Purpose

The Government require each local authority to
provide an estimate of their Non-Domestic Rates income for each
financial year. This forecast includes a section to record
potential losses from rateable value appeals.
 
The SRP partners (Ipswich Borough Council,
Babergh District Council and Mid
Suffolk District Council) have used a company to undertake a
forensic analysis of the rating list to provide a forecast on the
potential losses from appeal, on a quarterly basis.
 
A contract was awarded to Wilks, Head and Eve,
via ESPO framework 2700-22 Estates Management, Professional
Services, to produce a NNDR appeals forecast to support the
completion of the NNDR 1 and NNDR 3 for Babergh, Ipswich and Mid Suffolk Councils. This
contract is due to expire on the 31/10/2025.
 
The original contract included the option to
extend for a further 12 months. This option was exercised with the
decision taken to extend the contract for a further 12 months to
the 31/10/2025.
 
This service remains a requirement of the
estimates provided to Government and the recommendation is to
therefore continue procuring the service for the next 2 financial
years The total cost is £17,500 per annum + VAT
(£35,000 in total) and is split as follows:
• Babergh
District Council - £5,500 + VAT
• Ipswich Borough Council - £6,500
+ VAT
• Mid Suffolk District Council -
£5,500 + VAT

Decision

To award a contract to Wilks Head and Eve for
a period of 2 years at a cost of
£35000.
 
Reason:
WHE are also providing a provision for East
& West Suffolk, this ensures consistency for the
NNDR rating pool.