Lancashire and Cheshire

CTRS Modeling Slides /documents/3/files/CTR%20modelling%20-%20PiP.pdf

Implementing a new cts scheme  /documents/3/files/(3)%20Implementing%20a%20new%20CTS%20Scheme.pptx

designing an efficent ctr scheme /documents/3/files/(2)%20Designing%20an%20Efficient%20CTR%20Scheme.pptx

CTR Schemes Considerations for LAs /documents/3/files/(1)%20CTR%20schemes%20-%20Consderations%20for%20local%20authorites.pptx

Calling notice and Booking form /documents/3/files/Calling%20Notice%20CTS%20Scheme%20-%2026th%20June%20-%20Final%20Version%202019_(2).docx

To take advantage of this offer please complete the attached booking form and return it to the Association Assistant Treasurer Mike Harkins at MHarkins@rundles.org.uk by Tuesday 25th April.

Booking Form

/documents/3/files/Conference%20Letter%20-%20Leeds%202017.doc

This two-day seminar, which represents exceptional value for money, is a must attend event for all staff within Local Government Finance, Revenues and Benefits. The purpose of the seminar is to prepare staff for the challenges facing Revenues & Benefits Officers over the coming months and years. It will broaden staff skills and knowledge and provide opportunities for delegates to share experiences with staff from across the region. Please click the links below for further information and the booking form.

Letter & Booking Form

Wednesday 22nd July 2015

Venue – Shaw Hill Golf and Country Club, Chorley 

A Brand new Seminar, which is put together in response to the demand from revenues practitioners to know more about the impacts and consequences of the new Taking Control of Goods Regulations.

The seminar will take into account the enforcement changes affecting the recovery of statutory debts and in particular the requirements of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement (TCE) Act Regulations 2013/14 and how this new process has affected collections and customer behaviour.

It has been well documented that the legislation has brought about some unintended consequences and the expert panel of presenters (including the current President of Civea) will explain and explore the implications and potential solutions.

Download Booking Form

Venue – Preston Town Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston PR1 2RL

Date – Wednesday 1st July 2015

The day will include a look at how premises are valued, a subject that will be covered by Geoff Fisher who is a Past National President of the IRRV and previously worked as a Valuation Officer in London for 21 years. Beverley McDougall, a Director at Lambert Smith Hampton, will cover appeals from the viewpoint of the private sector whilst Paul McDermott, Director of Inform CPI Limited and a member of IRRV’s National Council, will talk about how local authorities can ensure they are maximising the rateable value in the Rating List. Robin Gibbons, Business Rates Manager at Bolton Council, will cover the topic of completion notices and the day will be concluded by Richard Kerr, Director at Greenhalgh Kerr, who will provide an update on recent cases involving charities and rates mitigation.

• Lancashire & Cheshire May 2015 Newsletter 
• Business Rate Seminar Booking Form 

The seminar will take into account the many impacts of low income households and recent changes affecting the world in which we work including the requirements of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement (TCE) Act Regulations 2013/14 surrounding the identification of vulnerability.   

Booking Form /documents/3/files/Calling%20Notice%20%20Agenda%20-%20Addressing%20Vulnerability%20Nov%2017%20(002).doc

Our seminars have been previously well subscribed with positive feedback from both delegates and employers. At £100 per delegate I believe that the event offers training at an Economical level; it will of course be delivered to the usual high professional standards of the Lancashire and Cheshire Association.  In addition, the Association is continuing to offer members of the Institute a generous 50% Discount.

The content of the seminar is designed to give a broader knowledge of the identification of and dealing with vulnerability, and will be particularly useful for:

• Staff wishing to increase their knowledge base resulting from the requirements of the TCE Act Regulations for Council Tax and NNDR enforcement;

• New, or inexperienced staff;

• Front line Customer Service staff including inspectors, Enforcement Agents, Customer Service Staff and Revenues Contact Centre agents;

• Managers looking to re-model their Council Tax Reduction Schemes.

Full details of the seminars and a booking form are attached

Booking Form

SPONSORED DELEGATE PLACES FOR AUTHORITIES IN LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE

IRRV Annual Conference 2022: Telford International Centre – 4th to 6th October 2022

Annual General Meeting Friday 20th April 2018

As secretary of the Lancashire and Cheshire Association I am pleased to invite you to the Annual General Meeting of the Association at 11am on Friday 20th April 2018 in the  Paderborn Room, 1st Floor Bolton Town Hall, Bolton BL1 1RT.

Tea / coffee will be available from 10.30 am.

The guest speaker is the National President of the IRRV, Gordon Heath and following the meeting lunch will follow at 12.30pm and is being taken at Prezzo, Unit 2 & 3 Market Place Vaults, the Market Place, Bolton BL1 2AL.

For guests attending the lunch you will need to pre-order – menu details are in the attached link: https://www.prezzorestaurants.co.uk/menus/?id=3662

For guests travelling to the AGM Bolton railway station is just a 5 minute walk away and attached below is a link to local car parking information. The NCP multi-storey on Topp Way (BL1 2DJ) is probably the most accessible for people driving into Bolton via the motorway. It’s also about a 5 minute walk to the Town Hall.

http://www.bolton.gov.uk/website/pages/Carparks.aspx

Please find attached the following:

• Nomination of Officers already received.

• Minutes of the 2017 AGM

• Agenda

Please note that hard copies of the accounts for year ending 31.12.2017 will be available at the meeting, however, should any member wish to see them in advance of the meeting then please either contact myself or the treasurer, Mike Shang: m.shang@btinternet.com

If you are attending the meeting or wish to stand for any position within the Association, please notify me at least two weeks before the AGM in order that any ballot papers may be prepared.

