Archive West Midlands
1970
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NNDR Legislative Update/Reval 2005
The Priory Rooms, Bull Lane, Birmingham - 11/11/2004
![NNDR Legislative Update/Reval 2005](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
NNDR Legislative Update/Reval 2005
1970
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Benefits - Best Practice
Faraday Wharf, Birmingham - 01/01/2005
![Benefits - Best Practice](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Benefits - Best Practice
2005
2020
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An update from the IRRV West Midlands Association
![An update from the IRRV West Midlands Association](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
Dear Association member,
It’s been some time since we’ve been in touch with you, so we’re bringing you an update on how we see things working for the remainder of the year.
Our annual AGM was due to take place in April, but in the circumstances the only option was to cancel. We also had to cancel the other events we had planned for the year. Fortunately, we were able to hold our dinner dance before lockdown – we were thinking of moving it to the summer, which with the benefit of hindsight would have been a very bad move!
However, now we’re more used to the “new normal” we are beginning to see opportunities to pick up where we left off, and looking at the possibility of organising virtual events using Zoom, Teams or similar. Please let us know if you have any ideas for events you’d like to see.
Office-holders of the Association as determined at last year’s AGM have remained in post for the time being, but we’re always keen to hear from anyone who would like to join the Executive Committee - if you're interested, just drop us an e-mail at irrvwma@googlemail.com.
This year's annual conference is going ahead, but will be an online-only event. The good news is that delegate passes will be free of charge to all IRRV individual members! (Non-members will be charged a modest fee.) For more details, see the letter to members from the President and the Chief Executive, and keep an eye on the annual conference webpage for information on how to book your place.
Best wishes to you all,
The Executive Committee
1970
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STOP PRESS!!! Next Event! 'Benefits - Topical Issues' 31st January 2008
![STOP PRESS!!! Next Event! 'Benefits - Topical Issues' 31st January 2008](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
We have arranged for two high profile speakers to deliver excellent presentations on topical Benefits issues.
The first speaker is Julie Holden, Senior Vice President of the IRRV and Head of Revenues and Benefits at Tandridge District Council. Julie will be speaking on recent commissioners decisions and the latest caselaw. A very practical and informative session for all Benefits practitioners!
The second session will be presented by Alan Sullivan from the Performance Development Team (PDT), formerly part of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate, now linked directly to the DWP. Alan will be known to many of you as he has spoken at a number of DWP roadshows and IRRV events in recent months. He will be covering aspects of the PDT's work in assisting Local Authorities to improve their Benefits performance. He will be able to provide contact details and information to help you to develop your Benefits Service.
If you are unable to attend the IRRV Benefits Conference in February, this is an excellent, not to be missed opportunity as it will be a highly informative, interesting and free seminar!
2015
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Dinner Dance, Saturday 30 January 2016
![Dinner Dance, Saturday 30 January 2016](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
The IRRV West Midlands Association’s annual dinner dance is being held at the Hilton Hotel, Bromsgrove on Saturday 30 January 2016.
Last year's event at the Ricoh Arena was a huge success, and we are looking forward to another great evening at the Hilton. If you decide to come, you can look forward to great food, great company and dancing till the early hours.
Full details can be found in the event flyer, including how to book overnight accommodation at a special reduced rate. Rooms are limited and will be allocated by the hotel on a first come first served basis.
If you intend to come, please e-mail us at irrvwma@googlemail.com as soon as you can, and return the booking form together with your payment to our treasurer, Margaret Elcocks,
We are sure you'll agree that at £28.00 per person, this event represents exceptionally good value!
The Association President and other members of the Executive Committee look forward to welcoming you to this great event.
2015
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Dinner Dance, Saturday 30 January 2016
![Dinner Dance, Saturday 30 January 2016](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
The IRRV West Midlands Association’s annual dinner dance is being held at the Hilton Hotel, Bromsgrove on Saturday 30 January 2016.
Last year's event at the Ricoh Arena was a huge success, and we are looking forward to another great evening at the Hilton. If you decide to come, you can look forward to great food, great company and dancing till the early hours.
Full details can be found in the event flyer, including how to book overnight accommodation at a special reduced rate. Rooms are limited and will be allocated by the hotel on a first come first served basis.
If you intend to come, please e-mail us at irrvwma@googlemail.com as soon as you can, and return the booking form together with your payment to our treasurer, Margaret Elcocks,
We are sure you'll agree that at £28.00 per person, this event represents exceptionally good value!
The Association President and other members of the Executive Committee look forward to welcoming you to this great event.
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President
Anne Bradbury IRRV (Hons)
![President](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Having worked for the DWP in Lichfield for 6 years and taking a break to have a family I joined Lichfield District Council in January 1990 as a Benefit Assessment Officer. I became Area Manager of Burntwood Local Office in 1998 before leaving to join South Staffordshire Council as Benefits Supervisor in February 2000. I moved to Bromsgrove District Council in July 2005 as Benefits Manager until November 2008 when I joined Solihull MBC as the Awards Manager which roles include Housing and Council Tax Benefit, Fraud, and Social Care Financial Assessments. I passed my final professional examinations and became a Corporate Member of the IRRV in 1999. I joined the West Midlands Association in 2000 which led me to taking the role of Education Liaison Officer for the past number of years. I was invited to commence tutoring and have tutored at the Dudley Educational Course for the past 7 years (including a time at Keele) in the Benefits Administration module. I became President of the West Midlands Association in March 2009. I enjoy all types of music but main love is Soul Music and Northern Soul.
Awards Manager
Solihull MBC
Tel no. 0121 704 6270
Email: abradbury@solihull.gov.uk
2007
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Seminar on Local Taxation and The Lyons Review
Birmingham City Council, Council Offices, Lancaster Circus, Birmingham.
![Seminar on Local Taxation and The Lyons Review](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Patrick left a career as an Accountant to join Central Government in 2000. He now heads up the Council Tax Policy Team at the DCLG. He has worked closely with a number of Authorities to ascertain what problems are encountered in collecting Local Taxation and is working quietly behing to scenes to try to change/amend legislation. He has also been leading on a working group on Data Protection with the aim of issuing better guidance to Local Authorities around what can and cannot be shared. He has the ear of government and will be happy to discuss all aspects of the Lyons Review, with reference to Local Taxation and related topics.
The afternoon session will commence with a buffet lunch at 1.30pm, kindly sponsored by Equita Ltd. The meeting will then commence at 2.30pm. It promises to be a well attended, informative talk, by a very much 'in the know' high profile speaker.
If you would like to attend this event, please advise Barry Powell by email. We would be grateful if you could confirm whether you will be arriving for lunch so that we can make the appropriate catering arrangements.
We hope to see as many of you as possible!
Barry Powell can be emailed at: Barry.powell@blueyonder.co.uk
2005
2020
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Annual dinner dance, Saturday 29 February 2020
![Annual dinner dance, Saturday 29 February 2020](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
For the fifth year running, the IRRV West Midlands Association’s annual dinner dance will be held at the Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa, formerly the Hilton Hotel at Bromsgrove, close to the M5 and M42.
The dress code is formal/black tie.
Tickets for the evening are again £30.00 per person, which includes
- a 3-course meal with wine, followed by tea/coffee
- after-dinner speeches of the highest quality (we hope!)
- an opportunity to win a raffle prize
- a disco
- a casino!
To secure your place(s), please complete and return the booking form as soon as possible. If you have any special dietary requirements or allergies, these can be catered for – just let us know on the form.
Accommodation
For those wishing to stay overnight, rooms are available at the discounted rate of £75 for a double room or £60 for a single room, to include breakfast, overnight parking, and use of the leisure facilities. Free cancellation is allowed up to the day of the event, and payment will only be taken when you arrive.
This special rate is only available by phoning 0161 923 0300 and quoting IRRV290220 - rates quoted on the web may look cheaper but will not include any of the additional items stated above, and may be non-cancellable and payable in full at the time of booking.
If you require further information, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
We look forward to welcoming friends old and new to what will be a great night!
Best wishes,
Neil Jinks
President
IRRV West Midlands Association
2020
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Annual dinner dance, Saturday 29 February 2020
![Annual dinner dance, Saturday 29 February 2020](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
For the fifth year running, the IRRV West Midlands Association’s annual dinner dance will be held at the Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa, formerly the Hilton Hotel at Bromsgrove, close to the M5 and M42.
The dress code is formal/black tie.
Tickets for the evening are again £30.00 per person, which includes
- a 3-course meal with wine, followed by tea/coffee
- after-dinner speeches of the highest quality (we hope!)
- an opportunity to win a raffle prize
- a disco
- a casino!
To secure your place(s), please complete and return the booking form as soon as possible. If you have any special dietary requirements or allergies, these can be catered for – just let us know on the form.
Accommodation
For those wishing to stay overnight, rooms are available at the discounted rate of £75 for a double room or £60 for a single room, to include breakfast, overnight parking, and use of the leisure facilities. Free cancellation is allowed up to the day of the event, and payment will only be taken when you arrive.
This special rate is only available by phoning 0161 923 0300 and quoting IRRV290220 - rates quoted on the web may look cheaper but will not include any of the additional items stated above, and may be non-cancellable and payable in full at the time of booking.
If you require further information, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
We look forward to welcoming friends old and new to what will be a great night!
Best wishes,
Neil Jinks
President
IRRV West Midlands Association
1970
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Record Number of Students in 2008/09!!
![Record Number of Students in 2008/09!!](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The courses will commence with a student day for all students on the 14th October 2008. The course will then commence the following week (timetable to be confirmed) and will run on a weekly basis through to the end of May 2009.
If anyone is interested in joining one of our courses but have not yet registered their details, please do so as soon as possible by emailing our Education Liaison Officer, Anne Bradbury at a.bradbury@bromsgrove.gov.uk or ring her on 01527 881238.
It's going to be a great year so why don't you or your staff join in! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we will send you all the details of this year's course.
In addition to the change in venue, the syllabus is also changing this year. Following consultation, the new syllabus sees the removal of the subject Local Authority Administrative Framework. The syllabus for the 2008/09 course will be comprised of the following:
Council Tax Law (Compulsory)
Benefits Law (Compulsory)
Revenues and Benefits Administration (Compulsory)
NNDR Law or Fraud Law (choose 1 from these subjects)
Each topic is being revised and will have a greater focus on the legislation that all practitioners need to be familiar with. The course is designed to be the Foundation level for the IRRV qualifications.
Advanced legislation and management/human resource related skills will feature in the next level of the IRRV qualifications. The new format of the full corporate qualification is still to be agreed, but it is expected to change from 2009/10.
The changes will continue to give employers the opportunity to support their staff in achieving professional qualifications within the Revenues, Benefits and Valuation profession. Initial discussions suggest that the new course will have three levels, each taking approximately 9 months to complete, as they do currently. (September to end of May)
Proposals for the new format of the IRRV Professional Qualifications (levels 2 & 3 still to be agreed) are as follows:
1) Foundation Level - The Level 3 Certificate
2) IRRV Diploma - Management skills and advanced technical knowledge & legislation
3) IRRV Honours – Degree standard – To apply all knowledge attained in years 1 & 2 and to complete a thesis. This level will be equivalent to the current IRRV full corporate qualification and will teach the skills required to reach a senior position within Revenues, Benefits and/or Valuation.
We will keep you informed on the future development of the qualifications. Once the proposals have been consulted upon and finalised, a formal announcement will be made by the IRRV Chief Executive, David Magor.
In the meantime, if you have any questions about IRRV education or the West Midlands Association please do not hesitate to contact me (Sue Williams-Lee) at: swl001@msn.com
2008
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Benefits Key Lines of Enquiry - Feedback from Inspection
South Staffordshire District Council Offices
![Benefits Key Lines of Enquiry - Feedback from Inspection](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
1970
1970
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New West Midlands President - Anne Bradbury
![New West Midlands President - Anne Bradbury](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Immediate past President Sue Williams-Lee welcomed Association members to the meeting. During her annual report Sue highlighted the events that had taken place throughout the year. The Meeting at South Staffordshire in September 08 and the Mock Tribunal held in November 08 which followed the West Midlands forum were very well attended. We plan to continue our joint meetings with the forum throughout 2009/10.
Sue paid tribute to the work done by Anne Bradbury and collegues on the Education side. We have 40 students this year and are running two separate courses at Brierley Hill and Coventry. New tutors have joined this year and Sue thanked all tutors for their excellent work and comittment to providing the IRRV Qualifications in this area.
Dee Bough, Treasurer of the Association, then presented the accounts. Dee reported that the Accounts for 2006/07 and 2007/08 have been finalised, and the 2008/09 accounts are fully up to date.. The accounts for 06/07 and 07/08 will be audited shortly.
The officers of the committee were then elected. Sue proposed that Anne Bradbury should become the new President and this was supported by the Association Members. Anne has worked very hard for the Association over a number of years and has been an excellent Education Liaison Officer. The remaining officer roles were agreed as follows:
President - Anne Bradbury
Senior Vice President - Julie Trahern
Treasurer - Dee Bough (Treasury & Social sub commitee -(Dee Bough, Bob Trahern, Nicki Begley & Barry Powell)
Secretary - Julie Trahern (Secretariat Sub committee Julie Trahern, Sue Williams-Lee, John Hewitson, Sarah Morgan and Andrew Ludwig)
Assistant Secretary - Sue Williams-Lee
Education Liaison Officer - Margaret Elcocks (Education Sub committee Maragret Elcocks, Jan Evans, Anne Bradbury, Amrik)
Information Officers - Sue Williams-Lee & Andrew Ludwig
Social Officer - Bob Trahern
Committee Members - John Hewitson, Barry Powell, Jan Evans, Mike Shaw, Nicki Begley, Sarah Morgan, Andrew Ludwig, Amrik,
Council Members - Bob Trahern, Julie Trahern, Alan Traynor
2009
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West Midlands Association Dinner Dance
Telford Golf & Spa Hotel, Shropshire
![West Midlands Association Dinner Dance](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
This year's West Midlands Association dinner dance will be held on Saturday 9th October 2010. Details can be found on the attached document.
Get your tickets now as this promises to be a great night!
1970
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West Midlands Association Annual Dinner Dance
![West Midlands Association Annual Dinner Dance](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The evening will commence with a drinks reception at 6.45pm, where photographs will be taken, followed by a fabulous candle lit 3 course dinner. Speeches will follow where we will formally welcome our distinguished guests....then it is time to let your hair down and party, with dancing till the early hours!
