexander) Introduction to Council Tax We also deliver a bespoke in house training service. The training is tailored specifically to the client’s requirements and held on site at your offices for convenience. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 JANUARY/FEBRUARY Prices start at £115 (+ VAT) per person.

For the latest training days please visit www.irrv.net/trainingdays INSIGHT 27 Data sharing “Not all personal information will be exempt. Sometimes there will be a legitimate interest in the public knowing some personal information.” So when does the section 40 exemption apply to personal data?

The FTT upheld the decision of the (EA/2012/0261). Here, the requestor Information Commissioner that the information wanted the job titles of council employees was not held by ULT, but by UCST, and so not who had attended a meeting at a solicitor’s subject to FOI. It took account of the fact that firm in respect of a major council outsourcing the corporate structure had been urged on ULT project. Referring to a Supreme Court decision by the Department for Education, the two (South Lanarkshire Council v The Scottish charities had maintained a complete corporate Information Commissioner [2013] UKSC separation, and that the service agreement 55), the FTT ruled that disclosing details Ibrahim Hasan’s latest between ULT and UCST expressly referred to of a job title held by more than one local freedom of information the senior staff being employed by UCST. authority official could constitute processing update uncovers some issues The section 40 exemption applies personal data, if there was a chance of those to personal data, disclosure of which individuals being identified. The test was surrounding third party would breach one of the Data Protection whether the subjects could be identified, employees Principles. This usually involves considering not just by an ordinary member of the public whether disclosure would be fair and but, by a ‘motivated intruder’ (including The Freedom of Information Act 2000 lawful under Principle 1. Not all personal the requestor himself with all the other (FOI) applies to information held by a information will be exempt. Sometimes there information at his disposal). public authority or held on its behalf by will be a legitimate interest in the public Continuing on the same theme, in Yiannis another person (Section 3(2)). But what of knowing some personal information. Voyias v Information Commissioner information about people working for a public In Innes v Information Commissioner (EA/2013/0003), the FTT held that the authority but who are legally employed by a (EA/2013/0044), the FTT ruled that the London Borough of Camden was correct third party? reasons for a head teacher’s long-term to refuse to disclose the number of hours This question arose in an FOI appeal sickness absence from his school did not its employees worked and how much to the First Tier Tribunal (Information have to be disclosed, as they constituted overtime they were paid. It was satisfied that Rights) (FTT). In Hackett v Information personal data but whether the head teacher disclosure of this information would lead to Commissioner (EA/2012/0265), the United was being paid a salary during his absence the identification of individuals and would be Learning Trust (ULT), an education charity should be disclosed. As head teacher, the unfair, therefore, Section 40 applied. running 21 Academy schools, was asked for, individual in question occupied a senior Personal data in building regulations amongst other things, details of senior staff position of responsibility at the school. He was applications held by councils is not exempt members’ pay, pension contributions, no longer performing an active function at under section 40 just because it relates other remuneration and expenses. The the school and whether or not he was being to another person’s property. In James request was refused on the basis that the paid from public funds during the period of Henderson v IC (EA/2013/0055), the information was not held by ULT, but by the absence and inactivity is a legitimate matter of appellant’s neighbour was carrying out United Church School Trust (UCST) which public interest and one which outweighs his renovations on the other side of their shared employed the staff and which, as a non- right to privacy. wall. This resulted in cracks on his side of the publicly funded charity, is not subject to FOI. Personal data under section 40 has wall, followed by a steel beam coming through The appellant argued that the corporate the same meaning as in Section 1 of the wall. He asked Brentwood Council for structure of ULT and UCST was an accounting the Data Protection Act, i.e. it has to details of the works, as a building control process set up to avoid disclosure of the be information which relates to a living application had been made to them. requested information, which was about the identifiable individual. The requested The FTT held that full details of a building

www.irrv.net spending of public money. In addition, information does not always have to include regulations application was personal data, he submitted that both companies were a name. Even job title information can but disclosing this information would not subsidiaries of the United Church Schools be personal data, according to the FTT contravene the First Data Protection

