Council Tax Revaluation
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 20 September 2005 that the property revaluation due to take place from 1 April 2007 is to be postponed. The press statement is as follows:
"GOVERNMENT EXTENDS LYONS INQUIRY AND POSTPONES COUNCIL TAX REVALUATION
The Government has extended Sir Michael Lyons’ inquiry into local government funding, so that he can consider issues relating to the wider functions of local government and its future role.
Extending Sir Michael's remit will ensure that any proposals for reform of the funding system can be set firmly within the wider context of a clear, shared understanding of the role of local government, and of councils' accountability to service users, residents and taxpayers.
In the light of this the Government has also announced today that it is postponing the revaluation of council tax in England. It will legislate to provide new powers to set a future date for the revaluation so that it too can be part of a fully developed package of funding reforms, taking full account of Sir Michael's further work.
Announcing the decisions, Minister of Communities and Local Government, David Miliband said today:
"The future of local government is critical to the future of the country. The Government is determined to create a strong and sustainable role for it.
"We’ve made a good start - Local Area Agreements, more effective decision-making, transformation of disadvantaged communities, new freedoms and flexibilities – all exciting changes which demonstrate our commitment.
"Last year, we started a debate about the future of local government that has so far generated lots of ideas, some of which are already starting to improve people's lives. So far we have looked at the neighbourhood agenda, local leadership and the performance framework.
"But we need a clear and complete picture of what we want local government to do before we tackle how it will be funded.
"Sir Michael Lyons agrees with this principle. That’s why we are extending his remit to look at this wider picture. In addition to his existing remit, he will now review the current and emerging role of local government and produce a series of documents ending with his final report at the end of 2006.
"We have decided to postpone revaluation from 2007 so that revaluation can take full account of Sir Michael Lyons' further work. We do not believe that revaluation will take place in this Parliament. Preparatory work for a revaluation in 2007 is being stood down, but the Valuation Office Agency’s good work will provide a firm foundation on which to build in future.
"We are confident that Sir Michael Lyons’ extended work will provide a real opportunity for fundamental and lasting reform."
Commenting on his new remit, Sir Michael said:
"One of the strongest conclusions emerging from my work to date is that well-founded recommendations on possible reforms to the funding of local government need to be based on a clear understanding of the expectations and responsibilities of local government, which continue to change.
"I welcome this extension to my remit, which has the potential to establish a new direction for how local government delivers and funds key public services."
Doncaster Council are NOT responsible for this revaluation. If you have any enquiries about the revaluation, or any other matters regarding the valuation of domestic properties, you should contact the Valuation Office directly.
Their contact details are:
The Listing Officer,
Valuation Office Agency,
Cathedral Court,
1 Vicar Lane,
Sheffield,
S1 1HD.
Telephone: (0114) 289 4600
Fax: (0114) 289 4688