The dress code for the evening will be formal. Further details, and invitations to the dinner will be issued shortly and we warmly welcome friends and colleagues from all Associations.
The venue for this event is easily accessible and is approximately 100 yards from the M69 Hinckley junction on the A5. Further details can be found on the Paramount Hotels website: http://www.paramount-hotels.co.uk/destinations/central_england/hinckley_island_hotel
Tickets for the dinner will be £28.00 per person and accommodation is available at reduced rates.
For further details please contact Sue Williams-Lee on 01455 255625 or Barry Powell on 07899 021 672 or email Sue on sue.williams-lee@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk
1970
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A Truly Inspirational Day!!
![A Truly Inspirational Day!!](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The event was very well attended by representatives from Local Authorities and colleagues from the private sector. The day was varied and informative. Bob Trahern, the IRRV National President and Assistant Director of Revenues & Benefits at NWBC opened the day with a presentation on the North Warwickshire journey to excellence.
Bob spoke about the progress that North Warwickshire BC has made since he joined them in 2000. He described how he, with the support and hard work of his team were able to bring about a cultural change within Revenues and Benefits. In the first few years the approach taken was very much focused on Performance Management. This ethos soon became the norm and now the sections have excellent team spirit and a will to succeed in all that they do. They put the customer at the heart of everything they do.
The next three sessions were presented by Bob's management team, Jane Hayward (Benefits), Mike Shaw (Revenues) and Jude Smith (Customer Services). All three gave informative, down to earth presentations which were interesting and inspiring. They have all made great strides to improve their service to the customer and proactively work with partner agencies to provide an excellent 'holistic' service for the local community.
The second part of the day included a tour of the new One-Stop shop Customer Services Centre, a demonstration of Mobile Technology and a presentation given by Acorn on becoming an IRRV NVQ Assessment Centre.
The final speaker of the day was Mandy Shine from the New Way Credit Union. Mandy gave a lively and enthusiastic presentation on the excellent work of the Credit Union.
All slides from the day can be accessed from the links below.
2014
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Association meeting, 19 May 2014: Rates Retention - The Early Lessons
![Association meeting, 19 May 2014: Rates Retention - The Early Lessons](default.jpg)
The West Midlands Association’s first event of 2014/15 took place at the offices of BNP Paribas at Colmore Row in Birmingham on 19 May, when Simon Horsington spoke to us on the subject of rates retention and lessons learned from the first year.
In the first half he set the scene, describing the combined effect of the new funding arrangements and welfare reform as the “biggest changes for revenues and benefits in 30 years” – a statement few would disagree with! He also referred to the need for authorities to ensure they take into account the need to satisfy the Equality Act and Best Value when making changes to the way they operate. In the second half, he went into the practical steps authorities need to take to ensure they maximise their rate income, including ensuring staff have the necessary skills and all rateable properties are identified and notified to the VOA. We were particularly impressed with his understanding of the numbering system used by one company for its advertising rights on bus shelters - he may not keep the individual numbers in a notebook in his anorak pocket, but he clearly knows his stuff! After the meeting some of us were seeing advertising rights, ATMs and radio masts everywhere, and one of us now looks out from the top deck of the 33 bus every morning for anything that might have been missed!
2019
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VULNERABILITY with Bob Trahern and David Grimes
![VULNERABILITY with Bob Trahern and David Grimes](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
Our next event will take place on the afternoon of Thursday 14 November 2019 at 10 Woodcock Street, Birmingham B7 4BL.
The issue of vulnerability has very much come to the fore in the world of revenues and benefits in recent times, and we are pleased to have secured the services of two experts in the field to address our members, friends and colleagues on the subject.
Bob Trahern was recently appointed Business Development Director for Marston Holdings, and has worked in the world of revenues in both the public and private sectors for over 35 years. Before taking up his current role, he led a multi-award winning team at North Warwickshire Borough Council where he had responsibility for a range of functions including revenues, benefits, fraud, financial inclusion, health and wellbeing and all aspects of customer access and engagement, including outreach services and its nationally acclaimed food hub. A past National President of the IRRV (2007-08) and President of our Association (1998-99), Bob has served on National Council since 2000 in a variety of roles. He is a frequent speaker at seminars and conferences, and has served as an adviser to central government on a range of issues.
The title of Bob's talk is Engaging with the Hard-To Reach – A Focus on Your Customer.
David Grimes is Head of Training and Development at High Court Enforcement Group, and has more than 25 years’ experience in civil enforcement. He has designed and delivered training programmes to national awarding body-accredited and regulatory standards to call centre staff, enforcement agents, local authority personnel, solicitors and paralegals on topics including taking control of goods, vulnerability, warrants of arrest and control, and commercial rent arrears recovery.
The title of David's talk is Vulnerability, Mental Health and Enforcement.
Tea and coffee will be available from 1.30 p.m.The event proper will begin at 2 p.m., and end between 4 and 4.15 p.m.
The event programme is available here.
This is a free event and open to members and non-members.
I would also draw your attention to an all-day vulnerability event organised by the IRRV Yorkshire & District Association that takes place in Harrogate on Wednesday 27 November - for further details, click here.
Don’t forget that our annual dinner dance takes place on Saturday 29 February 2020 at the Bromsgrove Hotel & Spa. Further details will be circulated shortly.
2019
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VULNERABILITY with Bob Trahern and David Grimes
![VULNERABILITY with Bob Trahern and David Grimes](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
Our next event will take place on the afternoon of Thursday 14 November 2019 at 10 Woodcock Street, Birmingham B7 4BL.
The issue of vulnerability has very much come to the fore in the world of revenues and benefits in recent times, and we are pleased to have secured the services of two experts in the field to address our members, friends and colleagues on the subject.
Bob Trahern was recently appointed Business Development Director for Marston Holdings, and has worked in the world of revenues in both the public and private sectors for over 35 years. Before taking up his current role, he led a multi-award winning team at North Warwickshire Borough Council where he had responsibility for a range of functions including revenues, benefits, fraud, financial inclusion, health and wellbeing and all aspects of customer access and engagement, including outreach services and its nationally acclaimed food hub. A past National President of the IRRV (2007-08) and President of our Association (1998-99), Bob has served on National Council since 2000 in a variety of roles. He is a frequent speaker at seminars and conferences, and has served as an adviser to central government on a range of issues.
The title of Bob's talk is Engaging with the Hard-To Reach – A Focus on Your Customer.
David Grimes is Head of Training and Development at High Court Enforcement Group, and has more than 25 years’ experience in civil enforcement. He has designed and delivered training programmes to national awarding body-accredited and regulatory standards to call centre staff, enforcement agents, local authority personnel, solicitors and paralegals on topics including taking control of goods, vulnerability, warrants of arrest and control, and commercial rent arrears recovery.
The title of David's talk is Vulnerability, Mental Health and Enforcement.
Tea and coffee will be available from 1.30 p.m.The event proper will begin at 2 p.m., and end between 4 and 4.15 p.m.
The event programme is available here.
This is a free event and open to members and non-members.
I would also draw your attention to an all-day vulnerability event organised by the IRRV Yorkshire & District Association that takes place in Harrogate on Wednesday 27 November - for further details, click here.
Don’t forget that our annual dinner dance takes place on Saturday 29 February 2020 at the Bromsgrove Hotel & Spa. Further details will be circulated shortly.
2014
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Tuesday 16 September 2014 - insolvency, enforcement and avoidance
![Tuesday 16 September 2014 - insolvency, enforcement and avoidance](default.jpg)
The next Association event is to be held on the afternoon of Tuesday 16 September 2014 at 3.30 p.m. at the offices of BNP Paribas Real Estate at 9 Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2BJ. The speakers will be Matthew Whyatt and John Lee.
Matthew is a partner in the Corporate Recovery and Insolvency Department of JMW Solicitors LLP.
Qualified since 2008, he worked as an in-house solicitor at Bury Council for 18 months which helped him gain a good understanding of the needs of local authorities. Since then, he has acted for numerous authorities in insolvency matters and has helped them recover substantial amounts in unpaid business rates. He is currently acting for all Manchester councils in one capacity or another, and a number of London councils including Camden. He is also acting for the liquidators investigating the Public Safety Charitable Trust and the Life Foundation Trust, and for a number of councils taking joint action which may prove to be the biggest such case to date.
John is head of the local authority unit at Horsfields Financial Consultants and Insolvency Practitioners.
A chartered accountant and licensed insolvency practitioner, he has many years' practical experience in all forms of insolvency including liquidation, receivership, administration and voluntary arrangements, and has been appointed trustee in bankruptcy in more than 1,000 cases in the last 20 years.
A corporate member of the IRRV with particular expertise in the field of local authority debt recovery, he is also a member of the Association of Business Recovery Professionals (R3) and currently sits on their General Technical Committee, Personal Insolvency Committee and North West Regional Committee.
Issues to be covered include:
� creditors’ rights in each type of insolvency process;
� pre-pack administrations;
� investigations to make directors personally liable;
� misuse of prohibited names (phoenix trading);
� avoidance, and how to tackle it head on;
� what to do if the landlord is based offshore.
They are happy to tailor their talk to suit their audience, so if there are particular issues you’d like them to cover please let us know and we’ll pass on your requests.
If you'd like to come and haven't yet reserved your place, please e-mail us as soon as possible at irrvwma@googlemail.com.
1970
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Successful Student's Presented with Certificates
![Successful Student's Presented with Certificates](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The student event took place in the afternoon on 3rd October. It was very well attended and everyone agreed that it was a great success! Organiser Anne Bradbury, the West Midlands Association Education Liaison Officer, arranged for VIP speakers to come and talk to the 2007/08 technician students about a variety of topical issues.
The first speaker, 2006/07 National President Allan Traynor, was welcomed to the event by West Midlands President Sue Williams-Lee. Allan spoke of the work of the IRRV and described the many benefits which members of te IRRV can gain by becoming involved with the Institute and the Associations. The networking opportunities are extremely valuable and it enables those working within the Revenues, Benefits and Valuation fields to stay up to dates with topical issues within the profession. He encouraged all attendees to support local/national IRRV events and wished the students well in their endeavours to achieve their technician qualification.
The second speaker, the Senior Vice President (Now President) of the IRRV, Bob Trahern, spoke enthusiastically and took the students on a 'Magical Mystery Tour of Revenues & Benefits'. He had already experienced a Magical Mystery Tour that day, after getting lost and visiting 5 different colleges before finding the Brierley Hill Campus! Bob talked in detail about a number of relevant Revenues & Benefits issues facing the profession including, the government's efficiency agenda; shared services; work life balance; local government funding and much more. It certainly gave everyone in the room much food for thought.
The final speaker of the day was Lesley Dunn from Coventry City Council, who gave an interesting and inspiring talk about Coventry City's work on Social Inclusion. Coventry were the 2006 winners of the 'Excellence in Social Inclusion' performance award and have achieved the pinacle of success in this area. The students learnt much from the presentation and at the end watched a DVD which recapped on the outreach work and innovative service delivery methods which have contributed to their success in the field of social inclusion.
The final duty of the day gave much pleasure to all members of the West Midlands Executive Committee, many of them tutors on the technician course, as each successful student from the 2006/07 academic year was invited to come up and receive their Certificate from the National President, Allan Traynor. They did incredibly well and gave encouragement and increased determination to the new students as they embark on the 2007/08 technician course.
1970
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Executive Committee Meetings for 2008/09
![Executive Committee Meetings for 2008/09](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The West Midlands Executive committee will be holding a meeting on 21st July to discuss plans for the re-development of the Association. At the meeting, Sue Williams-Lee, President of the West Midlands Association, will feedback on the discussions held at recent Association Representative Meetings on a number of Local and National issues. These include; plans for the development of the Association web pages, changes to the IRRV corporate qualification and revisions to the Level Three Certificate (formerly the Technician qulaification) syllabus which will take effect from October 08. The West Midlands Association organise and run the very popular Level Three Certificate qualification from Dudley College. This will again be running from October 2008. The details will be agreed on 21st July and details will be shown on the website in early August.
A schedule of dates for future Executive Committee meetings will be agreed in addition to discussing our approach to the programme of events which we intend to run thoughout 2008/09. We aim to run a series of events throughout the year which it is hoped will be of interest to West Midlands members and colleagues. It is hoped that the programme will commence in September/October 2008. We would very much welcome input from West Midlands members on which topics you would like us to cover. This is an opportunity to provide some excellent training events, for all levels of staff, in addition to technical seminars. These events will help to keep members up to date with their knowledge and they will also contribute towards their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). All feedback and ideas can be sent to Sue. Just click on the email links at the bottom of this page or telephone her on 01530 454733.
2009
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Maximising Council and Customer Income (Alison McGrory) - 25th June 2009 - Joint Meeting with IRRV Forum
![Maximising Council and Customer Income (Alison McGrory) - 25th June 2009 - Joint Meeting with IRRV Forum](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The West Midlands meeting will commence in the afternnoon following the IRRV Forum hosted by David Airey.
David will give his Revenues & Benefits technical update in the morning. Lunch will follow, then a member of John Viggers team at the DWP will be giving a Benefits related presentation.
This will be followed by a presentation by Alison McGrory, Income and Awards Business Manager, Solihull MBC on Maximising Council and Customer Income. This will showcase the work they have done in the Benefits arena around Value for Money.
An Executive Committee Meeting will follow the afternoon sessions.
2007
1970
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West Midlands Association - 2007 Summer Ball A HUGE SUCCESS!!!
![West Midlands Association - 2007 Summer Ball A HUGE SUCCESS!!!](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The dinner was held at the Paramount Hinckley Island Hotel, Hinckley, on Saturday 9th June 2007. The event had a Summer Ball theme. Beautiful Spring flowers, colourful balloons and sparkling confetti decorated the tables. Guests were presented with small gifts, individual pink orchids for the ladies and boxes of chocolates for the gentlemen.
Association President, Sue Williams-Lee, welcomed in excess of 80 guests to the Ball. Special guests included IRRV Director David Magor and his wife Liz, Senior Vice President Bob Trahern and his partner Julie Childs, Lancashire & Cheshire Association President Angela Storey and her husband Dean and East Midlands President Roy Thompson and his partner Cathy Cave.