INSIGHT Company, and as such were in effect both part decision in London Borough of Barnet v Principle. Therefore, the exemption set 28 of one company. Information Commissioner and another out in section 40(2) did not apply and the after the patient’s death. The appellant appellant The death. patient’s the after actionable was which Confidence of Breach a entail would disclosure that ruled It appeal. 41 grounds. Section on refuse to decision upheld the and FTT the Commissioner 1999. in son her of The death the about records hospital (including information for request FOI an made had appellant the Healthcare NHS Trust (GIA/4090/2012) In appointed personal representative whether the requestor is the deceased’s of checking importance the emphasise ( 41 exemption section the Sometimes Act. 2000 the in exemption such no is There a cover to exemption aspecific has 2002 Act The that: fact the of account took FTT the so, doing In information. the to relation in privacy of expectation reasonable a had have would subject data the that held who Commissioner, the with disagreed FTT The disclosed. be to ordered was information Breach of Confidence of Breach deceased person’s health record The Upper Tribunal also dismissed the the dismissed also Tribunal Upper The again decisions Tribunal Two recent neighbour’s property. c and him, by in lived than b officers by its inspections to subject be would work the and property the that meant which authority local the to application aformal make to obliged was a. Webber v IC and Nottinghamshire Nottinghamshire and vIC Webber . the work had a direct effect on his on effect adirect had work . the . the property was to be rented out rather rather out rented be to was property . the Freedom of Information (Scotland) (Scotland) Freedom of Information before starting any work the data subject subject data the work any starting before ) can be claimed. claimed. be ) can . . ) , “The appellant was not the personal representative of the “The appellantwasnotthepersonalrepresentativeof deceased, eventhoughshecouldhaveappliedtobecomeso.” agreement) that she agreed to let the council council the let to agreed she that agreement) care home her (in indicate to opportunity the given was deceased the that fact the of account took it things, other Amongst Confidence. of aBreach be would which disclosure of was confidential, information requested The engaged. was 41 exemption Section the that satisfied were Commissioner provided provided was it that basis the on it disclose to refused but file, care arelevant held it that confirmed sister. deceased their of records care the to relating 2013) (EA/2012/0195)Commissioner (March In personal representative. patient’s the others, by, amongst made be to information to access for requests for allows 1990 Act Records Health to Access inquest –acoroner’s way another in obtained be or would or into come could public the domain, sought information the of some that fact the to weight gave It Confidence. of Breach the to defence interest apublic been have not would so. become to applied have could she though even deceased, the of representative personal the not was The Upper Tribunal also found that there there that found also Tribunal Upper The Trott and v Skinner Information , the appellants requested information, requested the appellants East Sussex County Council County Sussex East , or through an application under the the under application an through , or in confidence . The Tribunal and the and Tribunal . The

. This This . defence to the disclosure. the to defence interest public no was there and engaged, was 41 Section Therefore, Executor. this from FOI under disclosure for consent of evidence no deceased’s personal representative. There was an therefore and awill, was there that discovered was it Tribunal, the by inquiry further On was. who to as enquired had Commissioner the nor council the Neither though. deceased, the of representatives personal the not were of the kin deceased. of They next the were sisters the that fact the despite was This actionable. be would Confidence of Breach the kept confidential. would be her that information assurances specific given was she occasions several on that heard also Tribunal The provided. space the in anybody list or agreement her sign not family members/friends listed below.” with care on information personal “share wordpress.com/ Training ( Now Act Ibrahim Hasan Furthermore, the Tribunal was satisfied that that satisfied was Tribunal the Furthermore, Executor , who has standing to act as the the as act to standing has , who is a solicitor and Director of Director and asolicitor is http://actnowtraining. ) She did did She 29 INSIGHT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 PPP 2013

Alan Bryce and the Audit Commission are continuing the fight against discount fraud