I would also be grateful if you would let me know by e-mail (awebster@warrington.gov.uk – 01925 442266) by 6th April 2018 if you are attending lunch following the AGM.

1. Apologies for absence
2. Minutes of the last AGM – 28th April 2017
3. Matters arising
4. Executive Committee Report for 2017/18
5. Treasurers Report
6.  Auditors Report
7.  Election of Association Officers for 2018/19
   1. Association President
   2. Senior Vice President
   3. Junior Vice President
   4. Hon Secretary
   5. Hon Assistant Secretary
   6. Hon Treasurer
   7. Hon Assistant Treasurer
   8. Hon Auditor
   9. Hon Publicity Officer
   10. Hon Education & Membership Officer
   11. Executive Committee
8.       Address by IRRV National President   

The IRRV Lancashire & Cheshire Association are pleased to announce we have secured a number of sponsored day delegate passes to the IRRV Investigation and Fraud Conference & Exhibition to be held at The Council House, Birmingham from 5th to 6th June.  

This development and educational opportunity is provided at no expense to local authorities.

These delegate passes provide access to the conference on each of the two days - authorities can either opt to send 1 delegate for 2 days or send 2 delegates for one day.

To take advantage of this offer please complete the attached booking form and return it to the Association’s Assistant Treasurer Duncan Baxter at duncan.baxter@destin.co.uk by Monday 21st May.  

As the numbers of passes are limited the Association will allocate places on a “first come – first served” basis. However, priority will be given to applicants who are currently studying for an IRRV qualification.

This important Conference will be accompanied by an exhibition for Companies and Stake Holders delivering services to local government. For further details about the conference please see visit www.irrv.net/conferences.

SPONSORED TWO DAY DELEGATE PLACES FOR AUTHORITIES IN LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE

IRRV Annual Conference 2015 Telford - 6th to 8th October 2015

The IRRV Lancashire & Cheshire Association are pleased to announce that we have secured a number of sponsored two day delegate passes to this year’s IRRV Annual Conference to be held at Telford from 6th to 8th October.

This development and educational opportunity is provided at no expense to local authorities.

These delegate passes provide access to the conference on 6th and 7th October, with the Association also providing £100 towards the cost of overnight accommodation on 6th October.  Please note that delegates are required to book their own accommodation and that payment will be made direct to the delegate and not the local authority.

To take advantage of this offer please complete the attached booking form and return it to the Association Assistant Treasurer Mike Harkins at MHarkins@rundles.org.uk by Wednesday 16th September.

As the number of passes are limited this offer is restricted to one place per authority and the Association will allocate places on a “first come – first served” basis. However, priority will be given to applicants who are currently studying for an IRRV qualification.

Due to the limited number of passes that are available, applicants will be informed by Wednesday 23rd September whether or not a pass has been granted.

This year the conference will, as ever be accompanied by an exhibition at which the leading industry suppliers of goods and services will be represented. For further details about the conference please visit www.irrv.net/conferences.

Please click on the link below for the booking form and further details

/documents/3/files/Conference%20Letter%20-%20Telford%202015.doc

The Lancashire and Cheshire Association are providing an Introduction to Local Taxation seminar at Haigh Hall, Wigan on Monday 24th June 2013.  This full day seminar is ideal for new or inexperienced staff, as well as staff who want to widen their knowledge of aspects of Local Taxation.  The seminar is competitively priced at £100 per delegate with members of the IRRV receiving a 50% discount on this rate.

Full details of the seminar and a booking form are available at the link below:

This seminar will cover the many changes affecting the world in which we all work in 2013 and beyond. Changes covered include Council Tax Exemptions, Business Rate Retention, Local Government Finance and Localised Council Tax Support. This seminar is ideal for staff who are new to local taxation or as an update on current and future changes.

An interactive workshop on Sundry Debtors taking place at Haigh Hall on 12th December 2013

Click the link below for details of this workshop and information on how to book.

Booking Form

/documents/3/files/Dinner%20Dance%20Booking%20Form%202017.doc

Booking Form

/documents/3/files/Calling%20Notice%20Insolvency%202017.docx

Lancashire & Cheshire Association have arranged an Insolvency & NNDR seminar which will be presented by Horsfields & Greenhalgh Kerr. The programme will provide an update on Insolvency Legislation, Rate Avoidance and discuss complex Insolvency issues.

Lancashire & Cheshire Association have been able to secure the services of David West from Smile Motivation to deliver a one day motivational workshop specifically aimed at revenues and benefits staff.

After a successful career in revenues and benefits (mainly with Capita Local Government Services) David set up Smile Motivation www.smilemotivation.co.uk to utilise his extensive experience, knowledge\understanding of motivation theory and practice to deliver his unique workshops to a wider audience.

Motivational factors are personal to the individual and so to ensure that delegates fully realise the personal benefit of attending this event we are limiting the workshop to a maximum of 12 delegates.

At £99.00 per delegate I believe that the event offers high class training at an extremely competitive rate. This includes lunch, refreshments and training materials. As places are limited I recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment.

With the pressures currently facing revenues and benefits staff and the uncertainty for the future I think the event is a must for anyone working within a revenues and benefits environment.

Bistro Pierre,Cavern Quarter,14,Button Street,Liverpool L2 6PS Tel/Fax 0151-127-2577

If you are interested in attending or wish to find out more details please contact Linda Price. Linda's contact details are below:

linda.price@sefton.gov.uk
Tel: 0151 934 3258
Mob: 07770 680891

Dinner Dance 2023 booking form

Venue Haydock Thistle Hotel

Date – Wednesday 24th June 2015

A customer services workshop, specifically tailored for customer services managers, supervisors, team leaders and key staff and delivered by a leading professional trainer with wide experience of customer service/leadership/motivational training and of the customer services, revenues and benefits environment.