The Association could not have entertained their guests without the incredible support of all their sponsors: Equita, Capita Local Government Services, Civica, Moore Stephens, Newlyn Collection Services, Hayeswater Consultancy Ltd, Jacobs Certificated Bailiffs, Experian, IBS Open Systems, Dukes Bailiffs, Northgate Information Solutions, Rossendales, Bristow & Sutor, Phillips Collection Services, Vertex, Data Discoveries, Co-operative Bank, RB Solutions and Service Birmingham. Many thanks go to them for their continuing committment to IRRV events.
Sue paid particular tribute to the amazing work undertaken by the dinner dance organising committee in achieving such a wonderful evening. The room looked amazing, owing much to their artistic talents! They worked very hard and their efforts were very much appreciated! So a big thank you is due to Margaret Elcocks, Jan Evans, Jane Hayward and Barry Powell.
Many thanks also go to Kevin Stewart and Paul Evans, who kindly took the photographs during the evening. A link to the photos will be added to the bottom of this page shortly.
Following the meal, guests were entertained with speeches from Sue Williams-Lee West Midlands Association President, National Senior Vice President Bob Trahern and East Midlands Association Vice President Alistair Townsend. Bob had very kindly stepped in at short notice to represent National President Alan Traynor, who, unfortunately, due to family reasons was unable to attend. Many thanks go to Bob and Alistair for kindly agreeing to speak at the dinner.
During Sue's speech, presentations of flowers and gifts were made to special guests of the Association. Sue paid tribute to Immediate Past President, Barry Powell. She thanked him for all his hard work as President of the West Midlands Association and for his continuing support of local members. Barry also presented Sue with a lovely bouquet of flowers, which she was thrilled about!!
Sue's special guests were her Mum and two of her closest friends. Sue thanked them all for attending, and for their much appreciated, unstinting friendship, love and support.
Sarah Morgan, a member of the West Midlands Executive Committee, was congratulated by Sue for passing her final exams and becoming a full corporate member of the IRRV. Very well done Sarah!!
After the speeches, an raffle, sponsored by Hayeswater Consultancy Ltd, took place. There were many excellent prizes on offer! The proceeds, amounting to £302, will go to the Arthritis Research Council, the President's chosen charity.
The evening continued with dancing to fantastic live band 'NEO', concluding with bacon butties at midnight (brilliantly negotiated by Jan Evans!) then an hour of dancing to disco music before many guests retreated to the bar area where they reminisced in to the early hours.
Roll on next year!!! Details of next year's event will appear in the next few weeks!
2019
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Monday 15 April 2019: IRRV National President Louise Freeth on
![Monday 15 April 2019: IRRV National President Louise Freeth on](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
IRRV National President Louise Freeth has found time in her very busy schedule to speak to our members (and non-member colleagues) on the afternoon of Monday 15 April 2019 at the offices of DWF LLP at One Snowhill, Birmingham.
Louise is currently Head of Revenues and Benefits at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. She has gained experience in a range of roles within local authorities and the private sector, most recently as Change and Service Development Manager at Liberata where she worked with a range of clients on the Welfare Reforms and Fraud and Error Initiatives.
She is a Fellow member of the IRRV, a regular public speaker at conferences, past President of the London & Home Counties Association, writes a regular technical benefit column for the IRRV benefit magazine, and remains active in education and training at a variety of levels on subjects for the IRRV professional qualifications. She is also a member of the IRRV’s Benefits Faculty Board and Education & Membership Committee, and has assisted with the Inspection process for Performance Awards in various categories.
The title of her talk gives her a wide remit to cover all manner of issues relating to revenues, benefits and welfare reform.
There will be time for questions at the end, but if there’s anything specific you would like Louise to cover in her talk, by all means let me know and I’ll pass on your request.
The talk will begin around 2.30 p.m. followed by Q&A.
The venue for the meeting is yet to be confirmed, but will be in central Birmingham.
If you intend coming, please e-mail us at irrvwma@googlemail.com as soon possible by so we have an idea of numbers.
This event is free to all, and open to members and non-members, so please feel free to forward details to non-member colleagues. This is an ideal opportunity to hear from an expert in her field, and for those interested in joining and/or supporting the Institute to find out what we’re all about and how we can help you achieve your goals.
Hope to see as many of you as possible on the day!
2019
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Monday 15 April 2019: IRRV National President Louise Freeth on
![Monday 15 April 2019: IRRV National President Louise Freeth on](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
IRRV National President Louise Freeth has found time in her very busy schedule to speak to our members (and non-member colleagues) on the afternoon of Monday 15 April 2019 at the offices of DWF LLP at One Snowhill, Birmingham.
Louise is currently Head of Revenues and Benefits at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. She has gained experience in a range of roles within local authorities and the private sector, most recently as Change and Service Development Manager at Liberata where she worked with a range of clients on the Welfare Reforms and Fraud and Error Initiatives.
She is a Fellow member of the IRRV, a regular public speaker at conferences, past President of the London & Home Counties Association, writes a regular technical benefit column for the IRRV benefit magazine, and remains active in education and training at a variety of levels on subjects for the IRRV professional qualifications. She is also a member of the IRRV’s Benefits Faculty Board and Education & Membership Committee, and has assisted with the Inspection process for Performance Awards in various categories.
The title of her talk gives her a wide remit to cover all manner of issues relating to revenues, benefits and welfare reform.
There will be time for questions at the end, but if there’s anything specific you would like Louise to cover in her talk, by all means let me know and I’ll pass on your request.
The talk will begin around 2.30 p.m. followed by Q&A.
If you intend coming, please e-mail us at irrvwma@googlemail.com as soon possible by so we have an idea of numbers.
This event is free to all, and open to members and non-members, so please feel free to forward details to non-member colleagues. This is an ideal opportunity to hear from an expert in her field, and for those interested in joining and/or supporting the Institute to find out what we’re all about and how we can help you achieve your goals.
Hope to see as many of you as possible on the day!
2014
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Enforcement changes - Association meeting, Tuesday 8 April 2014
![Enforcement changes - Association meeting, Tuesday 8 April 2014](Coventry.jpg)
The West Midlands Association is hosting an event on 8 April 2014 at Coventry City Council - a session not to be missed!
We have two excellent speakers who will be able to give you the local authority point of view of and that of enforcement agents on the changes coming into force this April.
Janice Evans started work in revenues in 1974 and is currently Head of Revenues at Coventry City Council. She is an active member of the Association and lectures on behalf of the IRRV on council tax.
Paul Sharpe is a certificated bailiff and a director of Equita bailiffs. He is an active member of the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA, formerly the Enforcement Services Association) and regularly assists the IRRV, giving talks on enforcement matters at the Collection and Enforcement Conference and Annual Conference.
Are you ready for the biggest changes to enforcement for over 300 years?
- Do you know what is expected of local authorities?
- Do you know what is expected of your enforcement agents?
- Do you know the Ministry of Justice’s view?
If like many of us you are not sure of the answers to these questions, then book your place on this event - but spaces are limited, so book now by e-mailing us at irrvwma@googlemail.com!
1970
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West Midlands Association Annual Dinner Dance 2008
![West Midlands Association Annual Dinner Dance 2008](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Continuing the success of West Midlands Association events in previous years, we are very pleased to invite you to the 2008/09 annual 'black tie' dinner dance. We warmly welcome you to this year's event which is particularly special for the Association as our own Bob Trahern, a member of the West Midlands Executive Committee for many years, is the 2007/08 IRRV National President.
In 2008 the dinner will be held at a new venue, the 4* deluxe Telford Golf and Spa Hotel in Shropshire. We are offering excellent value for money as the ticket prices are only £20 per person, which includes a three course dinner with wine and a disco. Tickets are available for current students at a reduced amount of £10 each for them and their partner.
On a first come first served basis we are offering a game of golf on the afternoon of the 17th May for £5.00 per person. We are also giving a £15.00 Spa voucher for ladies to use at the hotel's luxury spa.
The links below contain an invitation to the dinner with full details of the event, golf and spa treatment vouchers, a booking form and information regarding the hotel and it's location/facilities.
Please return all booking forms with full payment to Julie Childs by the 10th May 2008. Her contact details are shown on the booking form.
We look forward to seeing you all on what we are sure will be a hugely enjoyable evening!
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Vice President
Cathy Hipkin IRRV
![Vice President](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Cathy started her career in Local Government in 1976 as a finance clerk in the Rates Section at Breckland District Council. She became Snr Rating Officer in 1987 and worked on the implementation of Community Charge before leaving to take up the post of Community Charge Manager with Forest Heath District Council in 1990.
She qualified as a Corporate Member of the IRRV in 1997 and shortly afterwards took on the role of Revenues and Benefits Contract Manager. In 1998 she became Head of Revenues and Benefit Services at South Norfolk Council and worked at the authority for 4 years before moving to the East Midlands to become Head of Income and Debt Management at Kettering Borough Council. In 2002 she moved to Coventry City Council as Head of Revenues and Benefits.
Cathy now works as a Consultant for Broadlands Consulting in Lichfield.
Contact Details:
mailto:cathyhipkin@broadlandsconsulting.com
Mobile: 07942 817053
1970
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A Fantastic Night!
![A Fantastic Night!](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
This year's dinner was hosted by West Midlands President, Sue Williams-Lee. Sue commenced her second year as President and was very pleased to welcome everyone to such a well attended event.
The evening commenced at 7pm with a drinks reception in the private bar of the hotel's Coalport Suite. Formal photographs were taken of the President and her guests. Her guests included the National President Bob Trahern and his fiance and fellow council member Julie Childs, the IRRV Chief Executive David Magor and his wife Liz, Irrv Deputy Chief Executive Gary Watson, Sue's Mum Pam Williams, her close friend and former Hinckley & Bosworth B.C. colleague Kay Walster, Clare Jenkins Lancashire & Cheshire President and Alistair Townsend East Midlands President. (Photos will be attached shortly)
An excellent 3 course dinner was followed by a presentation of the golf prizes by Andy Rose from Bristow & Sutor, the main sponsors of the dinner, then toasts and speeches by Sue, Bob and Gary. Sue did her best impression of Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow (but without the floods of tears) and thanked everyone for coming to the dinner and for the brilliant organisation of the event by Bob and Julie. It is not every Association that can say their dinner was organised by the National President! Sue thanked all the sponsors for their ongoing support and for making the evening possible. She also thanked the Executive Committee for their excellent support during her first year as President and expressed her hopes that her second year will see the Association regaining their previous strength and momentum to provide support to the local membership and contribute to the future development of the Institute as a whole. Sue presented flowers to her Mum, Julie and Liz and presented Bob with a gift from the Association for his excellent work as part of the West Midlands Association and for the fantastic job he is doing as IRRV National President. The West Midlands Association are all very proud of him and his achievements.
Sue paid tribute to the wonderful, unstinting support of her Mum and Dad and to Kay who is a great friend. Sue had employed a 'script writer' (Gary Watson) to help her with her speech but an hour before the dinner the writer had dropped the script in the bath so she nervously made it up as she went along! In doing so she did not take the opportunity to thank Gary for his amazing support and kindness, which is constant, and for which she is very grateful.
Sue talked about her chosen Charity which for the second year is the Arthritis Research Campaign. A link to the Charity's website is shown below. Sue was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 11 and knows at first hand how this illness can affect both young and old alike. Later on in the evening a raffle was held which raised a fantastic £525. All proceeds will go to Sue's charity.
Bob responded to Sue's toast to the Institute and gave a speech which highlighted all the previous IRRV presidents who had been members of the West Midlands Association. Bob described how proud he was to now be a part of this group and to be representing the Institute as their National President. He also paid tribute to David and Gary for inspiring him throughout his IRRV career.
Gary responded on behalf of the guests and gave a very entertaining speech, which included humourous anecdotes about his new role as Deputy Chief Executive of the IRRV. He also spoke about Bob and Sue and paid touching tributes to both, closing with a toast to the West Midlands Association.
The evening ended with dancing till 1pm, during which, Bob's theme song 'Reach' was played and everyone joined in with the dance moves! It was a great end to a hugely entertaining evening and we hope to see everyone there again next year.
1970
1970
2009
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Inter Association Golf Tournament
Worksop
![Inter Association Golf Tournament](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Teams from all Associations will battle it out to win the 2009 Inter Association cup. If you are a member if the West Midlands Association and a keen golfer we want to hear from you! Please contact Barry Powell on 07899 021672 to register your interest.
1970
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Shared Services Seminar - Speaker Bob Trahern IRRV
![Shared Services Seminar - Speaker Bob Trahern IRRV](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The West Midlands Association had not visited Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council before but it's highly convenient and accessible location made it an excellent venue for West Midlands members and Revenues & Benefits colleagues who attended the meeting on Shared Services on Wednesday 21st March 2007.
Bob Trahern, IRRV Senior Vice President, National Council Member and Member of the West Midlands Executive Committee gave an excellent paper. He is highly knowledgeable in this area and delivered a thought provoking, informative presentation on what is, for all practitioners an immediate concern as they face the challenges ahead in terms of meeting the Gershon agenda and the Government's demand for improved, cost efficient, service delivery in 'transactional' service areas such as Revenues and Benefits.
Bob's presentation detailed many of the partnerships and collaborations which are currently in operation and those where announcements are imminent in terms of the commencement of their shared service agreements. Bob's slides will be available to download shortly. They provide valuable insight and information for those already affected by the Shared Services agenda and those who are currently considering their options.
Our thanks go to all who attended the meeting, we are sure they will have been impressed by the quality of the presentation and we hope to see them, and other public/private sector colleagues at future events. The 2007/08 programme of events will be discussed at the first Executive Committee meeting in April 2007, publication of the programme will then be placed on the Association web pages shortly afterwards.
2014
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West Midlands Association dinner dance with a difference!
![West Midlands Association dinner dance with a difference!](default.jpg)
The West Midlands Association celebrated in October last with their annual dinner dance, held at the Ricoh arena in Coventry. The venue was excellent and the food superb, with the disco going on until one o’clock – but it didn’t end there, as the added bonus was a casino on site, where many of us had a flutter� and some even won!
We would like to thank Institute Chief Executive David Magor, Immediate Past President Dave Chapman, all our sponsors and our guests for their support and attendance at a very enjoyable evening full of fun, laughter and many fond memories.
Amrik Boghan IRRV
IRRV West Midlands President
Click here to see the photos!
