§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what steps are being taken by the Valuation Office to reduce delays in rating appeals; [13233]
(2) what the average delay is in valuation officers considering rating appeals (a) in each Valuation Office area and (b) nationally; [13232]
(3) if he will make a statement on the time taken before rating appeals are considered by the Valuation Office. [13234]
§ Ruth KellySo far during the current financial year, a total of 132,847 appeals against the 2000 rating lists have been settled and they took an average of 314 days to settle. The average for each group valuation office area is not readily available.
Rating appeals received by the Valuation Office Agency are considered immediately and categorised accordingly. Where there is a question of hardship (including foot and mouth related appeals) they are given priority. Others are allocated to published programmes, whereby they are dealt with by category and chronology.
The position is continually under review to ensure that appeals are considered as quickly as possible.