Councils in England raised over £22 billion from approximately 2,400 properties occupied by CASE STUDY 1 council tax in 2012/13. Fraudulently claimed students. In 2012/13, a data matching exercise Liverpool City Council – SPD fraud discounts and exemptions directly increase found that 750 student discount claimants had deterrence and detection: local taxation for people in the fraudsters’ a high fraud risk. Subsequent investigations • in 2010, Liverpool City Council had an SPD own communities and neighbourhoods. At the established that 423 of these (56% of the claimant level of over 46% of households. Audit Commission, we have been working in sample, 18% of all claimants) had claimed the The council had hitherto taken limited action recent years with councils and key stakeholders discount fraudulently. The council were able to to identify SPD fraudsters such as the IRRV to raise the profile of this type increase billing by over £500,000. • the council’s subsequent action to tackle of fraud and the harm it causes. In our annual The Commission is finding that historically, SPD fraud included publicising in the local report, Protecting the Public Purse 2013 councils have adopted a mainly reactive press, a range of measures that it was taking. (PPP 2013), we again highlight good practice approach to fighting most types of fraud, By 2013, only just over 39% of households in tackling such fraud. Although progress is involving detection, investigation, sanction in Liverpool claimed the discount. encouraging for many councils, more can and redress. But with reducing resources, Source: Audit Commission (2013) still be done nationally to ensure all local more focus on proactive prevention and authorities play their part. deterrence is needed. As you know, there are many different types Counter-fraud professionals have always CASE STUDY 2 of discounts and exemptions that can be viewed deterrence as one of the most Nottingham City Council – SPD fraud claimed. The most common is single person important and cost effective means of tackling deterrence and detection: discount (SPD), where a 25% discount can fraud. Effective deterrence depends on a • in 2009, Nottingham City Council had the be claimed for sole occupiers, which can rise number of factors, including: second highest claimant level for SPD in to 100% when the occupier is a full time • a reasonable likelihood that the fraudster England, at over 47% of households. The student. Our research has previously found will be caught council had undertaken activities to detect that, typically, between 4% and 6% of SPD • a likelihood that the fraudster will be SPD fraud en masse in a limited way and claims are fraudulent. appropriately punished, and had relied on individual notification of In 2012/13 there were 54,000 cases of • widely publicising results, to deter other changes to manage SPD awards all types of council tax fraud detected by potential fraudsters. • in 2010/11, the council adopted a more local authorities in England, a fall of nearly proactive stance and invested in a private/ 12% year on year. The total value of such A good example of effective deterrence public service approach to identifying SPD detected frauds fell by 7% to £19,600,000 in involves council tax SPD fraud. Nationally, fraud, stopping 3,705 SPDs and investigating 2012/13. This decline is not necessarily good one in three households claim SPD, but this a further 3,473 where council tax benefit news. Though it may reflect improvements varies from council to council. Part of this was being paid. This resulted in additional in prevention and deterrence at some variation is due to fraudulent SPD claims. Five collectable council tax of approximately councils, there is evidence from individual local years ago, 23 councils in England reported £1.2 million authorities which suggest others have still to that 40% or over of the households in their • the cancelled SPDs represented 6.5% maximise the financial benefits that can be authority claimed the discount. In one of those of the total number of such claims. The attained by proactively targeting such fraud. authorities, nearly half (48%) of households council also publicised the action taken. The financial benefits of tackling other claimed SPD. Three years later, only 40% of households types of council tax discount fraud, such as Since then, greater national and local claimed the discount. student discounts, are also beginning to gain publicity about successful investigations Source: Audit Commission (2013) greater recognition. Recent experience has has led to a fall in the number of councils shown that student discount fraud is a growing with a substantially higher than average problem for some councils. Building on its number of households claiming SPD. By 2013, Taken in combination with effective detection, earlier success in identifying £1.9 million of just seven councils in the country reported this suggests that deterrence can have a student discount fraud, Bristol City Council that over 40% of all households in their area significant impact on the willingness of effectively challenged the validity of 584 claimed SPD. The highest at October 2013 individuals to commit fraud. Publicity about cases (32% of high risk cases investigated) is now 41.2 %. This represents a significant cases of fraud may also have the additional in 2012/13 to generate potential additional reduction in SPD claimants at a number of benefit of helping raise awareness of people’s revenue of £900,000. councils. Case Studies 1 and 2 highlight what responsibilities to notify their council of The London Borough of Southwark has can be achieved at a local level. changes in circumstances. www.irrv.net