2008
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Executive Committee Meeting
North West Leicestershire D.C.'s Offices
![Executive Committee Meeting](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The West Midlands Executive committee will be holding a meeting on 21st July to discuss plans for the re-development of the Association.
At the executive meeting, Sue Williams-Lee, President of the West Midlands Association, will feedback on the discussions held at recent Association Representative Meetings on a number of Local and National issues. These include; plans for the development of the Association web pages, changes to the IRRV corporate qualification and revisions to the Level Three Certificate (formerly the Technician qulaification) syllabus which will take effect from October 08.
The West Midlands Association organise and run the very popular Level Three Certificate qualification from Dudley College. This will again be running from October 2008. The details will be agreed on 21st July and details will be shown on the website in early August.
A schedule of dates for future Executive Committee meetings will be agreed in addition to agreeing our approach to the 2008/09 programme of events which we intend to run thoughout 2008/09 for our local members and colleagues. It is hoped that the programme will commence in September/October 2008. We would very much welcome input from West Midlands members on which topics you would like us to cover. This is an opportunity to provide some excellent training events for all levels of staff and technical seminars which will help to keep members up to date with their knowledge and contribute towards their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
All feedback and ideas can be sent to Sue. Just click on the email links at the bottom of this page or telephone her on 01530 454733.
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Immediate Past President & Assistant Secretary
Sue Williams-Lee IRRV (Hons)
![Immediate Past President & Assistant Secretary](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Sue started work with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) in 1991 as a Community Charge Assistant. During her employment with HBBC she took on a variety of roles including NNDR billing, Direct Debit and System Administration. She took on the role of Revenues & Enforcement Team Leader in 2003 and in July 2005 became Deputy Revenues Manager. In September 2007, Sue left HBBC and is now Head of Revenues & Benefits at North West Leicestershire District Council.
Sue became a fully qualified member of the IRRV in 2002 and joined the West Midlands Executive Committee shortly afterwards as Information Officer. She was a member of the IRRV Performance Award Inspection Team during 2003 and took on the role of Vice President of the West Midlands Association in 2005. Sue became West Midlands President at the AGM held on 21st March 2007. In March 2009 she stepped down as President and is now the Assistant Secretary and West Midlands Association web administrator.
Sue is a keen member of the New Theatre Players at the Concordia Theatre in Hinckley and can regularly be seen on stage in a variety of roles. Over the last few years she has appeared in 'Brassed Off', 'Great Expectations', 'Allo Allo' , JB Priestley's 'Time and The Conways', 'A Streetcar Named Desire, 'Laying the Ghost', 'Move Over Mrs Markham' and her biggest role to date in the two hander 'Mr and Mrs Nobody' in December 2009. She, along with IRRV Treasurer and fellow West Midlands Committee Member, Allan Traynor, is very partial to singing and loves Karaoke!
Tel: 01530 454733 (W) 07841 450881 (M)
Work Email: sue.williams-lee@nwleicestershire.gov.uk
Home Email: swl001@msn.com
2017
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Annual dinner dance, Saturday 23 February 2019
![Annual dinner dance, Saturday 23 February 2019](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
For the fourth year running, the IRRV West Midlands Association’s annual dinner dance will be held at the Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa, formerly the Hilton Hotel at Bromsgrove, close to the M5 and M42.
The dress code is formal/black tie.
Tickets for the evening are again £30.00 per person, which includes
-
a 3-course meal with wine, followed by tea/coffee
-
after-dinner speeches of the highest quality (we hope!)
-
an opportunity to win a raffle prize
-
a disco
-
a casino!
To secure your place(s), please complete and return the booking form as soon as possible. If you have any special dietary requirements or allergies, these can be catered for – just let us know on the form.
Accommodation
For those wishing to stay overnight, rooms are available at the discounted rate of £75 for a double room or £65 for a single room, to include breakfast, overnight parking, and use of the leisure facilities. Free cancellation is allowed up to the day of the event, and payment will only be taken when you arrive.
This special rate is only available by phoning 0161 923 0300 and quoting IRRV230219 - rates quoted on the web may look cheaper, but will not include any of the additional items stated above and may be non-cancellable and payable in full at the time of booking.
If you require further information, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
We look forward to welcoming friends old and new to what will be a great night!
2017
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Annual dinner dance, Saturday 23 February 2019
![Annual dinner dance, Saturday 23 February 2019](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
For the fourth year running, the IRRV West Midlands Association’s annual dinner dance will be held at the Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa, formerly the Hilton Hotel at Bromsgrove, close to the M5 and M42.
The dress code is formal/black tie.
Tickets for the evening are again £30.00 per person, which includes
-
a 3-course meal with wine, followed by tea/coffee
-
after-dinner speeches of the highest quality (we hope!)
-
an opportunity to win a raffle prize
-
a disco
-
a casino!
To secure your place(s), please complete and return the booking form as soon as possible. If you have any special dietary requirements or allergies, these can be catered for – just let us know on the form.
Accommodation
For those wishing to stay overnight, rooms are available at the discounted rate of £75 for a double room or £65 for a single room, to include breakfast, overnight parking, and use of the leisure facilities. Free cancellation is allowed up to the day of the event, and payment will only be taken when you arrive.
This special rate is only available by phoning 0161 923 0300 and quoting IRRV230219 - rates quoted on the web may look cheaper, but will not include any of the additional items stated above and may be non-cancellable and payable in full at the time of booking.
If you require further information, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
We look forward to welcoming friends old and new to what will be a great night!
1970
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2006 West Midlands Dinner Dance a Great Success!!
![2006 West Midlands Dinner Dance a Great Success!!](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The dinner was held at the Paramount Hinckley Island Hotel, Hinckley, on 20th May 2006. The event had a May Ball theme. Spring flowers and confetti petals decorated the tables and individual orchids were presented to the ladies.
Association President, Barry Powell, welcomed in excess of 80 guests to the May Ball and paid particular tribute to the support he had received from his Executive in arranging the event at such short notice.
The Association could not have entertained their guests without the incredible support of all their sponsors: Equita, Capita Local Government Services, Capita Software Services, Moore Stephens, Newlyns, Hayeswater Consultancy, Jacobs, CFH, Experian, IBS, Intec Public Sector, Northgate, Mag:net Solutions, Rossendales, Bristow & Sutor, Phillips, Serco, and Vertex.
Many thanks go to Kevin Stewart, who kindly took the photographs during the evening, despite it being his 46th birthday! A link to the photos is at the bottom of the screen.
Prior to the meal, Barry Powell presented special guests with flowers and gifts. A special presentation was made to John Owen, a former member of the
IRRV National Council. John had recently retired from the Association Executive and was thanked for his hard work and many years of loyal service.
Following the meal, guests were entertained with speeches from Barry, National President Suzanne Dean, Association Vice President Sue Williams-Lee and East Midlands Association President Rob Andrews.
After the speeches, a raffle took place, sponsored by Hayeswater Consultancy, with the £402 proceeds going to The Big C Charity and the IRRV Benevolent Fund.
The evening then concluded with dancing to live band 'NEO' before many guests retreated to the bar area where they reminisced in to the early hours about their experiences in the Institute.
1970
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West Midlands Secretary Becomes New Chairman of the Association Representatives Group
![West Midlands Secretary Becomes New Chairman of the Association Representatives Group](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
John has worked very hard for the West Midlands Association over the last few years and thoroughly deserves his new role. The Association Reps group holds two meetings each year where each Association has an opporunity to get together with other IRRV branches and HQ representatives to discuss topical subjects and raise issues which may be of concern to their particular Association. The meeting is an ideal forum for topical debate on many area such as education, upcoming or planned seminars and the links to HQ activities. If any member of the Association has a question or an issue which they would like raising at the next meeting please contact John accordingly and he will take this forward on your behalf.
Please see the officer pages for John's contact details.
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Secretary
Amrik Boghan IRRV
![Secretary](/documents/17/images/Officers/Amrik%20Boghan%20(3).jpg)
Amrik Boghan
IRRV
Customer Focus Team Manager
Coventry City Council
Work: amrik.boghan@coventry.gov.uk
Home: meradost@hotmail.co.uk
Work: 024 7683 1141
Mob: 07891 205781
Amrik began her local government career in 1986 at Birmingham City Council. During her time there she worked in general rates, community charge and council tax, in billing, customer service and recovery roles. Her final job there was Revenues Officer on the Court Enforcement and Insolvency Team.
In September 2009, she moved to Herefordshire Council as Senior Recovery/Court Officer. She was responsible for the day-to-day running of a team dealing with all aspects of council tax and non-domestic rate recovery. She attended liability order and committal courts, liaised with bailiffs and was responsible for considering all options for debt enforcement, including bankruptcy and charging orders.
In June 2010 she was appointed Council Tax Team Manager at Coventry City Council, managing the team who deal with all billing matters.
Since January 2013 she has been Customer Focus Team Manager at Coventry.
A member of the IRRV West Midlands Association Executive Committee since 2009, Amrik was President in 2013/14 and has previously served as Education Liaison Officer and Assistant Secretary. She is also current President of the IRRV Association Representatives group and a member of the Revenues faculty board.
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Assistant Secretary
Ian Buckingham IRRV
![Assistant Secretary](/documents/17/images/Officers/Ian%20Buckingham.jpg)
Ian Buckingham
IRRV
Revenues Supervisor
North Warwickshire Borough Council
Work: ianbuckingham@northwarks.gov.uk
Work: 01827 719418
Ian started his career in local government with Birmingham City Council in 1982 as a clerical assistant, eventually becoming a rating assistant (property inspector) immediately before leaving to join Sandwell MBC in 1989.
Whilst at Sandwell, Ian was a team leader responsible for the collection of poll tax and council tax, primarily cutting his teeth in the magistrates’ courts in liability order and committal proceedings and representing the council at Valuation Tribunal hearings.
He left Sandwell in 2003, joining North Warwickshire BC initially as Senior Recovery Officer, now as Revenues Supervisor with day-to-day responsibility across all council tax and non-domestic rate functions.
1970
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West Midlands Association Dinner Dance 2009
![West Midlands Association Dinner Dance 2009](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Following the excellent feedback received from last year's dinner, the event will again be held at the luxury 4* Telford Golf and Spa Hotel, Great Hay Drive, Sutton Hill, Telford, Shropshire, TF7 4DT.
Tickets will be £25.00 per person, with a discounted price for IRRV students of £15.00 per person.
The 'black tie' evening will commence with formal photos and a drinks reception at 6.30pm, followed by a 3 course dinner commencing at 8pm. At the end of the dinner there will be (short!) speeches and a raffle followed by dancing until the early hours. A chance to really let your hair down and have some fun!
A game of Golf will be arranged at a discounted price during the day, so why not come and relax and make it a special weekend break?
A booking form is available to download by clicking on the link below. Please complete the booking form and return this with full payment to Bob Trahern by the 1st June 2009. Bob's details are shown on the form. Arrangements for the Golf will be notified separately.
We look forward to seeing you on the night!
1970
2018
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Next meeting: Mock business rates trial, Wednesday 26 September 2018
![Next meeting: Mock business rates trial, Wednesday 26 September 2018](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
The Association’s next professional event will take place at the Council House, Dudley on Wednesday 26th September 2018.
Organised in conjunction with Greenhalgh Kerr solicitors and Tom Gosling, a barrister experienced in dealing with disputed business rates matters, it is aimed primarily at local authority officers involved in the preparation and presentation of cases in the magistrates’ court, but will no doubt be of interest to many others and all are welcome.
Although once a rarity, contested business rate liability order hearings are becoming ever more common and proving to be a challenge even to experienced local authority court officers. This session offers an opportunity observe a mock trial and even (if you are so minded) to take part!
Full details are available here. The event starts at 10 a.m. and runs until around 1 p.m., when lunch will be provided.
If you would like to attend, please let us know by emailing us at irrvwma@googlemail.com at your earliest convenience.
Details of where to park in Dudley are available here.
|
||
Event |
Date |
Venue |
Mock business |
Wednesday |
Council House, Dudley |
Business rates |
October/November 2018 |
TBC |
TCOG, vulnerability and |
October/November 2018 |
DWF LLP |
|
December 2018 |
TBC |
Dinner dance/casino |
Saturday |
Bromsgrove |
Enforcement Seminar |
March 2019 |
DWF LLP |
AGM |
April 2019 |
TBC |
Thanks again to all our sponsors for their support of our programme this year:
2018
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Next meeting: Mock business rates trial, Wednesday 26 September 2018
![Next meeting: Mock business rates trial, Wednesday 26 September 2018](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
The Association’s next professional event will take place at the Council House, Dudley on Wednesday 26th September 2018.
Organised in conjunction with Greenhalgh Kerr solicitors and Tom Gosling, a barrister experienced in dealing with disputed business rates matters, it is aimed primarily at local authority officers involved in the preparation and presentation of cases in the magistrates’ court, but will no doubt be of interest to many others and all are welcome.
Although once a rarity, contested business rate liability order hearings are becoming ever more common and proving to be a challenge even to experienced local authority court officers. This session offers an opportunity observe a mock trial and even (if you are so minded) to take part!
Full details are available here. The event starts at 10 a.m. and runs until around 1 p.m., when lunch will be provided.
If you would like to attend, please let us know by emailing us at irrvwma@googlemail.com at your earliest convenience.
Details of where to park in Dudley are available here.
|
||
Event |
Date |
Venue |
Mock business |
Wednesday |
Council House, Dudley |
Business rates |
October/November 2018 |
TBC |
TCOG, vulnerability and |
October/November 2018 |
DWF LLP |
|
December 2018 |
TBC |
Dinner dance/casino |
Saturday |
Bromsgrove |
Enforcement Seminar |
March 2019 |
DWF LLP |
AGM |
April 2019 |
TBC |
Thanks again to all our sponsors for their support of our programme this year:
2013
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Still time to sign up for our Level 3 Certificate day release course!
![Still time to sign up for our Level 3 Certificate day release course!](default.jpg)
The West Midlands Association is running its Level 3 course again this year incorporating the new changes to benefits.
The venue is again the popular Elm Bank Training Centre in Coventry. It is located off Junction 5 of the Coventry ring road, and is easily accessible from the motorway system. It is just five minutes' walk from the train station and a local bus route. There is free onsite parking, and excellent catering facilities.
Sessions will take place weekly on Wednesdays between October 2013 and May 2014.
This year’s induction event takes place on
Wednesday 16 October 2013 at 1.30 p.m.