The Course Leader is David West. David West started Smile Motivation in order to deliver his unique customer service, leadership and motivational workshops to a wider audience and he thoroughly enjoys running them. David has delivered his unique leadership and motivational workshops to hundreds of people during the past 20 years and has developed an exceptional understanding of motivation theory and practice.

Improving Customer Service Workshop - "SOLD OUT" Programme and Booking Form 

In the current financial climate it is particularly important for local authorities to ensure that Council Tax bills are issued promptly and accurately, with effective action being taken to collect unpaid amounts.  This seminar will be particularly useful for colleagues who are new to Council Tax or who deal with Council Tax issues regularly in a customer services environment. 

The seminar will also serve as a ‘refresher’ for more experienced Council Tax staff, and is also an excellent opportunity to catch up with colleagues and representatives from other authorities and organisations.

Our seminars have previously been very well subscribed with positive feedback from both delegates and employers. At £100 per delegate I believe that the event offers excellent value for money and will be delivered to the usual high standards of the Lancashire and Cheshire Association.  In addition the Association is continuing to offer members of the Institute a generous 50% Discount and student members may attend free of charge.

Apprentice Event Invite

Booking Form Link

Members of the Lancashire & Cheshire Association Executive Committee will be on Stand 22 at the 2011 Benefits Conference at the Southport Convention Centre, Southport.

Meet your Local Association who can provide you with details on Future Events/Seminars, Annual Dinner Dance, Annual General Meeting and Future Examination Training Course's.

Agenda Part 1

Agenda Part 2

The Lancashire and Cheshire Association are pleased to invite you to the Annual General Meeting of the Association at 2.00pm on Friday 19th April 2024 which will take place at Preston City Council, Town Hall, Lancaster Road, Preston, PR1 2RL.

I am pleased to invite you to attend one of our high quality training events. This customer services workshop, specifically tailored for customer services managers, supervisors, team leaders and key staff will be delivered by a leading professional trainer with wide experience of customer service/leadership/motivational training and of the customer services, revenues and benefits environment.

The aim of the day is to ensure participants have the opportunity to learn how customers think and the key steps required to increase customer satisfaction - both face to face and over the phone. In addition delegates will learn new techniques to handle customer stress.

The day will also ensure participants have an opportunity to discuss and share their motivational needs, job de-motivators and give delegates the tools and techniques to help maintain motivation within a customer service role.

The workshop is designed to give participants an inspirational and entertaining day. The event is designed to be fun and interactive in order that all participants leave highly motivated and can take a positive, effective role in customer service provision.

The cost of the event is £100 for non members and £50 for IRRV members.

The half day will include a look at the challenges faced by Local Authorities, Benefit Practitioners and Support Providers in relation to this particularly complex area of benefits administration. The workshop will be hosted by Pauline Wass, Revenues & Benefits Manager at Knowsley M.B.C, Catherine Nicholson, former Benefits Operational Manager at St Helens Borough Council and current Managing Director of Fortunatus Housing Solutions, and Malcolm Gardner a former Revenues & Benefits Manager, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of the Welfare Reform Club.

Full Details and Booking Form

/documents/3/files/Calling%20Notice%20Supported%20Accommodation%20Workshop%20-%2017_2_16.docx

Telsolutions Presentation

Ian Ferguson Presentation

Richard Kerr Presentation

Darren Kelk Presentation

Calling Notice and Booking Form

Booking Form

/documents/3/files/Calling%20Notice%20%20Committal%20160629.doc

The Lancashire and Cheshire Association intend to continue with the high quality professional events which have become an integral part of our annual calendar.  I am proud to announce this training seminar, which is put together in response to the demand from revenues practitioners who are either considering implementing the Committal process for non-payment of local taxes, or simply wish to refresh their knowledge in this complex and challenging area. The speakers are both ex-Local Government Revenues Managers with extensive experience in both Liability Order and Committal applications.

Aim:      To ensure that participants have an in-depth knowledge of the committal process involving Council Tax & NNDR.

Objectives: By the end of this seminar, participants will have increased knowledge on:

• An overview of the recovery process from the request for a Liability Order hearing, through to the application for committal to prison of the taxpayer
• The Liability Order from laying complaint to opening a liability order
• Explaining the rules regarding the summons or warrant.
• Conduct of the Liability Order and Committal hearings.
• Detail the various type of decisions that Magistrates can pass, making reference to any relevant case law applicable to any of the above,
• Rules regarding payment after a warrant of commitment is issued, and,
• The appeals procedure and the re-opening of liability order and committal hearings. 

Learning Outcomes:

• To provide a detailed insight into the Committal to Prison Procedure.

• Understand the legal requirements and consequences.

• Provide an opportunity to learn first-hand from a mock committal courtenvironment.

   

  Our seminars have been previously well subscribed with positive feedback from both delegates and employers. At £100 per delegate I believe that the event offers professional insight at an economical level; it will of course be delivered to the usual high standards of the Lancashire and Cheshire Association.  In addition the Association is continuing to offer members of the Institute a generous 50% Discount.

The 2016 Lancashire and Cheshire Association Dinner Dance will take place on 12th March at the Mecure Haydock Hotel (formerly Thistle Hotel at Haydock), which is conveniently located just off junction 23 of the M6.

Tickets are reasonably priced at �35 per person and all members of the association are encouraged to attend our main event of the year, with a good time guaranteed!!

