§ Norman BakerTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what(a) assessment he has made and (b) representations he has received in relation to the valuation rating of gamebird (i) rearing and (ii) premises. [69026]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThe Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is the executive agency of the Inland Revenue that is responsible for preparing and maintaining rating lists. It has received representations from a number of bodies including Wales Opponents of Pheasant Shooting and Animal Aid requesting confirmation that specified game farms are assessed for non-domestic rates (NNDR).
1104WThe VOA has also been requested by the Game Farmers Association to ensure that their membership and others in the industry are all treated fairly in relation to non domestic rates.
Game farms have been assessed for NNDR in the 1990. 1995 and 2000 rating lists.
The Valuation Office Agency has undertaken various initiatives over recent years to identify this class of property and to enter them in the non-domestic rating lists. Where the valuation officer is aware of a property operating as a game farm and it is not assessed for non-domestic rates, then the circumstances are investigated.