The revised syllabus for 2013/14 requires students to study 4 compulsory subjects:
Council Tax Law
Non-Domestic Rating Law
Welfare benefits (to include Local Support & Universal Credit)
Local Taxation and Revenues Administration (includes an element of Fraud)
The cost of the course this year will be around �825.00 per student. This is a modest increase on previous years, but still represents excellent value for money. Please note that additional fees are payable for Student Membership and Examinations.
What is included in the course fees:
Face to face tuition from experienced lecturers
Study material
Homework and assignments
Revision day
Employers will receive feedback on attendance & performance
It has never been more important that practitioners have a sound understanding of the legal and administrative framework within which they are operating. This course offers students a great opportunity to pick up on changes as they are announced and to bring this knowledge back to the office and share it with their colleagues.
If you need more information about any aspect of the course, or wish to reserve places on the course, please e-mail us at irrvwma@googlemail.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible regarding course details and registration.
2006
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'LET'S GET IT ALL OUT ON THE TABLE' ASSOCIATION MEETING!
East Midlands Hilton
!['LET'S GET IT ALL OUT ON THE TABLE' ASSOCIATION MEETING!](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The meeting will take place from 12pm through to approx 5pm on Friday 24th November 2006, the day of the East Midlands Association Dinner Dance. The meeting will be facilitated by Gary Watson.
Following on from discussions at this year's annual conference, Bob has convened this meeting to get a cross section of views from as wide a representative body as possible from around the country.
The meeting will encourage honest debate about the future, in terms of developing links between the Associations and the new Forum Service, HQ support for Associations and how Associations can join together to provide an excellent programme of events which will serve all members of the Institute and those working within the profession.
If any Association would like to send a representative to the meeting and has not yet contacted Bob, please do so as soon as possible. He can be contacted on Tel 01827 713283
1970
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West Midlands Association Annual General Meeting (AGM)
![West Midlands Association Annual General Meeting (AGM)](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The AGM commenced with the outgoing President's report on the 2006/07 year. Barry Powell commented that unfortunately, due to a variety of reasons the planned programme, which had been due to include seminars on the Council Tax Revaluation and the Lyons Report had been limited due to these matters being postponed.
Barry reported on the recent meetings that had taken place regarding the future of Associations, the purpose of the IRRV and the Association's relationship with HQ. He was very positive that issues are being raised, concerns are being discussed and all input is being taken forward by Council Members at a national level.
Dee Bough, Treasurer of the Association, gave a report on the status of the accounts. Further work is to be done in order to finalise the 2005 accounts, however they are near completion and will be reported on at the next Executive Committee meeting. A statement was read out from Roger Burton, the Association's auditor.
Anne Bradbury gave a report on how the education programme had progressed and stated that we had 12 students on the technician course. We need to ensure that publicity is issued to Local Authorities around the Midlands, well in advance, in order to promote the courses on offer and to encourage new membership.
Executive Committee Officers were appointed. (These have been updated on the Association's officer web pages). Barry Powell officially handed over the Presidency of the Association to Sue Williams-Lee, who will undertake the role of President for the next two years.
Sue gave a speech outlining her plans and aims for the year ahead (See link below). She thanked everyone on the Executive Committee for all their hard work and support and gave a special thank you to her Management Team at Hinckley & Bosworth B.C. for their fantastic support of her work with the West Midlands Association and their support for the IRRV in general.
Sue welcomed new members to the Committee and expressed her hopes for a productive year, a comprehensive programme of events, and improved communication. It is hoped that an improvement in communication will ensure that members and colleagues in neighbouring Associations/Local Authorities are given sufficient notice of educational opportunities for their staff, and are advised of upcoming seminars/training events in order that they can plan their diaries accordingly and we can improve attendance at West Midlands meetings.
The meeting officially closed at 4.45pm. The next Executive meeting will be held in April 2007.
A link to the AGM Agenda and the Minutes from the meeting will be available to view on the web site shortly.
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Committee Member (Education)
Margaret Elcocks IRRV (Hons)
![Committee Member (Education)](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Margaret Elcocks MBA, IRRV
Margaret has worked for Birmingham City Council for over 30 years in various positions since starting as a cashiers junior. Her current position is Account Receivable Manager within the Shared Service Centre responsible for the invoicing and collection of sundry debts and Housing Benefit overpayments together with providing the central cashiers service.
She joined the WM Executive Committee just over 3 years ago but regularly attended Institute meetings since studying for the Institutes qualification many years ago. In 1998 she returned to studying and gained a Masters Degree in Business Administration at Aston University.
Contact details:
2018
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NEW DATE CONFIRMED: Debt recovery & enforcement conference, Thursday 12 April 2018
![NEW DATE CONFIRMED: Debt recovery & enforcement conference, Thursday 12 April 2018](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
We are pleased to announce that our free event for revenues and recoveries professionals, held in conjunction with DWF LLP at their offices at One Snowhill, Birmingham B4 6GA, has been rescheduled and will now take place on Thursday 12th April 2018.
The event will start at 10.00 a.m. and run until around 3.30 p.m.
It will run along similar lines to last year's event, with speakers drawn from the enforcement and legal professions and from local authority revenues. The programme can be viewed by clicking here.
If you signed up to attend this event as originally scheduled on 6th March, you should have received an updated invitation and need take no further action.
If you would like to attend and weren't on the list for the 6th, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com at your earliest convenience to secure your place.
Thanks to all our sponsors for their support of our programme this year:
2018
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NEW DATE CONFIRMED: Debt recovery & enforcement conference, Thursday 12 April 2018
![NEW DATE CONFIRMED: Debt recovery & enforcement conference, Thursday 12 April 2018](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
We are pleased to announce that our free event for revenues and recoveries professionals, held in conjunction with DWF LLP at their offices at One Snowhill, Birmingham B4 6GA, has been rescheduled and will now take place on Thursday 12th April 2018.
The event will start at 10.00 a.m. and run until around 3.30 p.m.
It will run along similar lines to last year's event, with speakers drawn from the enforcement and legal professions and from local authority revenues. The programme can be viewed by clicking here.
If you signed up to attend this event as originally scheduled on 6th March, you should have received an updated invitation and need take no further action.
If you would like to attend and weren't on the list for the 6th, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com at your earliest convenience to secure your place.
Thanks to all our sponsors for their support of our programme this year:
2009
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West Midlands Association AGM - Thursday 26th March 2009
Birmingham Thistle Hotel
![West Midlands Association AGM - Thursday 26th March 2009](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The meeting will follow the West Midlands Forum. After David Airey has given his Revenues and Benefts update, presentations will e given by Moore Stephens, Insolvency Practitioners and Joe Sansom, Senior Policy & Resources Officer, Finance & Legal Services, Coventry City Council.
Joe will present a paper entitled 'Debtor Risk Management' in which he will explain how Coventry are seeking to maximising efficiency in the recovery process.
Moore Stephens will give their talk on Insolvency at 1pm and Joe's presentation will commence at 2.15pm. The presentation promises to provide an insight into the techniques and methodology adopted by Coventry and will provide an opportunity to discuss current issues in recovery.
The AGM will start at approximately 3.30pm. The AGM will include the election of the Executive Committee and the key officer roles. If you are a West Midlands IRRV Member and would like to nominate yourself for one of the following roles please email our Secretary, John Hewitson to john.hewitson@vto.gsx.gov.uk prior to the 26th March 2009. Thank you.
Officer Roles: President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Officer, Social Secretary, Information Officer, Technician Member, Education Liason Officer, Student Member, Committee Members. Should there be interest from a number of candidates fr any of the officer roles, a vote will take place and the officers will be duly elected.
2013
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Tuesday 23 July 2013: Council Tax Support - the positives and negatives
![Tuesday 23 July 2013: Council Tax Support - the positives and negatives](default.jpg)
The next meeting of the Association will be held on Tuesday 23 July 2013 at the Council House, Earl Street, Coventry.
Refreshments will be served from 4.30 pm, with the event proper starting at 5 pm.
We have two speakers:
Tim Savill is Head of Benefits at Coventry City Council, where he has worked since June 2011. He addressed the Association almost exactly a year ago when Council Tax Support existed only in theory, and has kindly agreed to address us again now it has become a reality, to share Coventry’s experience.
Sue Knowles is Operations and Improvement Manager within the Revenues and Benefits Service at Sandwell MBC, and has been closely involved in both the consultation and implementation of their Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme. Sandwell is an authority whose scheme changed at the 11th hour, so theirs should be a particularly interesting story!
This is an excellent opportunity to compare and contrast the experiences of two local councils in what must be their biggest challenge in the field of revenues and benefits for quite some time.
The meeting should last no longer than 1� hours. Both speakers will deliver talks of around 20 minutes, so there will be plenty of time for questions.
Admission is free, but so we can ensure adequate accommodation and refreshments please let us know you’re hoping to attend by e-mailing us at irrvwma@googlemail.com at your earliest convenience.
2016
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Annual dinner dance, Saturday 4 February 2017
The IRRV West Midlands Association annual dinner this year will be held at the Bromsgrove Hotel & Spa, formerly the Hilton Hotel at Bromsgrove, close to the M5 and M42.
The event, which promises to be a great night, will be held on Saturday 4 February 2017. We would like to see as many faces both new and familiar at the event, which as always will give you the chance to dress up, catch up and dance the night away.
We have negotiated accommodation at the hotel with special rates of £75.00 per couple (for a double room) and £60.00 per person (for a single room). Both rates are inclusive of breakfast. Bookings should be made direct with the hotel (telephone 0121 4477888), quoting reference IRRV 020417. There are only a limited number of rooms available at these rates, so please book early.
Tickets for the evening are at £28.00 per person, which includes a drinks reception, a 3-course meal, and entertainment.
After the meal, there is the usual opportunity to win a raffle prize, chat with colleagues and friends, and dance the night away.
For those who have not attended previously, we welcome you to come along with colleagues, partners or friends for a guaranteed enjoyable Saturday evening.
If you would like to come, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com as soon as possible, and complete and return the booking form to ensure that you have a place reserved and to take advantage of what should be a great night.
If you require further information about the event, please contact barry.powell@blueyonder.co.uk.
Looking forward to seeing you all there!
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Committee Member (Education)
Jan Evans IRRV (Hons)
![Committee Member (Education)](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Jan Evans started work in 1974 as a benefit assessor at Dudley MBC, she moved on to General Rates and in 1988 joined Sandwell MBC as a District Rating Officer. In 2000 she moved back to Dudley as Community Charge Recovery and Court Manager (where for her sins I was the Court Officer dealing with liability order and committal cases). In 1997 Jan became Business Rate and Court Manager at Dudley.
In 2003 Jan joined Birmingham CC as Head of Council Tax and has recently taken up a new challenge by moving to Coventry City Council as their Head of Council Tax.
Jan was on the Exec from 1988 to 1997 during which time she was the ELO. She rejoined again in 2004. Jan has been a lecturer since 1989 and has lectured at revision courses in the past. And, just so John knows, She is proud to be a Baggies supporter!
2012
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Another successful event - Council Tax Support, 5 July 2012
![Another successful event - Council Tax Support, 5 July 2012](default.jpg)
The second meeting of this year's programme was another well-received event, with Bob Trahern and Tim Savill sharing their knowledge and understanding of the impending changes with a group of around 20 members and colleagues.
The Q&A session went on for some while, and no doubt proved as valuable as the main event to those who were there.
Both speakers have agreed to make their presentations available, so here they are:
For Tim’s presentation, please click here.
For Bob’s presentation, please click here.
2018
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER - NEW DATE TBC * * * * * * * * * * * * * Debt recovery & enforcement conference, Tuesday 6 March 2018
![* * * * * * * * * * * * * POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER - NEW DATE TBC * * * * * * * * * * * * * Debt recovery & enforcement conference, Tuesday 6 March 2018](/documents/17/images/DWF.png)
The West Midlands Association's free event for revenues and recoveries professionals, to be held in conjunction with DWF LLP at their offices at One Snowhill, Birmingham B4 6GA, was due to take place on Tuesday 6th March 2018 but has had to be postponed due to the weather and the resulting difficulty in ensuring our speakers could get to Birmingham.
We don't yet know the new date, but it expected that the event will start at 10.00 a.m. and run until around 3.30 p.m.
It will run along similar lines to last year's event, with speakers drawn from the enforcement and legal professions and from local authority revenues. The proposed programme can be found here.
If you would like to attend and weren't on the list for the 6th, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com your earliest convenience to register your interest.
Thanks to all our sponsors for their support of our programme this year:
2018
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER - NEW DATE TBC * * * * * * * * * * * * * Debt recovery & enforcement conference, Tuesday 6 March 2018
![* * * * * * * * * * * * * POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER - NEW DATE TBC * * * * * * * * * * * * * Debt recovery & enforcement conference, Tuesday 6 March 2018](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
The West Midlands Association's free event for revenues and recoveries professionals, to be held in conjunction with DWF LLP at their offices at One Snowhill, Birmingham B4 6GA, was due to take place on Tuesday 6th March 2018 but has had to be postponed due to the weather and the resulting difficulty in ensuring our speakers could get to Birmingham.
We don't yet know the new date, but it expected that the event will start at 10.00 a.m. and run until around 3.30 p.m.
It will run along similar lines to last year's event, with speakers drawn from the enforcement and legal professions and from local authority revenues. The proposed programme can be found here.
If you would like to attend and weren't on the list for the 6th, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com your earliest convenience to register your interest.
Thanks to all our sponsors for their support of our programme this year:
1970
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West Midlands Association AGM - Thursday 26th March 2009
![West Midlands Association AGM - Thursday 26th March 2009](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The IRRV Forum will take place in the morning, lead by David Airey. After David's update on topical Revenues & Benefits issues, David has arranged for Moore Stephens to speak about Insolvency and their role as Insolvency Practioners.
An agenda for the Annual General Meeting of the West Midlands Association of the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation can be found by clicking on the link below. This year will be held on Thursday 26th March 2009 at The Thistle Hotel, St Chad's Queensway, Birmingham, commencing at 3:30pm.
The AGM will follow an Association meeting which will commence at 2:15pm.
The speaker at the meeting is Joe Sansom, Senior Policy & Resources Officer, Finance & Legal Services, Coventry City Council.