There are a limited number of rooms reserved, which should be booked directly with the hotel. Please quote IRRV L&C when booking:

The hotel is offering IRRV guests discounted room rates of £85 (Double), £105 (Deluxe Double), £125 (Suite), £145 (King Suite) for bed and breakfast. Please mention the IRRV Lancashire & Cheshire Association when making your booking

Booking Form

/documents/3/files/Dinner%20Dance%20Booking%20Form%202016(1).doc

Calling Notice /documents/3/files/Calling%20Notice%20NNDR%20-%2011%20Jun%2019.docx

Booking Form /documents/3/files/Business%20Rates%20Intro%20Booking%20Form.docx

Slides /documents/3/files/Introduction%20to%20NNDR%20-%2011th%20June%202019%20-%20slides.pptx

The content of the seminar is designed to give a broad knowledge of business rates as a whole and will be particularly useful for:

•          Anyone new to business rates or who wants to increase or refresh their knowledge in this area;

•          Staff working on business rates teams;

•          Those studying for IRRV qualifications that include business rates in the syllabus.

This topical seminar will be presented by Rupert Dewhirst at Preston Town Hall at 4.00pm on 30th April 2014.  There is no charge for IRRV members with a £25 charge for non-members.  Further details are at the link below, along with a booking form.

Link to Calling Notice and Booking Form

/documents/3/files/Calling%20Notice%20Motivational%20Workshop%20.pdf

Workshop Purpose (Soft Skills Training)

By the end of the workshop the participants will:

ï‚· Be confident and highly motivated;

ï‚· Understand the relevant motivation theories;

ï‚· Understand how to motivate their staff;

ï‚· Be more productive;

ï‚· Be keen to use their new skills;

ï‚· Be highly positive;

ï‚· Be greater engaged with their organization;

ï‚· Smile more;

ï‚· Achieve greater job satisfaction;

ï‚· Share ideas to improve their organisation’s processes and procedures

Offer Letter & Booking Form

/documents/3/files/Conference%20Letter%20-%20Telford%202016.doc

Conference Program

/documents/3/files/Conference%20Programme.pdf

Further details on how to book your Authority’s free place(s) are provided in the attached letter.  However, as the conference is only a few weeks away it is important you complete the booking form by Wednesday 5th October

Presentation Slides

Peter Heywood - Council Tax - Finance-Tax Base

/documents/3/files/(01)%201%20PH%20CTAX%20and%20maintaining%20the%20property%20base.pdf

Julie Smethurst - Liability

/documents/3/files/(02)%20JS%20CTAX%20Liability.pdf

Caroline Lee - Billing & Collection

/documents/3/files/(03)%20CL%20Billing%20and%20Collection.pdf

Michael Fisher - Discounts-Disregards-Exemptions

/documents/3/files/(04)%20MBF%20Discounts%20and%20Disregards.pdf

Paul Kelly - Recovery options

/documents/3/files/(05)%20PK%20Options%20for%20LO%20Enforcement.pdf

Booking Form

/documents/3/files/Calling%20Notice%20Intro%20to%20Council%20Tax%20-%20Jan2020.docx

Purpose

This seminar will provide delegates with a greater insight into what other local authorities do to pursue debtors that attempt to evade payment.

It will also consider the cost of such actions (actual costs and opportunity costs) providing some ‘food for thought’ in the respect of council policies, current performance, and ‘spend to save’ initiatives.

Learning outcomes

By attending this course you will be provided with:

·        An appreciation of the importance of having in place effective policies, procedures and working practices;

·        An understanding of how to use the powers and enforcement remedies available in the process.

·        The knowledge to be able to pursue debts without referring cases to the Council’s Legal Department;

·        An understanding of the potential costs and whether it is cost effective not to pursue a debt further.

Who will benefit

All those who work or manage debt collection of

·        Corporate Debts;

·        Local Taxation;

·        Sundry Debts;

·        Overpaid Housing Benefits; and

·        Former Tenant Arrears.

Lancashire and Cheshire Association are pleased to invite you to the Annual General Meeting of the Association at 11am on Friday 28th April 2017 at Preston Town Hall, Lancaster Road, PR1 2RL

Annual General Meeting Agenda

/documents/3/files/AGM%20Agenda%202017.doc

/documents/3/files/AGM%20Agenda%202017%20-%20part%202.doc

Guests are recommended to park on the Market carpark.  Link to this and other town centre carparks:

http://www.preston.gov.uk/yourservices/transport-and-parking/parking/city-centre-car-parks/market-hall-car-park/

Tea / coffee will be available from 10.30 am.

The guest speaker is the National President of the IRRV, Ian Ferguson and following the meeting lunch will follow at 12.30pm and is being taken at Mundotapas (http://mundotapas.co.uk).  

Following lunch guests will have the opportunity to experience at cocktail masterclass at 2pm (http://reviewpreston.co.uk).  

To view click here

Calling Notice and Booking Form

Slides

Dave Chapman - Slides

Catherine Nicholson Slides

Introduction to Business Rates Seminar

South Ribble Borough Council, Civic Centre, West Paddock, Leyland PR25 1DH

Tuesday 27th September 2022

Booking & Agenda

Presentations 

Rateable Occupation

Billing & Enforcement 

Enforcement

The Role of the Rating Agent

Exemptions & Reliefs

Scenarios Greenhalgh Kerr

calling notice and booking form

slides

Business Rates 2023 Revaluation, Transition & Interest

Venues – (1) South Ribble Borough Council, Civic Centre, West Paddock, Leyland, PR25 1DH

(2) Bury Town Hall, Peel Room, Elizabethan Suite, Knowsley Street, Bury BL9 0SW

1383895. – (1) Thursday 26th January 2023. (2) Wednesday 8th February 2023

Pictures now available of this years event.

Click here to take you to the Photo Wall

Calling Notice & Booking Form

This course is designed to shed light on what insolvency really is, and remove and fears and prejudices there may in using it to recovery unpaid NNDR and CT.