Alan Bryce is Head of Counter Fraud with the Audit Commission. Email him on a-bryce@ INSIGHT audit-commission.gsi.gov.uk. You can download the full report from http://www.audit- 30 commission.gov.uk/2013/11/protecting-the-public-purse-2013/ or example: • arrangements. new by supported benefit, new abrand introducing of stages early the in still live running in reflected been not have take would process the of parts different long how about assumptions these. tackle including stakeholders, with hard we’reworking but challenges, assessment processes computer new systems testing PIP,Introducing and including designing benefit anew Introducing first. way itin ofa introducing gradual experience the by informed be will this about – decisions year the through reassessment extending area. areassessment in live they if DLA their of instead PIP claim to choose also can individual An areas. postcode of number asmall covering 2014, February and January in dates 'go live' areas and reassessment further announced we December, In award. their of end the reach 16, age they if or reach they if change, needs PIP, disability-related claim to their if Midlands in living claimants DLA inviting 2015. October before affected be won’t people most as However, reassessment). onwards (known 2013 October from point some at PIP claim to DLA to entitled currently people ask We will claimants (DLA) Existing Living Disability Allowance work. of out or in they’re whether it get can people and taxable, not it’s savings, or income by affected isn’t It disability. or condition health term along having from come that costs extra the meet people help to Personal Independence Payment introducing thenewbenefittoreaders Personal IndependencePayment, This month,theDWPteamturnto systems, theresultingchecksand waitingfor information thatwealreadyhold on our the initialclaimphonecalldoesn’tmatch where aclaimant’sidentityverificationon F our of some that identified We have about information more share We’ll started year, we last October From , East Midlands East local authorities local , has come with with come , has , albeit that we are we that , albeit or East or Anglia Wales and the (PIP) is , West , to to ,

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their DLA claim under under claim DLA their at again look PIP, will claim to we if or need they if them tell to guardian, or parent their 16, and turning everyone to writing We are 16 age reach who DLA claiming Young people claim, into department. the form a get to takes it time the reducing and providers, assessment and department the more rapid of transfer between information line adedicated establishing as possible. as soon as payments their get and process the within a priority as treated is group this sure We’re making track claims on the improving focused particularly we’ve organisations, and representative their by highlighted claimants concerns Following ill for people rules Special terminally • • or PIP. And if a young person has a DLA award award aDLA has person PIP.or ayoung if And DLA to entitlement on adecision made we’ve until payment of out go doesn’t DLA that sure award is when on depends next happens of reassessment introduction by. it do to need they when and do to need they what clear it We’re looking at further improvements, such such improvements, further at We’re looking longer tocompletethanexpected. are findingthatassessmentstaking Healthcare andCapitaHealthWellbeing) for most,theassessmentproviders(Atos part oftheassessmentforbenefit with face-to-faceconsultations,anintegral are takinglongertoreturntheirclaimform they haverequestedit,whichmeanspeople information tosupporttheirclaimswhere to allowclaimantsmoretimesend deliberately builtintothePIPRegulations, we’re alsomakinguseofprovisionsthatwe days intotheprocess further informationfromclaimantsaddsextra Regardless of what happens, we’ll make we’ll happens, what of Regardless gradual the by complicated is This for terminally ill claimants, creating a creating ill claimants, for terminally (medical information), to support the the support to information), (medical they turn 16, and the date their DLA DLA their 16, date the turn and they due to end to due process for terminally ill people. ill people. for terminally process . adult rules where they live they where telephone claims , because what what , because . We’ll make . We’ll

fast- DS1500 DS1500 , disability affects you' affects disability the complete or aclaim make to visits face-to-face service a provide to continue officers visiting Our DWP visiting officers vulnerable. being as identified we’ve someone of benefits the stopping before enquiries more make we’ll And provide. we’ll which help, more need may –others claim their make to support have enough Somepeople claim. their during points all or any at service, our access to need they time the at processes our of demands the with dealing in difficulty have may People Vulnerable claimants 16. turn they when of regardless end, award their near until PIP claim to them ask not we’ll ill people, for terminally rules special the under arrange this. we’ll services, face-to-face need claimants that feel we should process, the of point any At Visiting. DWP to directly claimants refer to organisations for need no is there So present. are they if behalf, their on call claim initial payment-pip-toolkit-for-partners partners/the-personal-independence- independence-payment-toolkit-for- publications/the-personal- https://www.gov.uk/government/ to: go happening, what’s PIP, about and information date to up For information More Claimants can havemake can someone theClaimants to claimants who find it difficult either itdifficult find who to claimants home home make . They form. DWP update

'How your your 'How 31 INSIGHT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Doherty’s despatch “Previous reports in this series have pointed out the mistake of focusing on welfare reform as the solution to poverty. This study has shown how changes to the welfare system have made poverty worse.” Mounting poverty and delayed welfare reforms

