Valuation and Lands Agency letter

photoman_3

criminal_smile is right in what they say about the revaluation. Having worked in the VLA prior to them becoming an agency, I know something of their work (I worked in the IT side).

The revaluation exercise is being done for two reasons. The first is that it has been many years since the last revaluation exercise, and so they are ensuring that the details they hold are accurate. There could be instances of people adding garages or conversatories for which they are not paying rates on. The second reason relates to the decision to base the NAV (rateable value) on the value of the property.

With regard to what they actually do. The valuer should identify themselves and SHOULD present their ID. After that, they will note down the features of the property (detached, semi, number of storeys, outbuildings etc) and will then take measurements.

As for them requiring access to the building, they will get it. They carry a warrant card which gives them more access rights than the police, so I wouldn't bother trying to keep them out. Unless you have something criminal to hide, you shouldn't have any reluctance to let them in.

BTW Bear in mind that the reason we in Northern Ireland don't pay council tax is because the VLO (Valuation and Lands Office) had just introduced a new computer system prior to the rest of the UK switching to the council tax.

scandarahar

photoman wrote:

The revaluation exercise is being done for two reasons. The first is that it has been many years since the last revaluation exercise, and so they are ensuring that the details they hold are accurate. There could be instances of people adding garages or conversatories for which they are not paying rates on. The second reason relates to the decision to base the NAV (rateable value) on the value of the property.

I understand the reasoning behind it and the new system (where no doubt we will end up paying more), but revaluing a house which changed hands 6 months ago, when it is the 'market value' they will assess seems a complete waste of time. And money - though that will not matter one bit because the ratepayers are an easy touch.

photoman wrote:

As for them requiring access to the building, they will get it. They carry a warrant card which gives them more access rights than the police, so I wouldn't bother trying to keep them out. Unless you have something criminal to hide, you shouldn't have any reluctance to let them in.

Well I'm sorry but I do have a reluctance to letting them in and no, I am not a criminal - I value my privacy and would resent any Government snooper coming into my home.

Will I pay more because the valuer thinks my house is more nicely decorated than my neighbours (hypothetically)?

photoman_3

scandarahar wrote:

I understand the reasoning behind it and the new system (where no doubt we will end up paying more), but revaluing a house which changed hands 6 months ago, when it is the 'market value' they will assess seems a complete waste of time. And money - though that will not matter one bit because the ratepayers are an easy touch.

Of course we'll all pay more! Our hard earned money has to go somewhere.

scandarahar wrote:

Well I'm sorry but I do have a reluctance to letting them in and no, I am not a criminal - I value my privacy and would resent any Government snooper coming into my home.

Will I pay more because the valuer thinks my house is more nicely decorated than my neighbours (hypothetically)?

I wasn't implying that you were a criminal. It just seemed to me that you think there is some form of ulterior motive for them to enter your house. We have had valuers out to both houses we have lived in and they were in and out in about two minutes. As for 'government snooper', I doubt that there is much they could add to any information already held on you, unless they plan on reporting such things as leaving dirty dishes in the sink or leaving the toilet seat up. :rolleyes:

scandarahar

photoman wrote:

Of course we'll all pay more! Our hard earned money has to go somewhere.




I wasn't implying that you were a criminal. It just seemed to me that you think there is some form of ulterior motive for them to enter your house. We have had valuers out to both houses we have lived in and they were in and out in about two minutes. As for 'government snooper', I doubt that there is much they could add to any information already held on you, unless they plan on reporting such things as leaving dirty dishes in the sink or leaving the toilet seat up. :rolleyes:

Sorry - should have phrased a bit better about the criminal bit - it wasn't taken to mean that!

I know they probably have info right down to the colour of my gunks but it just gets my goat - have you noticed?

criminal_smile

scandarahar wrote:

Will I pay more because the valuer thinks my house is more nicely decorated than my neighbours (hypothetically)?

Why? Have they got some dodgy purple flock wallpaper with flying ducks on????? :rotfl:

photoman_3

scandarahar wrote:

Sorry - should have phrased a bit better about the criminal bit - it wasn't taken to mean that!

I know they probably have info right down to the colour of my gunks but it just gets my goat - have you noticed?

Would never have noticed if you hadn't said! BTW The colour of your gunks is .... :eek:

scandarahar

criminal_smile wrote:

Why? Have they got some dodgy purple flock wallpaper with flying ducks on????? :rotfl:

I have some non-dodgy flying ducks in a nice mauve colour. Damned if I'll pay more just because the neighbours don't...

Polly

Hope we'll all be treated equally when it comes to the revaluation. I have a neighbour who works in the VLA and even though they have extended their house twice in the past 7 years, they have still not had a revaluation and are therefore paying rates on a much smaller house. They've added a double garage and converted upstairs with 3 more bedrooms and an extra bathroom yet are paying the same as their neighbours in average sized semis without garages. Wouldn't mind but each time rates bills come out, they boast about how little they pay. Jealous, moi?!!!

NAR

Answer is easy - shop them anonymously. If you feel very vindictive you could reveal who their employers are and say they should know the rules etc.

Polly

Have been seriously tempted but just couldn't bring myself to shop anyone. Would worry about bad karma! Will continue to rant instead....