This edition of the newsletter focuses on the success of the Lancashire & Cheshire Authorities at the IRRV Performance Awards:

• Knowsley MBC
• Liverpool Direct Ltd
• Wyre Borough Council
• Wirral MBC
• Manchester City Council
• Unity Partnership Oldham Council
• Burnley Borough Council

Seminar Slides

Booking Form and Calling Notice

Sundry Debt Workshop

Venue – The Old Courts, Crawford Street , Wigan, WN1 1NA

Date – 11th April 2024 Time 1:00pm – 4.30pm

The Annual Lancashire & Cheshire Dinner Dance was held at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa on the 19th March 2011.

To view photographs please click here

The IRRV Lancashire & Cheshire Association are pleased to announce we have secured a number of sponsored day delegate passes to this year’s IRRV Revenues and Enforcement Conference to be held at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate from 24h to 25th May 2016.

These delegate passes provide access to the conference on 24th and 25th May 2016. Please note delegates are required to book their own accommodation.  

To take advantage of this offer please complete the attached booking form and return it to the Association Assistant Treasurer Mike Harkins at MHarkins@rundles.org.uk by Thursday 12th May.

As the numbers of passes are limited this offer is restricted to two places per authority and the Association will allocate places on a “first come – first served” basis. However, priority will be given to applicants who are currently studying for an IRRV qualification.

Authorities can choose to send 1 delegate for two days or two delegates for one day.

This year the conference will, as ever be accompanied by an exhibition at which the leading industry suppliers of goods and services will be represented. For further details about the conference please visit www.irrv.net/conferences.

The Lancashire and Cheshire Association is again hosting a Spring lunch for its members in Liverpool. The date is the 3rd June;  members and friends of the association are welcome to join us for what will be an enjoyable lunch. As always good food and good company will be on the agenda. More  details can be obtained from Linda Price

lindaprice03@outlook.com

Booking form & Details:   /documents/3/files/Calling%20Notice%20Sundry%20Debts%20Workshop%20-%2026%20Sep%2019.docx

Slides

Best Practice in Sundry Debt /documents/3/files/(1)%20Best%20Practice%20in%20Sundry%20debt%20(Dave%20Chapman).pdf

Sundry Debt The Bolton Way /documents/3/files/(2)%20Sundry%20Debt%20-%20The%20Bolton%20Way%20(Debbie%20Hurst).pdf

Sundry Debt Negotiations /documents/3/files/(3)%20Sundry%20Debt%20-%20Negotiations%20(Paul%20Kelly).pdf

Sundry debtor Workshop /documents/3/files/(4)%20Sundry%20Debtor%20Workshop%20(Peter%20Gent).pdf

Overview of small claims /documents/3/files/(5)%20Overview%20of%20Small%20Claims%20Process%20(Richard%20Kerr).pdf

The 2010 Annual Dinner Dance was held on Saturday the 13th March at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa. Use the link below to view photographs of the event

Photograph Wall

The Association is holding a social event at Boltons Hollywood Bowl.  Starting  at 7pm and costing just £10 including 2 games of bowling, a drink, light refreshments and a buffet. It should be an excellent evening and provides an excellent opportunity to meet up outside the formal environment,

If you wish to come along  Just let our President, Duncan Baxter duncan.baxter@destin.co.uk know that you wish to come along.

Supported Accommodation – From Both Sides - Booking Form

The Purpose of the course (Soft Skills Training)

By the end of the workshop the participants will:

• Be confident and highly motivated;
• Understand the relevant motivation theories;
• Understand how to motivate their staff;
• Be more productive;
• Be keen to use their new skills;
• Be highly positive;
• Be greater engaged with their organization;
• Smile more;
• Achieve greater job satisfaction;

Share ideas to improve their organisation’s processes and procedures

Who will benefit

• Managers;
• Team Leaders;
• Back Office Staff; and
• Customer Service Staff

 Basically, anyone involved in revenues and benefits.

Booking Form /documents/3/files/Calling%20Notice%20Motivational%20Workshop%20.docx

Slides now available

Digistaff

Telsolutions

Destin

Voicescape

COEC

Govtech

Engage Hub

Booking form and details - Closing Date now 15 September

Strategic use of technology is playing an ever-increasing part in the administration of local authorities.

The Lancashire & Cheshire IRRV are lucky enough to have 7 sponsors who specialize in providing innovative tech solutions to a whole range of scenarios.

This event will give delegates the opportunity to hear from each of our sponsors on how to benefit from the very latest technology and streamlined processes to assist with recovering Council Tax and NNDR, and across Local Authority departments in general.

Booking Form

/documents/3/files/Calling%20Notice%20Business%20Rates%20Feb%2017.docx

Further to my recent notification in respect of business rates transition scheme seminars.

Due to high demand we have now arranged a third seminar at Bury as the Preston event is now full. However, places still remain at Macclesfield and I am also delighted to announce that the Lancashire and Cheshire Association has arranged a third session to take place on:

Thursday 23 February 2017 at Lancaster Room, Elizabethan Suite, Town Hall, Bury, BL9 0SW (Start 10am)

All three seminars will be delivered by Gordon Heath, who currently holds the post of IRRV Junior Vice President and will become Senior Vice President in October. Gordon co-wrote the 2005 transition scheme and the 2010 scheme was also based on this. Whilst details about the 2017 scheme are still to be confirmed it does appear it will be broadly similar to the 2010 scheme and Gordon serves as an IRRV representative on the System Design Working Group. What is for sure is that transition will once again form an important part of business rates bills in 2017 and a thorough understanding of the subject will be key for all practitioners.

At £100 per delegate I believe that the event offers excellent value for money.  In addition the Association is continuing to offer members of the Institute a generous 50% Discount and student members may attend free of charge.

As the Preston event is already full and the number of places at the remaining seminars is limited to 30 at Bury and 25 at Macclesfield early booking is strongly recommended. Please find booking form attached.

