HC Deb 15 April 1948 vol 449 cc90-1W
Mr. Sharp

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what are the main duties of the Valuation Office; what is the additional work which justifies the estimated increase in staff from 2,520 to 3,570 during 1948–49; and how far this increase is of a temporary character.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

The main duties of the Valuation Office are the valuation of land and buildings for taxation purposes and valuation and negotiation in connection with hiring, purchase and disposal of land for various Government Departments and for local authorities. But there will soon be a considerable increase in work. Under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947, which comes into force on 1st July, 1948, the Valuation Office will have to value for compensation purposes all land in respect of which claims for loss of development value are made and will advise the Central Land Board on the amounts to be paid as "development charge." It is estimated that the work in connection with loss of development value will last for about five years and that at its peak it will require some 2,000 additional staff. The first instalment of this extra staff is being recruited in 1948–49 and this accounts for the increased numbers. I may add that under the Local Government Act, 1948, the work of valuation for rating purposes is to be transferred to the Valuation Office and when this takes place it will mean a further increase in staff.