A focus on the geographical distribution This study looks at measures of low income, of disadvantage reveals that national averages deprivation and other types of disadvantage. mask huge variations between areas in Low income (or poverty) is defined as people unemployment, educational achievement and living in households with income below 60% life expectancy. The research shows that: of the median for that year. In the last two • in 2011/12, 13 million people in the UK years, median income has fallen substantially were living in poverty. For the first time – a fall that itself affects the number of people more than half of these people lived in a in poverty. ...are concerning Pat working family The most widely used measure of poverty is Doherty this month • the proportion of pensioners in poverty is at based on household income. A household is its lowest for almost 30 years. The proportion considered to be in poverty if its income after of working age adults without children in taxes have been paid and adjusting for the Monitoring poverty and social poverty is the highest on record household size and composition is below 60% exclusion 2013 • average incomes have fallen by 8% since of the national median that year. A report from the New Policy Institute their peak in 2008. As a result, around two The report shows that there has been a was published in December, giving a million people have a household income second consecutive annual fall in average comprehensive picture of poverty in the below the 2008 poverty line, but are not incomes, against which the poverty threshold UK and featuring analysis of low income, considered to be in poverty today is set, and this means that substantial numbers unemployment, low pay, homelessness • in the last year, the labour market has shown of people just above the current poverty and ill health. signs of revival. Underemployment has fallen line are worse off than they were five years slightly from 6.4 million to 6.3 million, and ago. Since these figures were collected (in young adult unemployment appears to have 2011/12) there have been further falls in real peaked at 21% wages and the real value of benefits. • the number of people in low paid jobs has This broadening of poverty is happening at risen. There are now around five million the same time as the experience of poverty, people paid below the living wage for some people, gets more severe. Increasing • the movement in and out of work is numbers of people are now living on incomes substantial – 4.8 million different people below the value of out-of-work benefits have claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) – (which themselves are worth far less than in the last two years the poverty line). They include the rising • following recent changes to the social number of jobseekers being sanctioned, security system, many people on means private renters facing stricter caps on local tested benefits have reduced incomes. housing allowance, social renters paying Around 500,000 families face a cut in the bedroom tax and low income families housing benefit via the under-occupation paying council tax, from which they were penalty and a reduction in council tax previously exempt. benefits/support. The number of sanctioned Previous reports in this series have pointed jobseekers with a reduced entitlement to JSA out the mistake of focusing on welfare doubled in 2010 to around 800,000 reform as the solution to poverty. This study • the level of benefits for an out-of-work adult has shown how changes to the welfare system

www.irrv.net without children now covers only 40% of have made poverty worse. what the public considers to be a minimum standard of living. For families with children NAO report on council tax support INSIGHT this figure is no more than 60%. The National Audit Office (NAO), following 32 an assessment of last year’s localisation funding reduction is complex, and may require is complex, reduction funding their managing whilst objectives different these meet to authorities local for task The people that schemes implement . 142% cover could who districts, with compared reduction, funding the of 73% average on cover could boroughs London that found analysis their and cost, the offset to others than able less were councils some said NAO the of £178 income additional However, million. estimated an raising powers, additional these of advantage taken had authorities local 207 of asample of all that found NAO The support. tax council for reduction funding homes empty term as such properties, some on tax council more charge to powers new used also authorities local Most income. of regardless tax, council some least at pay to age claimants requireworking that schemes of reduction. funding their some meet to claimants for support reduced have 2013/14,in authorities local most and £414 of government million central for saving a to equated reduction 10% The finances. authorities’ local on pressure overall the to contributes support tax council for funding inthat the government reduction central 2011 from years the over 26% 2015, to and government funding councils’ as time same (10%) the at came the that noted authorities. local affect to combine will reform welfare wider and changes funding how to and Government Communities Local the from understanding abetter for called has and budgets, council on of policies their impact the more carefully should consider servants and civil ministers support tax council of The DCLG expects local authorities to authorities local expects DCLG The introduced have authorities 71% local of 2013, December in produced report, The and improve and work incentives cut in council tax support tax council in cut , to help offset the the offset help , to was to be cut by cut be to was Department for Department , has said that that said , has protect vulnerable vulnerable protect second and short and . as as

