The Presidential Address Richard Harbord CPFA FCCA IRRV (Hons) FIDP FBIM FRSA IRRV National President

They may be trouble ahead! The Institute Governance Membership Finance Local Government Finance Uncertainty is the keyword Will a labour Government make any difference? Local taxation – Council Tax – Non Domestic Rates Welfare Reform – Housing Benefit – Universal Credit – Council Tax Reduction – SFIS Enforcement reform – Interpretation of the regulations – Fees and charges Valuation The economy Europe

The Institute Governance Size of Council Council and Committee meetings Achieving change! Membership Needs to grow Back to basics New qualifications Finance

Local Government Finance Uncertainty is the theme Will a local authority go into administration? The next Autumn Statement will be interesting The deficit has been delegated to the poor and local government What will be the impact of a change of government?

Local Taxation - Council Tax The need for a revaluation Time for a wholesale review, not tinkering around the edges As a tax on domestic property it has been a resounding success, but A review is needed in the light of the wider reforms The impact of Council Tax Reduction

Local Taxation - Business Rates Dramatic change in England – Postponement of the revaluation – Rates retention – The new proposal rules – The Valuation Office Agency – The Review A stable element of financing local government in Northern Ireland with a revaluation in 2015 Scotland and Wales, no change, yet!

Welfare Reform Housing Benefit – Managing the changes – Local Government has delivered! Universal Credit – A situation report – National Audit Office Report – Public accounts Committee – The Wave One report! – The role of local government Single Fraud Investigation Service – Beware of Greeks bearing gifts!

Enforcement Reform Working in partnership with the public sector Interpretation of the new regulations Dealing with the vulnerable debtor Beware the media Fees and charges The education process Certification

Valuation The importance of a stable valuation profession in the current economic crisis Maintaining professional standards Enforcing integrity in the profession The foundation of economic recovery The European Union and the stimulation of property tax

European Valuation Standards It’s rightful place in the valuation world A position of prominence in the European Union The 2012 standards are now published The Recognised European Valuer (REV) is now established, and is credible measurement of quality European Mortgage Directive