Joe will present a paper entitled 'Debtor Risk Management' in which he will explain how Coventry are seeking to maximising efficiency in the recovery process.
The presentation promises to provide an insight into the techniques and methodology adopted by Coventry and will provide an opportunity to discuss current issues in recovery.
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Executive Committee member
Kelly Nash IRRV (Hons)
![Executive Committee member](/documents/17/files/Kelly%20Nash.jpg)
Kelly Nash
IRRV (Hons)
Rating Compliance & Audit Manager
Accurates
Email: kelly.nash@colliers.com
Home: kellyweaver1982@yahoo.co.uk
Tel.: 0121 265 7577
Mob: 07920 203901
Kelly joined the rating team at Colliers International as a Rating Compliance and Audit Manager in August 2009. She is a Diploma member of the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (IRRV) and is currently working towards completion of the IRRV honours qualification. She previously worked for Wolverhampton City Council, during which time she accumulated approximately 7 years’ local government experience of the administration and collection of local taxes.
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Committee Member (Secretariat)
Sarah Morgan IRRV (Hons)
![Committee Member (Secretariat)](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Staffordshire and Shropshire Valuation Tribunal
Tel: 01926 421875
2012
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Thursday 5 July 2012: Council Tax Support Scheme
![Thursday 5 July 2012: Council Tax Support Scheme](CouncilHouse.jpg)
The second meeting of this year's programme will shortly be upon us and the Association invites you to attend what should prove to be a very topical and interesting meeting given the Government's impending changes to the benefits scheme.
The meeting will take place at the Council House, Earl Street, Coventry and starts at 5:00pm on Thursday 5 July. Tea and coffee will be served from 4:30pm.
Bob Trahern and Tim Savill will share the platform and no doubt present a very informed and thorough paper on the Council Tax Support Scheme which should be of benefit to both Revenues and Benefits practitioners. As usual, members will be welcome to ask questions at the end of the session.
In order to ensure that we can cater for all attendees, please e-mail the Association on irrvwma@googlemail.com to confirm your intention to attend.
Both speakers should need very little introduction given their extensive service in the Revenues & Benefits field, but for those of who may not be familiar with either of them, please see their details below.
Bob Trahern IRRV (Hons) - Assistant Chief Executive (Community Services), North Warwickshire BC
Bob has worked in both Local Government and the Private Sector over the last 28 years and has led his multi award winning team in North Warwickshire since March 2000 where he has responsibility for a range of functions including Revenues, Benefits, Fraud, Financial Inclusion, and all aspects of Customer Access & Engagement.
A past National President of the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (2007-08) and President of the West Midlands Association (1998-99), Bob continues to serve on its National Council and is a very frequent speaker at seminars, training events and conferences. He is also a tutor on a Business Rates and Council Tax on a variety of Institute courses and has also been an examiner in the past on a range of subjects. Bob is currently the Chair of the Revenues Faculty Board and an LGA advisor to the Government on a range of Revenues, Benefits and Customer related matters including both Local Authority Steering Groups as an advisor with regard to the development of Localised Council Tax Support as well as the transition to the Universal Credit.
Tim Savill - Head of Benefits, Coventry City Council
Tim is Head of Benefits at Coventry City Council, where he has worked since June 2011. Prior to this he spent 10 years with the Audit Commission where he was the National Lead for Benefits and led the inspection regime for 4 years. This resulted in many opportunities to speak to wide audiences on national issues impacting on councils, housing providers and benefits customers. He has led a number of national studies on revenues and benefits which resulted in high profile national reports. His background before the Audit Commission included management roles in both revenues and benefits (at Southampton City Council) and at the DWP.
2017
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Annual dinner dance, Saturday 3 February 2018 - UPDATE
![Annual dinner dance, Saturday 3 February 2018 - UPDATE](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The dress code is formal/black tie.
The evening will begin with a drinks reception at 7 p.m., and dinner will start at 7.45 p.m.
Photographs will be taken before dinner in a separate room. As well as taking the customary group photos, our photographer will do his best to satisfy any other requests - time permitting. He will also be taking informal photos during the evening.
After dinner, there will be a raffle in support of our President's charity Acorns Children's Hospice, followed by a disco.
If you have any special dietary requirements and haven't yet let us know, please do so as soon as possible.
Accommodation
For those wishing to stay overnight, rooms are available at the discounted rate of £75 for a double room or £65 for a single room, to include breakfast, overnight parking, and use of the leisure facilities. Free cancellation is allowed up to the day of the event, and payment will only be taken when you arrive.
This special rate is only available by phoning 0161 923 0300 and quoting IRRV030218 - rates quoted on the web may look cheaper, but will not include any of the additional items stated above and may be non-cancellable and payable in full at the time of booking.
If you require further information, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
We look forward to welcoming friends old and new to what will be a great night!
2017
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Annual dinner dance, Saturday 3 February 2018 - UPDATE
![Annual dinner dance, Saturday 3 February 2018 - UPDATE](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For the third year running, the IRRV West Midlands Association’s annual dinner dance will be held at the Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa, formerly the Hilton Hotel at Bromsgrove, close to the M5 and M42.
The dress code is formal/black tie.
The evening will begin with a drinks reception at 7 p.m., and dinner will start at 7.45 p.m.
Photographs will be taken before dinner in a separate room. As well as taking the customary group photos, our photographer will do his best to satisfy any other requests - time permitting. He will also be taking informal photos during the evening.
After dinner, there will be a raffle in support of our President's charity Acorns Children's Hospice, followed by a disco.
If you have any special dietary requirements and haven't yet let us know, please do so as soon as possible.
Accommodation
For those wishing to stay overnight, rooms are available at the discounted rate of £75 for a double room or £65 for a single room, to include breakfast, overnight parking, and use of the leisure facilities. Free cancellation is allowed up to the day of the event, and payment will only be taken when you arrive.
This special rate is only available by phoning 0161 923 0300 and quoting IRRV030218 - rates quoted on the web may look cheaper, but will not include any of the additional items stated above and may be non-cancellable and payable in full at the time of booking.
If you require further information, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
We look forward to welcoming friends old and new to what will be a great night!
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Committee Member (Secretariat)
John Hewitson BA (Hons) IRRV (Hons)
![Committee Member (Secretariat)](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
John started his working life in the Valuation Office before moving to the Local Valuation Panel in 1987 (predecessor of VTS) and he has been there ever since. Based at Stafford, he is the Clerk to the Derbyshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and West Midlands (West) Tribunals which are part of the VTS Central Region. John has been a member of the West Midlands Executive Committee since the early 1990s and held various posts. He is author of IRRV distance learning material in 2 specialist VT subjects and tutors on Caerleon / Keele / Dudley revision courses. He has been a speaker at various meetings and seminars including National Conference. John is proud to be a claret (Burnley FC supporter).
Tel 01785 242719
FAX 01785 257166
2016
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Wednesday 4 May 2016: Innovation in debt collection - the Sandwell experience
![Wednesday 4 May 2016: Innovation in debt collection - the Sandwell experience](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
The next Association event is a presentation by Anthony Griffiths of Sandwell MBC and Ian Biggadyke of Agilysis, who together with JBW Group won the prestigious IRRV award for excellence in debt management in 2015.
It takes place on Wednesday 4 May 2016 at Colliers' offices on the 12th Floor of Eleven Brindleyplace, 2 Brunswick Square, Birmingham B1 2LP. Tea and coffee will be available from 2.30 p.m., and the presentation will start at 3.
Anthony Griffiths has worked at Sandwell MBC for 10 years, initially as team leader for sundry debt recovery but more recently for council tax and business rates also. Before he worked for Sandwell he spent 12 years working for South Staffordshire Water PLC, where he gained valuable recovery experience pursuing unpaid water rates.
Sandwell's strategy for council tax collection is to maximise both in-year council tax collection and also income from arrears. Since November 2013 they have been working in partnership with Agilisys, using their expertise to help identify and unlock potential income.
Ian Biggadyke has 25 years' public sector experience in both revenues and in benefits, and has held the role of Head of Revenues and Benefits at both the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and at Haringey.
He joined Agilisys in 2011, and set up the award-winning Agilisys Revenue Collection Service (ARC), which focusses primarily on hard-to-collect arrears recovery and partnerships with local authorities to increase in-year recovery performance through intelligent use of data and segmented recovery strategies based on debtor circumstances. ARC is fully FCA compliant, and achieves results by working closely with debtors that struggle to pay their debts.
In addition to being a winner of the IRRV award excellence in debt management award in 2015, the ARC Service has twice been a recipient of the IRRV excellence in partnership award.
We hope very much to see you at this event. If you would like to come, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com as soon as possible.
2012
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Another successful meeting: Thoughts from the Ombudsman and corporate shenanigans
![Another successful meeting: Thoughts from the Ombudsman and corporate shenanigans](default.jpg)
Our first meeting of the new programme took place on Thursday 17 May and saw Toby Holt of insolvency practitioners Smith & Williamson, and Andrew Hobley of the Local Government Ombudsman's office, entertain an audience of thirty with stories taken from the work they do.
Of course, there was a serious purpose behind this – to pass on advice to practitioners on what to do, what not to do, and what to look out for.
Andrew spent thirteen years working in local taxation, so he understands our business and is well placed to offer sound advice – which of course he did in his own inimitable style.
Toby is an expert on how to avoid paying business rates, and shared with us some of the methods currently being used by the unscrupulous to make our lives difficult. With localisation imminent, local authorities need to make sure they are wise to these and are in a position to fight back.
If you weren’t able to make it, or want to relive the experience, you can download Toby’s presentation by clicking here.
If you want to be kept informed of future events and are not already on our mailing list, please e-mail us at irrvwma@googlemail.com. You don’t have to be a member of the IRRV to attend our meetings – but if you aren’t, you really should consider it!
Our next meeting is scheduled for 5 July and will be on the subject of welfare reform – further details available soon.
2017
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Next meeting: Universal Credit, Thursday 28 September 2017
![Next meeting: Universal Credit, Thursday 28 September 2017](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
(Our full 2017/18 programme is shown at the foot of this page.)
Our next scheduled meeting is our session on Universal Credit, which will take place on the afternoon of Thursday 28 September 2017 at the offices of DWF LLP at One Snowhill, Birmingham B4 6GA (close to Snow Hill station).
Our speaker is Gary Layzell.
Gary is Universal Credit Implementation Manager for Civica, and was until recently Revenues, Welfare and Customer Service Manager at Harrogate BC. He has many years’ experience within local government and of benefits in particular., so this should be a particularly useful session both for those involved in the rollout of UC and its impact on service delivery and those who just want a better understanding of the subject in general.
There will be tea and coffee from 3.00 p.m., and the event proper will begin at 3.30.
Attendance at this event is free to all, so please feel free to forward this invitation to your colleagues and associates, including those working in benefits or housing.
If you haven't already done so, please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to come.
Details of our full Association programme for the year are shown below. If you would like to attend any of these events, please let us know and we will book you a place.
IRRV West Midlands Association events 2017/18 |
||
Event |
Date |
Venue |
Universal Credit |
28 September 2017 |
DWF LLP |
West Midlands |
Postponed to October |
TBC |
The New Mayor |
16 November 2017 |
TBC |
Update/Social/Quiz |
7 December 2017 |
TBC |
Dinner/Dance |
3 February 2018 |
Bromsgrove |
Enforcement Seminar |
8 March 2018 |
DWF LLP |
AGM |
5 April 2018 |
TBC |
2017
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Next meeting: Universal Credit, Thursday 28 September 2017
![Next meeting: Universal Credit, Thursday 28 September 2017](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
(Our full 2017/18 programme is shown at the foot of this page.)
Our next scheduled meeting is our session on Universal Credit, which will take place on the afternoon of Thursday 28 September 2017 at the offices of DWF LLP at One Snowhill, Birmingham B4 6GA (close to Snow Hill station).
Our speaker is Gary Layzell.
Gary is Universal Credit Implementation Manager for Civica, and was until recently Revenues, Welfare and Customer Service Manager at Harrogate BC. He has many years’ experience within local government and of benefits in particular., so this should be a particularly useful session both for those involved in the rollout of UC and its impact on service delivery and those who just want a better understanding of the subject in general.
There will be tea and coffee from 3.00 p.m., and the event proper will begin at 3.30.
Attendance at this event is free to all, so please feel free to forward this invitation to your colleagues and associates, including those working in benefits or housing.
If you haven't already done so, please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to come.
Details of our full Association programme for the year are shown below. If you would like to attend any of these events, please let us know and we will book you a place.
IRRV West Midlands Association events 2017/18 |
||
Event |
Date |
Venue |
Universal Credit |
28 September 2017 |
DWF LLP |
West Midlands |
Postponed to October |
TBC |
The New Mayor |
TBC |
TBC |
Update/Social/Quiz |
7 December 2017 |
TBC |
Dinner/Dance |
3 February 2018 |
Bromsgrove |
Enforcement Seminar |
8 March 2018 |
DWF LLP |
AGM |
5 April 2018 |
TBC |
Archive Item
Committee Member (Treasury)
Barry Powell IRRV (Hons)
![Committee Member (Treasury)](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Barry started a Local Government career in Birmingham City Council’s Rates Office in 1960 as a junior rate clerk. He worked through all sections of the rates office until he became Principal Rating Officer in 1986. In 1990 he became Assistant Treasurer and was later redesignated Assistant Director of Finance. In 2001 Barry became Acting Deputy Director of Finance until retiring in November 2002 after 42 years with the same Council.
He is now working part time as an Associate Director for Equita and occasionally undertaking consultancy work for other organisations.
Dudley College also employ him as a visiting lecturer.
Barry has written articles for trade magazines and spoken both nationally and locally for both IRRV and CIPFA. Other organisations connected with the Revenues profession have also employed him to speak at seminars.
His hobbies are Golf, reading and motor sport.
Mobile: 07899 021 672
2015
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Alternative Enforcement Seminar, Monday 23 November
![Alternative Enforcement Seminar, Monday 23 November](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
This is a free event, being hosted by DWF LLP in association with IRRV West Midlands Association at DWF's offices at One Snowhill, Birmingham.
It will highlight alternative methods of enforcement and innovative collections strategies based on debt segmentation and propensity to pay, so as to assist local authorities in their statutory obligation to attempt recovery of outstanding council tax, business rates, housing benefit overpayments, social care costs and so on.
In times of austerity, councils need to recover as much as possible to balance budgets.