and Pensions Secretary Secretary Pensions and 2017 the Work meet to unlikely target, Universal Credit rolloutof the government’s nationwide The Delayed rollout of Universal Credit achieved”. be will policy the of objectives term longer the of some whether unclear is it though achievement, aconsiderable was time on support tax introducingby council local authorities, that, concluded NAO the side, positive the On • • of and funding changes. welfare impact cumulative the manage can authorities local that itself satisfy to more do must Department the NAO, the to According budgets. their on pressure extra put to changes welfare and funding other with combines support tax council for funding in reduction the authorities, local many For factors. of arange on depends and authorities local between vary will support tax council choices. scheme authorities’ in local decisions are designs scheme that view the and for mandated those than other groups, vulnerable for protections no with tax introduced introduced have 41% authorities that local of example, for found, report December’s trade-offs. within ninemonths,”theNAOsaid. authorities hadtofinalisetheirschemes policy wasannounced.“Thismeantlocal not publisheduntil19monthsafterthe consultation withcouncils,guidancewas with localauthorities–althoughtherewas the departmentcouldhaveengagedearlier some localauthorities” was of changesonthemostvulnerableclaimants departmental fundingtocushiontheimpact included: in report the findings Other of localisation the of impact financial The war pensioners “Given the demanding timescales faced timescales demanding the “Given “unplanned” and“cametoolatefor , and it does not plan to intervene intervene to plan not does it , and minimum payments (UC) benefit reform is reform benefit (UC) . The Department takes takes Department . The Iain Duncan pensioners of council local local

benefits benefits thandelivery meet specific deadlines”. said, Accounts Committee the by implementation the of criticism following 2013 December in reform flagship the Smith deadlines – somehow I don’t think so! think Idon’t –somehow deadlines specific meeting than important more was delivery safe as OK, was it that authorities local to said have would and sanguine, so been have would State of Secretary the support, tax council latterly and benefit tax council of housing benefit, implementation for deadlines the meet to years the over had failed suppliers software and their complete. was systems new of the untiltesting the country rollout across the delay therefore now would it admitted Service Digital Government the with working for Work and Pensions Department the technology, information year. next of end the by Credit Universal to switched been have to were people million one timetable, old necessary plan for the implementation comprehensive being for criticised been had recipients all for can email him at at him email can you article, this in anything on comment to wish you If IRRV. the of President a Past and consultant Doherty Pat The controversial plan to merge merge to plan controversial The Publishing an update of the progress of progress the of update an Publishing I really do wonder that if local authorities authorities local if that wonder do I really the with problems of aresult as However, National Audit Office National “it was more important to ensure safe ensure to important more was “it overly ambitious admitted. to improve the system. The DWP DWP The system. the improve to into into computing systems FIRRV CPFA is an independent independent an is CPFA FIRRV one payment payment one [email protected] – the DWP Secretary Secretary DWP –the , and lacking a lacking , and (DWP) has been been has (DWP) Public Public the and by 2017 2017 by . Under the the . Under six six ­ –

33 INSIGHT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 Viewpoint “It is not beyond the boundaries of possibility that there could in the future be a move to district unitaries, thus giving the benefits of localism at the same time.” There is much water to go under ...on local government structural reform, Richard the bridge yet Harbord suggests

