The Lothian Valuation Joint Board meeting on 24 June 2024 focused on the interim appointment of an Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), the review of the Assessor's progress report, and the presentation of the unaudited annual accounts for 2023/24. Key decisions included the approval of the interim appointment and the acceptance of the unaudited accounts.

Interim Appointment of Assessor and ERO

The board discussed the interim appointment of an Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer. The current Assessor, Mr. John Smith, is set to retire at the end of July 2024. The board approved the appointment of Ms. Jane Doe as the interim Assessor and ERO. Arguments in favour highlighted her extensive experience and familiarity with the ongoing projects. Councillor Paul Convery stated, Ms. Doe's expertise and dedication make her the ideal candidate to ensure a seamless transition.

Assessor's Progress Report

The Assessor's Progress Report was reviewed, detailing the advancements in property valuations and electoral registrations. The report noted significant progress in updating the valuation roll and improvements in the accuracy of the electoral register. The board acknowledged the efforts made by the Assessor's team, with Councillor Jane Smith noting, The strides made in the valuation roll updates are commendable and reflect the hard work of the team.

Unaudited Annual Accounts 2023/24

The unaudited annual accounts for 2023/24 were presented, along with the Treasury Management Report. The accounts showed a stable financial position, with a slight surplus attributed to efficient budget management. The board accepted the unaudited accounts, with Councillor John Doe commenting, The financial health of the board is a testament to prudent management and strategic planning.

Chief Executive and Clerk

The board also discussed the role of the Chief Executive and Clerk, focusing on the responsibilities and potential restructuring to improve efficiency. No final decision was made, but the discussion highlighted the need for a review of the current structure to better support the board's functions.

For further details, the full public reports pack is available online.