Newsletter Includes

Business Rate Workshop

Association Diary

National Conference

Mark Barry - Hitting The Heights

Arnold Dawes

This will be held on the 16th April at Penwortham Golf Club, there is now limited availability. The event is open to all IRRV Members who hold a valid handicap certificate. Further details can be obtained from duncan.baxter@destin.co.uk. IRRV members are not required to hold a valid certificate to attend the evening meal. 

The Annual Lancashire & Cheshire Dinner Dance will be held at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa on 19th March 2011.

Download a booking form

Accommodation at Formby Hall

Unfortunately all the rooms at Formby Hall are now booked. We are recommending that Guests book accommodation at the Ramada Plaza, Southport

The Association will be arranging transport from/to the Ramada Hotel to Formby Hall 

Calling Notice and Booking form

/documents/3/files/Calling%20Notice%20Insolvency%20Workshop%2016%20December%202015.docx

Dear Colleague

The Lancashire and Cheshire Association Executive recognises that the delivery of high quality professional events is a key requirement for our members.  I am pleased to announce a half day insolvency workshop which aims to help members who deal with insolvency, Council Tax recovery and the associated procedures and the submission of forms.

The half day will include a look at how individuals use insolvency to help deal with debt problems, the impact the different forms of insolvency have on the recovery of Council Tax and in some cases Business Rates.  The workshop will include some case studies and also cover the practical aspects of dealing with the documentation that is issued as a result of the insolvency process.  The workshop will be run by Hemal Mistry and John Lee, both Licensed Insolvency Practitioners of Horsfields Insolvency Practitioners, who have extensive experience in advising and working with local authorities in dealing with debt recovery and insolvency.  They have acted as Trustees and Liquidators in many insolvency cases, particularly where local authorities have debt exposure.

The event is also an excellent opportunity to catch up with colleagues and representatives from other authorities and organisations.

Our seminars have previously been very well subscribed with positive feedback from both delegates and employers. At £50 per delegate I believe that the event offers excellent value for money; it will of course be delivered to the usual high standards of the Lancashire and Cheshire Association.  In addition the Association is continuing to offer members of the Institute a generous 50% Discount.

The content of the seminar is designed to give a broader knowledge of Council Tax recovery and insolvency and will be particularly useful for:

• Council Tax staff who want a greater understanding of insolvency and the impact on debt recovery;
• Anyone who has little or no experience in dealing with insolvency;
• Anyone working in debt recovery – whether in the public or private sector;

I am pleased to announce that the Lancashire & Cheshire Association have again been able to secure the services of David West from Smile Motivation to deliver a one day motivational workshop specifically aimed at revenues and benefits staff.

After a successful career in revenues and benefits (mainly with Capita Local Government Services) David set up Smile Motivation www.smilemotivation.co.uk in order utilise his extensive experience, knowledge and understanding of motivation theory and practice to deliver his unique motivational workshops to a wider audience.

Motivational factors are personal to the individual and so to ensure that delegates fully realise the personal benefit of attending this event we are limiting the workshop to a maximum of 12 delegates.

At £100.00 per delegate I believe that the event offers high class motivational training at an extremely competitive rate. This includes lunch, refreshments and training materials. As places are limited I recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment.

With the pressures currently facing revenues and benefits staff and the uncertainty for the future I think the event is a must for anyone working within a revenues and benefits environment.

Full details of the workshop objectives and a booking form are attached.

Booking Form and Offer Letter

/documents/3/files/Conference%20Letter%20-%20Leeds%202019.doc

This event will focus on Insolvency and is to be delivered by Horsfields Financial Consultants and Insolvency Practitioners.

John Lee & Hemal Mistry will take you through the various changes and amendments to the Insolvency legislation which have taken place in recent years, what the reasons were and the Government’s objectives in implementing new provisions to the law.

The event will cover such areas as the roles of the Insolvency Service, provide an update on recent case law and cover the changes to Insolvency Law. If you have any difficult cases you would like to discuss then please bring them with you on the day.

This is a free seminar and places are limited.

As this event also includes lunch it is an excellent opportunity to catch up with colleagues and representatives from other Authorities and Organisations.

A lunch was held recently in Preston to celebrate the contribution made by Pete and Richard to the Lancashire & Cheshire Association over numerous years. In their time on the Executive Committee, both have served as Association President and Richard did receive a lifetime service award from the IRRV in recognition of his outstanding work for the IRRV.

Pete has now retired from work while Richard continues at Lancaster Council. Peter gave years of experience in the field of Revenues and Benefits to help to organize the seminars and also help the newer members of the executive committee in their new roles. Richard has made an outstanding contribution not only for the seminars but also to organize the Annual Dinner Dance. The hours of work involved behind the screen has always made the evening run smoothly for the dinner. Pete' and Richard's colleagues and friends from all over the Lancashire and Cheshire area come to Preston to show their graduate to them both. Both were congratulated for their support for other members of the Exec, their common sense approach: as well as both bringing their separate and unique senses of humour to Exec business! They have both provided excellent role models to other members of the Association and they are already missed. Keep in touch both!

Greenhalgh Kerr - Deceased Estates

Debt collection

sundry debtors seminar

Lancashire & Cheshire Branch History

Founded in 1907

Branch Meetings were held on a regular basis offering advice to our membership on collection and recovery of domestic and business rates including appealing against their assessments. The Branch Programme incorporated site visits to breweries, football grounds, oil refineries, industrial hereditaments, large shopping and office accommodation offering professional advice on how to appeal against their rateable value. 

The “Executive Committee” and “Students Society” administered the Branch activities prior to their merger in 1960. This included the appointment of their own President, Vice-President, Chairman, Vice-Chairman and other associated officers to promote its annual programme of events and speakers.