The enforcement law reforms introduced in April 2014, and recent publicity around the wholesale use of enforcement agents and subsequent concerns raised by debt advice charities, make this an ideal time to explore alternative recovery solutions. Is it always appropriate to use enforcement agents? What happens when enforcement agents are unsuccessful? Is that the end of the road? Can more be done?
Full details of the event, including how to book, can be found here.
2016
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AGM, Wednesday 13 April 2016
![AGM, Wednesday 13 April 2016](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
You are warmly invited to the 2016 Annual General Meeting of the IRRV West Midlands Association, which takes place on Wednesday 13 April 2016 at 5 p.m. at the offices of DWF LLP, One Snow Hill, Birmingham B4 6GA.
The main business of the day will be to elect members to serve on the Executive Committee for the next 12 months.The officer roles within the Association are:
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Treasurer
Education Liaison Officer
Membership Officer
Auditor
Information Officer
Social Secretary
You can also put yourself forward as an ordinary member of the Committee, with no specific role but with an opportunity to have a say in what the Association does for you.
Membership of the Committee is open to ALL grades of membership.
If you’re interested and would like to talk to us about getting involved, just e-mail us at irrvwma@googlemail.com or give one of us a call - our individual contact details are available here.
If you’re still not sure, don’t worry – you can decide on the day whether to put your name forward!
2011
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Current topical valuation issues - Wednesday 18 January 2012
![Current topical valuation issues - Wednesday 18 January 2012](Eleven Brindleyplace.jpg)
Paul Sanderson is addressing the Association in January on matters of current interest in the valuation field. The meeting will take place at Meetingspace, Eleven Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2LP between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Paul is the Director of Professional Services at the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and sits on the VOA’s Management Board. He is also Head of Profession at the VOA and, along with the subject-matter experts who work for him, is responsible for providing professional advice and technical guidance across a wide range of valuation and property issues. As Director of Rating he is responsible for the revaluation of business properties. He introduced a number of initiatives to improve awareness and understanding of the rating system in the UK and has worked closely with those who pay the tax, and their professional representatives, to make the system customer-focused. As Central Valuation Officer, Paul is responsible for some of the largest rating assessments in the Central Rating Lists, including the gas, electricity, water, telecommunication and transport network networks. Paul is a Past President of the Rating Surveyors’ Association (RSA) and sits on their committee. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and sits on their Rating & Local Taxation Policy Panel. Paul is also a member of the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV). He has presented papers at a wide range of national and international conferences and workshops, and has carried out work for a number of international organizations including the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme.
You don't have to be an IRRV member to attend - all are welcome - and it's free!
Demand for this event is likely to be high, and places are limited - if you want to come, let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing us at irrvwma@googlemail.com.
2017
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Next meeting: Rate reliefs from both sides, Thursday 24 August 2017
![Next meeting: Rate reliefs from both sides, Thursday 24 August 2017](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
(Our full 2017/18 programme is shown at the foot of this page.)
Our next scheduled meeting is our session on rate reliefs, which will take place on the afternoon of Thursday 24 August 2017 at the offices of DWF LLP at One Snowhill, Birmingham B4 6GA (close to Snow Hill station).
Our speakers are Mark Fearn and Mark Radford.
Mark Fearn IRRV (Hons) has worked in revenues for almost twenty-five years, and is currently for Walsall MBC. His previous posts have included Revenues Manager at Milton Keynes Council, Head of Revenues at North West Leicestershire DC and Revenue Collection Manager at South Derbyshire District Council. He has been a member of the IRRV East Midlands Association executive since 1998, and has held the posts of Secretary and President during that time.
Mark Radford MRICS IRRV (Hons) is a longstanding member of the IRRV West Midlands Association with many years' experience in the private sector.
There will be tea and coffee from 3.00 p.m., and the event proper will begin at 3.30.
This is an excellent opportunity to hear from both sides of the fence in relation to rate reliefs. You can of course put your questions to the speakers at the end.
Attendance at this event is free to all, so please feel free to forward this invitation to your Finance or other colleagues.
If you haven't already done so, please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to come.
Details of our full Association programme for the year are shown below. If you would like to attend any of these events, please let us know and we will book you a place.
IRRV West Midlands Association events 2017/18 |
||
Event |
Date |
Venue |
West Midlands |
Postponed - TBC |
TBC |
Rate reliefs |
24 August 2017 |
DWF LLP, |
Universal Credit |
28 September 2017 |
TBC |
The New Mayor |
16 November 2017 |
TBC |
Update/Social/Quiz |
7 December 2017 |
TBC |
Dinner/Dance |
3 February 2018 |
Bromsgrove |
Enforcement Seminar |
8 March 2018 |
DWF LLP |
AGM |
5 April 2018 |
TBC |
2017
Archive Item
Rate reliefs from both sides, Thursday 24 August 2017
![Rate reliefs from both sides, Thursday 24 August 2017](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
(Our full 2017/18 programme is shown at the foot of this page.)
Our next scheduled meeting is our session on rate reliefs, which will take place on the afternoon of Thursday 24 August 2017 at the offices of DWF LLP at One Snowhill, Birmingham B4 6GA (close to Snow Hill station).
Our speakers are Mark Fearn and Mark Radford.
Mark Fearn IRRV (Hons) has worked in revenues for almost twenty-five years, and is currently for Walsall MBC. His previous posts have included Revenues Manager at Milton Keynes Council, Head of Revenues at North West Leicestershire DC and Revenue Collection Manager at South Derbyshire District Council. He has been a member of the IRRV East Midlands Association executive since 1998, and has held the posts of Secretary and President during that time.
Mark Radford MRICS IRRV (Hons) is a longstanding member of the IRRV West Midlands Association with many years' experience in the private sector.
There will be tea and coffee from 3.00 p.m., and the event proper will begin at 3.30.
This is an excellent opportunity to hear from both sides of the fence in relation to rate reliefs. You can of course put your questions to the speakers at the end.
Attendance at this event is free to all, so please feel free to forward this invitation to your Finance or other colleagues.
If you haven't already done so, please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to come.
Details of our full Association programme for the year are shown below. If you would like to attend any of these events, please let us know and we will book you a place.
IRRV West Midlands Association events 2017/18 |
||
Event |
Date |
Venue |
West Midlands |
Postponed - TBC |
TBC |
Rate reliefs |
24 August 2017 |
DWF LLP, |
Universal Credit |
28 September 2017 |
TBC |
The New Mayor |
16 November 2017 |
TBC |
Update/Social/Quiz |
7 December 2017 |
TBC |
Dinner/Dance |
3 February 2018 |
Bromsgrove |
Enforcement Seminar |
8 March 2018 |
DWF LLP |
AGM |
5 April 2018 |
TBC |
Archive Item
Treasurer
Nicki Begley IRRV Tech
![Treasurer](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Nicki Begley IRRV Tech
Recovery Manager
Lichfield District Council
After working successfully in the hotel and catering industry for 11 years I joined North Warwickshire B.C. as a Recovery Assistant in 1999. I studied for my Technician exams and was a proud double prize winner. My success lead me to a new role at Lichfield D.C. as a Senior Billing Officer in 2002. Shortly afterwards I moved to the post of Recovery Manager - a role I have been in for 5 1/2 years.
Outside of work I enjoy lots of cooking and eating, doing anything crafty and keeping fit (due to the cooking and eating!!). When the sun shines I will be out and about on my motorbike.
:
2015
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Wednesday 21 October 2015: Court Costs - Where Are We Now?
![Wednesday 21 October 2015: Court Costs - Where Are We Now?](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
This event is being run by the IRRV in partnership with the West Midlands Association.
Aimed primarily at those involved in the recovery of council tax and/or business rates, it will provide an update on the impact of the recent case of R (on the application of the Reverend Paul Nicolson) and Tottenham Magistrates on the costs that can be applied for by a billing authority at a liability order hearing.
The speakers will be David Magor, Chief Executive of the IRRV and Gary Watson, Deputy Chief Executive of the IRRV.
Full details of how to book can be found here. Places are limited, so early booking is advisable.
2015
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Alternative Enforcement Seminar, Monday 23 November
![Alternative Enforcement Seminar, Monday 23 November](/documents/17/images/DWF.png)
This is a free event, being hosted by DWF LLP in association with IRRV West Midlands Association at DWF's offices at One Snowhill, Birmingham.
It will highlight alternative methods of enforcement and innovative collections strategies based on debt segmentation and propensity to pay, so as to assist local authorities in their statutory obligation to attempt recovery of outstanding council tax, business rates, housing benefit overpayments, social care costs and so on.
In times of austerity, councils need to recover as much as possible to balance budgets.
The enforcement law reforms introduced in April 2014, and recent publicity around the wholesale use of enforcement agents and subsequent concerns raised by debt advice charities, make this an ideal time to explore alternative recovery solutions. Is it always appropriate to use enforcement agents? What happens when enforcement agents are unsuccessful? Is that the end of the road? Can more be done?
Full details of the event, including how to book, can be found here.
2016
Archive Item
AGM, Wednesday 13 April 2016
![AGM, Wednesday 13 April 2016](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
You are warmly invited to the 2016 Annual General Meeting of the IRRV West Midlands Association, which takes place on Wednesday 13 April 2016 at 5 p.m. at the offices of DWF LLP, One Snow Hill, Birmingham B4 6GA.
The main business of the day will be to elect members to serve on the Executive Committee for the next 12 months.The officer roles within the Association are:
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Treasurer
Education Liaison Officer
Membership Officer
Auditor
Information Officer
Social Secretary
You can also put yourself forward as an ordinary member of the Committee, with no specific role but with an opportunity to have a say in what the Association does for you.
Membership of the Committee is open to ALL grades of membership.
If you’re interested and would like to talk to us about getting involved, just e-mail us at irrvwma@googlemail.com or give one of us a call - our individual contact details are available here.
If you’re still not sure, don’t worry – you can decide on the day whether to put your name forward!
Archive Item
IRRV National Council member
Bob Trahern IRRV (Hons)
![IRRV National Council member](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Bob has worked at North Warwickshire for a number of years and has responsibility for a range of functions including Revenues, Benefits and the Council's Customer Contact Strategy. He has also worked at a Coventry City Council, Nuneaton & Bedworth BC and Rugby as well as doing two years in the private sector.
Bob has tutored on all parts of the IRRV professional examination courses on both Day Release, block release and the Institutes National revision courses. He is a frequent speaker at seminars, branch meetings and conferences, is an examiner and also a Local Government advisor to the ODPM.
Elected to the Institute's National Council in 2000, Bob was inaugurated as the IRRV's 2007/08 National President at the 2007 National Conference in Brighton held in October. Bob is a former President of the West Midlands Association.
Assistant Director Revenues & BenefitsNorth Warwickshire Borough Council
Tel 01827 719378
FAX 01827 719412
2011
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What your bailiff can do for you - Wednesday 9 November 2011
![What your bailiff can do for you - Wednesday 9 November 2011](CouncilHouse.jpg)
Paul Sharpe of Equita talks to the Association from 4 p.m. of Wednesday 9 November 2011 at the Council House, Earl Street, Coventry on the topic of “what your bailiff can do for you”.
This is not quite as obvious as it sounds. Increasingly, bailiff companies are broadening the range of services they offer - and describing themselves as "civil enforcement agents" to emphasise the point.
Paul has worked in the bailiff industry since 1985, and has held the post of Sales and Marketing Director at Equita since the company's formation in 1999. He has been an active member of the Enforcement Services Association (now part of the Civil Enforcement Association) since 1989, and is also a founder member of the Institute of Parking Professionals. Few can claim the same degree of knowledge and experience in this field as Paul.
If you're struggling to make inroads into your remaining hard core of debtors - whether they owe council tax, rates, parking fines or even all three - come along and see if you can pick up some ideas, or even contribute some!
If you want to come, I'd ask you to e-mail us at irrvwma@googlemail.com at your earliest convenience so we can get an idea of numbers.
As usual we're keen to get as many attenders as possible, so we don't mind you just turning up on the door - although coach parties are advised to check with us first.
And remember - it's free!
2017
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AGM, Wednesday 5 April 2017
![AGM, Wednesday 5 April 2017](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
The Association's 2017 annual general meeting will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday 5 April at the offices of BNP Paribas, 9 Colmore Row.
The calling notice/agenda is available by clicking here and the the minutes of the last AGM by clicking here.
If you intend to come, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com.
If you are not currently a member of the executive committee but would like to put your name forward, you can of course do so even if you are unable to attend.
2017
Archive Item
AGM, Wednesday 5 April 2017
![AGM, Wednesday 5 April 2017](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
The Association's 2017 annual general meeting will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday 5 April at the offices of BNP Paribas, 9 Colmore Row.
The calling notice/agenda is available by clicking here and the the minutes of the last AGM by clicking here.
If you intend to come, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com.
If you are not currently a member of the executive committee but would like to put your name forward, you can of course do so even if you are unable to attend.
Archive Item
Committee Member
Peter J Clark MRICS IRRV
![Committee Member](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Peter started working life with the VO in his home town of Grimsby in 1973, moving to Sandwell VO in 1983, then to Dudley and Kidderminster. He left the VO in 1990 to go into private practise as a Rating surveyor with Sellers. In1995 he started working for himself as an independent Rating surveyor before moving into Local Government, initially with Tamworth BC before taking up his current position with East Staffordshire BC, where he is Principle Estate Manager. He has been a member of the West Midlands Exec since 1990 and was West Midlands Branch President in 1996/97.
East Staffordshire Borough Council
Tel: 01283 508284
FAX: 01283 508456
2015
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Wednesday 21 October 2015: Court Costs - Where Are We Now?
![Wednesday 21 October 2015: Court Costs - Where Are We Now?](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
This event is being run by the IRRV in partnership with the West Midlands Association.
Aimed primarily at those involved in the recovery of council tax and/or business rates, it will provide an update on the impact of the recent case of R (on the application of the Reverend Paul Nicolson) and Tottenham Magistrates on the costs that can be applied for by a billing authority at a liability order hearing.
The speakers will be David Magor, Chief Executive of the IRRV and Gary Watson, Deputy Chief Executive of the IRRV.
Full details of how to book can be found here. Places are limited, so early booking is advisable.
2011
2017
Archive Item
DWF debt recovery and enforcement seminar, Thursday 9 March 2017
The next Association event is a debt recovery and enforcement seminar which is being held jointly with DWF LLP at their offices at One Snowhill, Birmingham B4 6GA.
