NONE of the current rates assessors have the necessary professional qualifications to properly assess the value of a property, according to a former rates assessor – who has called for a professional to be employed to carry out valuations.
The Parishes and Government Review Panel recently questioned former rates assessor Edward Trevor about the current rates system, appeals process, and potential improvements.
Mr Trevor raised concerns that none of the current rates assessors have the necessary professional qualifications to properly assess the value of a property.
“The problem with the Island is that we have a minimum of 62 assessors covering very few properties,” he said.
“As far as I’m aware, there is not one assessor who has any idea of valuing property.”
Mr Trevor explained that assessments are based on outdated rental values from the early-2000s and that most assessors lack the experience or expertise to make accurate valuations – especially for non-domestic properties, which are “quite complicated”.
He suggested that a professional should be employed to oversee rates assessors and carry out both commercial and domestic valuations.
Consistency is needed when it comes to applying rates to ensure people are treated fairly, according to Mr Trevor.
“Rates are a tax, and all taxes should be fair – and the current system is not fair,” he said.
The former rates assessor said that “virtually nobody” understands the parish rate system and the terminology used.
“The public doesn’t understand it, and nor do the surveyors or estate agents on the island,” said Mr Trevor. “Virtually nobody understands it.”
He said that system based on a pounds value of a property would be more relatable and accessible.
Mr Trevor also emphasised the importance of a full, professional revaluation of all properties across the Island to ensure fairness in the rates system.
He suggested this revaluation should be conducted Island-wide “every 10 years” rather than on a parish-by-parish basis, and by qualified professionals rather than by volunteers or unqualified assessors.
Mr Trevor said that this would ensure that similar properties are assessed similarly regardless of location, helping to restore trust and equity in the parish rate system.
He added that consideration should be given to changing the law to allow parishes to have a domestic rate and a non-domestic rate, which would mirror the Island-wide rate.