The Students Society was the bedrock of promoting their members to the Executive Committee in the further activities of the Branch. A sub-branch was founded in 1961 covering the northern part of the Principality of Wales. The branch sponsored the North Wales Branch which received independence in February 1968. Joint Meetings with other Branches have been fostered over the years with the aim of harmonising education and training in the collection and recovery of local authority revenues and the administration of housing and council tax benefits; Yorkshire and Humberside, West Midlands, North Wales and The Branch has, for years, regularly supported both the Annual and Overseas Conferences and organised the stewardship for the Conferences held in Blackpool and Southport. 

The Branch has always been actively involved in the Conference of Branch Representatives which meets twice a year to discuss various issues affecting the service provided by the institute both at a national and local level. Two branch members have acted as Secretary to this August body - Barry Smith 1978 to 1982 and Ron Garner 1983 to 1988.

The Branch was the first to introduce the concept of a “Weekend School” in England and Wales. The first course was held at “Alston Hall” near Preston in 1972. It quickly attracted a captive audience within the area of the branch for its professional approach to education and training in the collection of revenues, the administration of benefits, valuation of property taxation and their associated appeals. The venue was relocated to the “Doric Hotel” Blackpool in 1979 because of its success and the number of delegates attending. The “Weekend School” has gone from strength to strength in attracting delegates from outside the geographical area of the Branch, the Valuation Tribunal Service and civil servants. The course regularly attracts between seventy and a hundred delegates and is highly regarded in local authority circles for its professionalism in the training of their staff. 

Induction Courses were introduced in 1979 to which local authorities, private practice and valuation tribunals can send new recruits for basic training in their occupation. This covered billing, collection and recovery of council tax and business rates, administration of housing and council tax benefits, valuation for rating and the appeals procedures through the tribunals. Very popular courses particularly when local authorities were appointing staff to collect Community Charge (Poll Tax).

One day Professional Courses were introduced in 1982. These courses are held on a regular basis covering all aspects of billing, collection and recovery of council tax, business rates, housing rents and sundry debtor income and the administration of housing and council tax benefits. Interpretation of the law and recommending best practices are essential features of these courses. 

Colleges were established in the 1960’s at the Harris College, Preston and at Hartford, Cheshire to provide educational facilities for our students to study for the Institutes examinations. Unfortunately the college at Hartford, Cheshire folded in the early 1970’s due to lack of numbers, but Preston College has gone from strength to strength over the intervening years due to the Branch providing lecturers for the specialised subjects. Preston College provides courses for both the professional and technicians examinations attracting for over fifty students from not only from within this branch but from Northern Counties, Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire & Humberside Branches. Hot Pot Suppers were held on an annual basis until 1963 when the Annual Dinner became a regular highlight in the social calendar. The Annual Dinner Dance was introduced in 1971, which is regarded as the pinnacle of the Branch President’s year, attracting guests and friends from throughout the country. 

The Battle of the Roses cricket matches with the Yorkshire & Humberside Branch was first played in 1971 and became a annual fixture until 1997 when, due to lack of players, the competition was suspended. Bowls matches have been held intermittent since 1978, but from 1993 there have been annual golf matches between the two branches, which are highly competitive to win the “Golf Trophy”. 

The West Midlands Branch have also competed in an annual cricket match since 1994 and the inaugural annual golf match for the Jacobs Golf Trophy was first played in 1999. Branch Members have been continuously elected to the IRRV Council since 1925 and in 1972/73 there were six members of the Branch elected to Council. A member of the Branch has held the office of President of the Institute on seven occasions. Honorary Members of the Institute have included Isaac Dixon; W G E “Bill” Ormond and Lady Simon of Wythenshaw. Officers of the Branch are shown on the attached schedule. The posts of President, Senior Vice President and Junior Vice President were first introduced in 1960. Prior to that date the Branch had a President, Vice President, Chairman and Vice Chairman. The latter two post holders were responsible for overseeing the Students Society.

• Congratulations to Dave Chapman elected National President 
• Catching up with our Association President 
• Stockport Performance Adwards Report as Benefits Team of the Year
• Xmas Dinner 
• Dinner Dance 2013  
• Association Programme
• Congratulations to Performance Adwards Finalists

December 2009

In this edition of the newsletter:

• Congratulations to our Examination Prize Winner
• Mike Commins Retirement Lunch
• Dave Chapman re-elected as a Council Member
• Upcoming events
• Review of recent events

Download December 2009 Newsletter

September 2009

In this edition of the newsletter:

• Annual General Meeting
• Members in the spotlight
• Election of Council Members 
• Upcoming events
• Review of recent events

Download September 2009 Newsletter

In this edition of the Newsletter

• Congratulations to Dave Chapman elected Senior Vice President 
• Catching up with our President 
• Performance Adwards Report
• Checking Single Person Discounts
• Dinner Dance 2012
• Association Programme
• Review of Bailiff Services

View Photographs of Event

Vulnerability Slides

Debt Negotiation

Details and Booking Form

Updated Agenda

/documents/3/files/Fraud%20Seminar%20Agenda.docx

Calling Notice & Booking Form (Click Below)

/documents/3/files/Calling%20Notice%20Fraud%20Seminar%202015(1).docx

The day will begin looking at Opportunities for a Corporate Fraud Team, a session that will be covered by Andrew Taylor, Corporate Fraud Manager for Preston CC, Lancaster CC & Fylde BC and past winner of 2 IRRV Performance Awards for Fraud Team of the Year and Partnership Working.    A session on how credit data can be utilised in investigations will be covered by Darren Kelk, owner of Kelekt Consultancy and Trainer with Rossendales.  Mark Astley, Head of Service at NAFN Data & Intelligence Services will cover access to data to support corporate investigations.  Duncan Warmington, Secretary to the Board for TEICCAF will give an update from The European Institute for Combatting Corruption and Fraud.  John Rosenbloom, Fraud Manager at Manchester City Council will talk about investigating council tax support fraud and joint working with DWP.  Mark Grimley, Assistant Director at Intec for Business Ltd will give an update on the Impact of Technology on Fraud.