This is a a free event, open to all.
The full programme can be found here. Don't worry if you can't make the whole day, or only want to attend certain sessions - you're still welcome.
If you haven't registered your interest yet and would like to come, please let us know as soon as you can.
2017
Archive Item
DWF debt recovery and enforcement seminar, Thursday 9 March 2017
![DWF debt recovery and enforcement seminar, Thursday 9 March 2017](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
The next Association event is a debt recovery and enforcement seminar which is being held jointly with DWF LLP at their offices at One Snowhill, Birmingham B4 6GA.
This is a a free event, open to all.
The full programme can be found here. Don't worry if you can't make the whole day, or only want to attend certain sessions - you're still welcome.
If you haven't registered your interest yet and would like to come, please let us know as soon as you can.
Archive Item
Committee member
John Hewitson BA (Hons) IRRV (Hons)
![Committee member](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
John Hewitson
BA (Hons) IRRV (Hons)
Clerk to the Derbyshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and West Midlands (West) Tribunals
Work: john.hewitson@vto.gsx.gov.uk
Home: westonclaret@live.com
Work: 01785 242719
Fax: 01785 257166
John started his working life in the Valuation Office before moving to the Local Valuation Panel in 1987 (predecessor of VTS) and he has been there ever since. Based at Stafford, he is the Clerk to the Derbyshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and West Midlands (West) Tribunals which are part of the VTS Central Region. John has been a member of the West Midlands Executive Committee since the early 1990s and held various posts. He is author of IRRV distance learning material in 2 specialist VT subjects and tutors on Caerleon / Keele / Dudley revision courses. He has been a speaker at various meetings and seminars including National Conference.
2011
Archive Item
Committee member
Jeff Swann IRRV
![Committee member](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
Jeff was employed in the Valuation Office for over
40 years, mainly in the West Midlands, although
some 5 years (1990-1995) were spent in London,
primarily dealing with and lecturing on NDR
procedural legislation. He retired last year as
Manager of the Central Specialist Rating Unit based
in Birmingham. Jeff has been a corporate member
of the IRRV since 1972, on the Association
Executive from 1980 to date (but for his 5 years in
London) and was Branch President in 1983/84. He
has lectured on behalf of the Association at various
meetings and training courses both nationally and
regionally. Jeff has been a member of the IRRV
Examinations and Assessment Board since January 2001. Since his retirement Jeff fills in his time as a member of two
Local Valuation Tribunals between messing about in
his garden and workshop/sheds.
Phone nos – 01543 374561 and 07835 655250 (m)
e-mail – jeffswann@evemail.net or
jeff@ajswann.wanadoo.co.uk
2011
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Welfare & council tax reform: big changes, big challenges - Joint meeting with CIPFA In The Midlands, Tuesday 11 October 2011
![Welfare & council tax reform: big changes, big challenges - Joint meeting with CIPFA In The Midlands, Tuesday 11 October 2011](CouncilHouse.jpg)
The Welfare Reform Bill will bring about HUGE changes in the administration of council tax and housing benefits, including the introduction of the Universal Credit, changing the scope of local authorities' involvement in the administration of council tax and housing benefit as well as overhauling the investigation of fraud.
David Airey and Chris West will present, followed by a debate chaired by Lisa Commane (CIM Regional President) and Janice Evans (IRRV West Midlands Association President).
This is a FREE event for anyone who will be affected by these reforms - you can't afford to miss it!
If you would like to attend, please e-mail cim@cipfa.org.uk as soon as possible as places are limited.
2014
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IRRV West Midlands Association Dinner Dance, Saturday 7 February 2015
![IRRV West Midlands Association Dinner Dance, Saturday 7 February 2015](/documents/17/images/Dinner%20dance.jpg)
The IRRV West Midlands Association’s annual dinner dance is being held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Saturday 7 February 2015.
Our last event there was a great success, and we are looking forward to another great evening this year. If you decide to come, you can look forward to great food, great company and dancing till 1 in the morning.
An added bonus is that there’s a casino on site for those of you who like the occasional flutter!
For more details of the event, click here.
For the booking form, and details of how to book overnight accommodation at a special reduced rate, click here.
If you intend to come, please e-mail us at irrvwma@googlemail.com and complete and return the booking form as soon as possible.
If your organisation would like to sponsor the event and has not yet indicated a wish to do so, please let us know.
2011
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Empty rate - Thursday 21 July 2011
![Empty rate - Thursday 21 July 2011](Eleven Brindleyplace.jpg)
The West Midlands Association held its best-attended meeting in years on 21 July this year when Gordon Heath, well-known expert on business rates, entertained the great and the good of the region’s rating community (and other interested parties) gathered in Brindleyplace in Birmingham, with tales from the dawn of rates to the present day.
When the invitations went out, we expected responses from the usual suspects – and a few extras drawn in by Executive Committee member (and Rating Surveyors’ Association President) Graham Ryall from his list of contacts. What we didn’t expect is to have 70 people in a room booked for 60!
Many times in the past we have held meetings on topics we consider to be of burning interest to our members and colleagues, only to be disappointed by the turnout. To get this number of people to spend a warm summer’s afternoon listening to a talk on business rates must be a testament to Gordon’s reputation within the rating community. That the meeting was free to attend (as are all our Association meetings) was no doubt an added bonus, but we’ve all heard stories of how Associations have held a free meeting which hardly anyone attends, then offered the same event at a price which is duly packed out!
The meeting room at Eleven Brindleyplace was provided free of charge by Colliers, and we are grateful to them for helping us keep our costs down and our events free to attend.
2011
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Level 3 Certificate course 2011/12 - Local Taxation & Benefits
![Level 3 Certificate course 2011/12 - Local Taxation & Benefits](Elm Bank.jpg)
COURSE DATES
This is a day release course. Sessions take place weekly on Wednesdays between September 2011 and May 2012.
VENUE
Sessions are held at the popular Elm Bank Training Centre in Coventry. It is easily accessible from the motorway system, and is located off Junction 5 of the Coventry ring road. It is just five minutes' walk from the train station and a local bus route. There is free on-site parking and excellent restaurant facilities.
SYLLABUS
All students will study 4 subjects, of which 3 are compulsory: Housing and Council Tax Benefits Law, Council Tax Law and Revenue and Benefits Administration.
For their 4th subject, students can choose between Non-Domestic Rating Law (for revenues students), and Prevention and Detection of Housing & Council Tax Benefit Fraud (for benefits students).
The course costs £795.00 (including relevant textbooks). To enrol, or to request further information, please e-mail us at irrvwma@googlemail.com.
2011
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IRRV’s Graham Ryall appointed President of the RSA
![IRRV’s Graham Ryall appointed President of the RSA](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The Rating Surveyors Association (RSA) has appointed Graham Ryall, a Director in Colliers CRE's Birmingham Rating team, President for its next year of operation.
Graham has more than 40 years’ experience of rating valuation having worked in both the public and private sectors, predominantly in the Midlands.
He has concentrated on large industrial complexes with associated plant and machinery and other specialised properties such as shipyards, hospitals, leisure centres, crematoria and universities.
The Rating Surveyors' Association is a professional organisation representing the interests of experienced Chartered Surveyors who specialise in the field of business rates. Its primary function is to work with the various bodies responsible for the rating system (the Department for Communities and Local Government, the Valuation Office Agency, Local Authorities and the Valuation Tribunals) to improve the business rates system.
The Association was founded in 1909 and now has over 400 members drawn from private practice, corporate bodies, the Valuation Office Agency and local authorities.2015
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Monday 16 February 2015: Rating Lists, Appeals And Other Topical Issues In Valuation
![Monday 16 February 2015: Rating Lists, Appeals And Other Topical Issues In Valuation](/documents/17/images/Officers/Chris%20Brain.jpg)
Chris Brain, a local authority relationship manager for the Valuation Office Agency, is speaking to the Association on Monday 16th February at Birmingham City Council's offices at 10 Woodcock Street.
The event will take place in the auditorium on the ground floor. Refreshments will be available from 3 p.m., and the event proper will start at 3.30 p.m.
A map can be found here for those who haven't been to Woodcock Street before.
Chris has spoken at a number of national public sector conferences and regional forums, and delivered training to public and private sector chartered surveyors on behalf of RICS.
As well as being a qualified technician member of the IRRV, he is a member of the Government Communications Service, the Local Authority Civil Enforcement Forum and the Government Property Profession.
He currently works with billing and precepting authorities to support their work in connection with business rates, with particular focus on business rates retention. He has spoken at various national and regional conferences and events, and delivered training to public and private sector practitioners in partnership with the IRRV and on behalf of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Topics he intends to cover include timeframes for appeals, the likely outcomes of appeals, and the consequences of the restrictions on backdating announced in the Autumn Statement - but he is happy to be led by his audience.
If you would like Chris to cover a particular topic, just let us know and we will ask him if he can incorporate it into his talk.
This event is free to members of the IRRV and non-members.
Numbers are limited by the venue, so if you would like to come and haven't already done so please e-mail us at irrvwma@googlemail.com as soon as you can.
2015
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A few words from Allan Traynor, our new President
![A few words from Allan Traynor, our new President](/documents/17/images/Officers/Allan%20Traynor%20(President)%20(small).jpg)
I am honoured to be elected President of the West Midlands Association. As a current Institute Council Member, a former national President and past Scottish Association President, I have always viewed the Associations as an integral part of the Institute which provide a means of connecting with both existing and prospective members at a local level.
As President, my main task, with the help of the Association Executive, will be to make this connection by providing local events that will be of interest to all practitioners working in the revenues, benefits, rating and valuation fields, thereby providing a means of networking with colleagues.
I also hope that we can encourage more practitioners at all levels to join the Institute and take advantage of the benefits of membership. Due to the ongoing finance and resource pressures we all face, this is no mean task but I intend to make contact with as many of our stakeholders as possible to get views on what we can do to support those working in our profession.
If any Association members and those involved in our profession have any ideas or thoughts about potential events we want to hear from you.
Allan Traynor FCCA IRRV (Hons)
May 2015
2016
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Wednesday 4 May 2016: Innovation in debt collection - the Sandwell experience
![Wednesday 4 May 2016: Innovation in debt collection - the Sandwell experience](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
The next Association event is a presentation by Anthony Griffiths of Sandwell MBC and Ian Biggadyke of Agilysis, who together with JBW Group won the prestigious IRRV award for excellence in debt management in 2015.
It takes place on Wednesday 4 May 2016 at Colliers' offices on the 12th Floor of Eleven Brindleyplace, 2 Brunswick Square, Birmingham B1 2LP. Tea and coffee will be available from 2.30 p.m., and the presentation will start at 3.
Anthony Griffiths has worked at Sandwell MBC for 10 years, initially as team leader for sundry debt recovery but more recently for council tax and business rates also. Before he worked for Sandwell he spent 12 years working for South Staffordshire Water PLC, where he gained valuable recovery experience pursuing unpaid water rates.
Sandwell's strategy for council tax collection is to maximise both in-year council tax collection and also income from arrears. Since November 2013 they have been working in partnership with Agilisys, using their expertise to help identify and unlock potential income.
Ian Biggadyke has 25 years' public sector experience in both revenues and in benefits, and has held the role of Head of Revenues and Benefits at both the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and at Haringey.
He joined Agilisys in 2011, and set up the award-winning Agilisys Revenue Collection Service (ARC), which focusses primarily on hard-to-collect arrears recovery and partnerships with local authorities to increase in-year recovery performance through intelligent use of data and segmented recovery strategies based on debtor circumstances. ARC is fully FCA compliant, and achieves results by working closely with debtors that struggle to pay their debts.
In addition to being a winner of the IRRV award excellence in debt management award in 2015, the ARC Service has twice been a recipient of the IRRV excellence in partnership award.
We hope very much to see you at this event. If you would like to come, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com as soon as possible.
2015
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Wednesday 22 July 2015: Maximising business rates retention and NNDR update
![Wednesday 22 July 2015: Maximising business rates retention and NNDR update](/documents/17/images/default.jpg)
The next Association meeting will take place on 22nd July 2015 at Collliers' offices at Brindleyplace, Birmingham commencing at 2.00 pm.
Our speakers will be:
David Magor, IRRV Chief Executive who will provide an update on NDR issues including reaction to the latest government review.
Paul McDermott, Director, Inform CPI Ltd who will examine how local authorities can maximise their rateable values with resultant income from the Business Rates Retention Scheme.
Joy Smith, Senior Operational Manager, Revenues & Benefits and Karen Holtom, Court Officer from Coventry City Council who will consider the success they have had in increasing the City’s NDR taxbase thereby generating additional income to the Authority.
This meeting is a must for all those involved in Business Rates administration from both public and private sectors and is free to IRRV members and non-members. If you wish to attend you can book your place by e-mailing us at irrvwma@googlemail.com by 10th July 2015.
Numbers will be limited so early booking is advisable.
2016
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Annual dinner dance, Saturday 4 February 2017
![Annual dinner dance, Saturday 4 February 2017](/documents/4/images/default.jpg)
The IRRV West Midlands Association annual dinner this year will be held at the Bromsgrove Hotel & Spa, formerly the Hilton Hotel at Bromsgrove, close to the M5 and M42.
The event, which promises to be a great night, will be held on Saturday 4 February 2017. We would like to see as many faces both new and familiar at the event, which as always will give you the chance to dress up, catch up and dance the night away.
We have negotiated accommodation at the hotel with special rates of £75.00 per couple (for a double room) and £60.00 per person (for a single room). Both rates are inclusive of breakfast. Bookings should be made direct with the hotel (telephone 0121 4477888), quoting reference IRRV 020417. There are only a limited number of rooms available at these rates, so please book early.
Tickets for the evening are at £28.00 per person, which includes a drinks reception, a 3-course meal, and entertainment.
After the meal, there is the usual opportunity to win a raffle prize, chat with colleagues and friends, and dance the night away.
For those who have not attended previously, we welcome you to come along with colleagues, partners or friends for a guaranteed enjoyable Saturday evening.
If you would like to come, please email us at irrvwma@googlemail.com as soon as possible, and complete and return the booking form to ensure that you have a place reserved and to take advantage of what should be a great night.
If you require further information about the event, please contact barry.powell@blueyonder.co.uk.
Looking forward to seeing you all there!