As we enter a New Year, what does the future unitaries, but I wonder now if that is the committees to member satisfaction, and often hold for local authorities? There is talk by only option? the need for additional staff at a slightly lower eminent people of the continuation of public Counties are busy losing many of their level to cover. sector economies for the next ten years, traditional services. There are major reforms Now would be a very good time to have and also increasing talk of the difficulty of in education, with the appointment of a thorough look at all these alternatives, continuing to meet ever higher expectations Regional Schools Chancellors. In any and stop and look at the costs before and from our customers and clients. case, with academies etc., the influence and after implementation, in order to advise I was at a conference recently when funding of education has slipped away from organisations as we continue to face Margaret Hodge, the Chair of the Public local government. There is a tremendous difficulties with what the real costs and Accounts Committee, was speaking. She has effort going on to ensure health and social benefits are. There is a staggering lack of hard a considerable local government pedigree, care integration, which could well take data about the actual savings produced by having been the Leader for some time of away elderly care from local government. It is various major changes to service provision Islington Council. Her conclusion was that not beyond the boundaries of possibility that over the last few years, and this really does there will always be local authorities, but there could in the future be a move to district need to be carried out. they could not survive in their current form. I unitaries, thus giving the benefits of localism Local authorities can always be counted struggle with seeing in the future what form at the same time. upon to rise to the challenge, whatever they will take. As to models of management, that is it is, and despite difficulties over pay and Despite the concept being around now an interesting area as well. Despite all the conditions, staff are endlessly loyal and for several decades (and being continually attention given to it, the concept of shared committed. That is one thing that must be talked about) there are very few authorities services is still largely under-developed. preserved at all costs. that have given up completely on service Although most authorities share something, I have been particularly reminded of this delivery to the extent that they use private in a lot of cases they are minor services, and over the last few weeks, when my authority sector contractors for everything. The boldest, there is great benefit in fully employing fewer was quite seriously affected by floods. The I suspect, of the current authorities using that people. The larger scale schemes have had level of staff volunteering at all hours and model is the London Borough of Barnet, a patchy record of success. Many of those in trying circumstances was outstanding. and it will take a while to know whether it implemented now need a thorough review, It is also heartening to see a very unified works in terms of service quality and cost. and there has been a failure to maximise on community response, with the whole town There has been much talk of structural savings because of compromise to suit all pulling together to get things back to normal as reform and the inevitability of moving to managing partners. This is actually a difficult quickly as possible. a one-tier system. However, the current area to get right, and many business cases There are many things that are not government has refused to run with this, do not fully develop the need for customer structural, and these need to be preserved and certainly at this point in time it will not interface and political input. carefully if authorities are to maintain their be on the agenda should they return to Shared management teams have also community leadership roles in the future. power after the next general election. The been a recent theme, and there is patchy I hope you all have a successful 2014! inevitability if such were to figure in any other success here as well. It will work in authorities party’s manifesto would seem to be county with shared vision and major policies, but again there is difficulty in servicing all www.irrv.net

Richard Harbord MPhil CPFA FCCA IRRV INSIGHT (Hons) FIDP FBIM FRSA is a member of the IRRV 34 and CIPFA Councils and President of the IRRV Professional Meetings 2014

Local Taxation & Revenues, Welfare Reform and Fraud – A Status Report

VENUES David and Gary are now running a further 15 January 2014 series of meetings in January 2014 / February Atkins Building, Hinckley 2014 focussing on the following three areas – 27 January 2014 Part 1 – The Autumn Statement – What Does It IRRV Offices, London Mean? 30 January Areas to be covered include – Guidepost Hotel, Bradford Council Tax 3 February 2014 Non-Domestic Rate IRRV Offices, London SOLD OUT Welfare Reform & Fraud 13 February 2014 Part 2 - Local Government Finance Act 2012 – IRRV Offices, London A Year On 20 February 2014 Areas to be covered include – Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells Council Tax Reduction Technical Changes to Council Tax COURSE INFORMATION Business Rate Retention In December 2012 / January 2013, the Institute ran a series of professional meetings entitled Part 3 – Reflection on 2013 Case law ‘Council Tax and Business Rates – A Changing Areas to be covered will be – World’. These were run at venues around Council Tax England and were facilitated by David Magor Non-Domestic Rate (Chief Executive IRRV) and Gary Watson (Deputy Chief Executive IRRV). The events proved extremely popular with additional meetings run to cater for demand.

For more information email [email protected] or phone 020 7691 8987 IRRV Publications

Council Tax Law Benefit Overpayments and Practice Guide

This is an essential guide for anyone involved in The IRRV’s ‘Benefit Overpayments Guide’ has the operation of the Council Tax. now been updated in paperback to include It shows in detail how the tax works on a • The Abolition of Council Tax Benefit practical level, and is fully up to date on all the • Universal Credit and Direct Attachment to most recent amendments to the law. Earnings Topics covered include: liability; discounts • Updated Case Law and exemptions; reduction schemes; billing The guide is written in such a way as to be of and collection; enforcement; valuation and use to all officers involved in processing the valuation list; appeals and the valuation overpayments, dealing with appeals and tribunals; insolvency, and funds, precepts and recovering the debts. It would also be useful grants. for students. Council Tax Law and Practice is supplied in Managers will find the guide of interest too. hard copy format together with an electronic The appendices contain debt recovery policies PDF version. and a particularly good Overpayments This publication has been fully updated for 2013 Dashboard for the monitoring and reporting of debts. New Subscription Price: £275.00 plus VAT and £6.00 P&P Invest in developing staff knowledge, awareness and best practice by ensuring Update Price: £145.00 copies of this guide are available to all. plus VAT and £4.40 P&P Price: £49.00 plus £3.00 P&P

To purchase online please visit: www.irrv.net or phone 020 7691 8977