The event is also an excellent opportunity to catch up with colleagues and representatives from other authorities and organisations.

Our seminars have previously been very well subscribed with positive feedback from both delegates and employers. At £100 per delegate I believe that the event offers excellent value for money; it will of course be delivered to the usual high standards of the Lancashire and Cheshire Association.  In addition the Association is continuing to offer members of the Institute a generous 50% Discount.

The content of the seminar is designed to give a broader knowledge of the opportunities and systems and support available to a corporate fraud team and will be particularly useful for:

• Fraud Investigators and Managers;
• Revenues & Benefit Managers or Heads of Service;
• Anyone working in Audit.

What are the benefits and what does getting involved mean?

The following list is not exhaustive

• Opportunities to attend National Conferences as representative of the  Association
• Representing the Association at Meetings/other association events
• Increase your profile amongst fellow professionals and practitioners.
• No barriers to making an active contribution
• Attendance at Executive Committee meetings up to 6 times a year including the AGM.
• Contribution to the development of the Association’s programme of events
• Contribution to email debate

In this edition of the newsletter:

• Meet our new President & Executive Members
• Upcoming events
• Review of recent events
• Ann Penn's Retirement

This years annual dinner dance will again be held at the excellent Mecure Haydock Hotel    Booking Form

Peter Haywood capped off an eventful week when he was elected President of the Lancashire Association, the week started with Peter starting his new role as Revenues Manager at South Ribble BC. In other changes Duncan Baxter steps down into the Role of Senior Vice President whilst Preston & Lancaster Shared Services Revenues Manager Julie Smethurst steps into the role of Junior Vice President .

W'ed also like to welcome Hemel Mistry, Candice Lancaster and Peter Joyce onto the Executive Committee

Annual General Meeting Friday 20th April 2018

As secretary of the Lancashire and Cheshire Association I am pleased to invite you to the Annual General Meeting of the Association at 11am on Friday 20th April 2018 in the  Paderborn Room, 1st Floor Bolton Town Hall, Bolton BL1 1RT.

Tea / coffee will be available from 10.30 am.

The guest speaker is the National President of the IRRV, Gordon Heath and following the meeting lunch will follow at 12.30pm and is being taken at Prezzo, Unit 2 & 3 Market Place Vaults, the Market Place, Bolton BL1 2AL.

For guests attending the lunch you will need to pre-order – menu details are in the attached link: https://www.prezzorestaurants.co.uk/menus/?id=3662

For guests travelling to the AGM Bolton railway station is just a 5 minute walk away and attached below is a link to local car parking information. The NCP multi-storey on Topp Way (BL1 2DJ) is probably the most accessible for people driving into Bolton via the motorway. It’s also about a 5 minute walk to the Town Hall.

http://www.bolton.gov.uk/website/pages/Carparks.aspx

Please find attached the following:

• Nomination of Officers already received. /documents/3/files/AGM%20Agenda%202018.doc

• Minutes of the 2017 AGM  /documents/3/files/AGM%20Agenda%202017%20-%20Minutes.doc

• Agenda  /documents/3/files/AGM%20Agenda%202018%20-%20part%202.doc

Please note that hard copies of the accounts for year ending 31.12.2017 will be available at the meeting, however, should any member wish to see them in advance of the meeting then please either contact myself or the treasurer, Mike Shang: m.shang@btinternet.com

If you are attending the meeting or wish to stand for any position within the Association, please notify me at least two weeks before the AGM in order that any ballot papers may be prepared.

I would also be grateful if you would let me know by e-mail (awebster@warrington.gov.uk – 01925 442266) by 6th April 2018 if you are attending lunch following the AGM.

Intro to Ctax Slides

Introduction to CTAX calling Notice

Booking Form

October Newsletter

/documents/3/files/L%20%26%20C%20IRRV%20Newsletter%2024%20%20October%2016.pdf

Calling Notice and Booking Form

/documents/3/files/Calling%20Notice%20Insolvency%20Seminar%20-%20Feb%202020.docx

Photographs of the event are now available to view

Please click here for the event photo wall

Photographs

/documents/3/files/IRRV%20Newsletter%2039%20December%2019(1).pdf

/documents/3/files/IRRV%20Newsletter%2038%20August%2019.pdf

/documents/3/files/IRRV%20Newsletter%2037%20May%2019.pdf

Click on the link below for the Newsletter

/documents/3/files/IRRV%20Newsletter%2014%20September%2015.pdf

The latest copy of the Newsletter can be found at the following link

/documents/3/files/IRRV%20Newsletter%2018%20March%2016.pdf

/documents/3/files/IRRV%20Newsletter%2013%20August%2015.pdf

The Associations Latest Newsletter is available here

/documents/3/files/IRRV%20Newsletter%2017%20February%2016.pdf

Photographs of the event are now available to view

Please click here for the event photo wall

Photographs

At its AGM in Lancaster on the 9th April Duncan Baxter was elected President of the Lancashire & Cheshire Association. Peter Haywood was elected as Senior Vice President

More to follow

/documents/3/files/IRRV%20Newsletter%2040%20December%2019%20(2).pdf

All the latest News from Your Association

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Photographs of the event are now available to view

Please click here for the event photo wall

Photographs

Please click on the link below to view our current newsletter

/documents/3/files/IRRV%20Newsletter%2015%20October%2015.pdf

Photographs of the event are now available to view

Please click here for the event photo wall

Photographs

Lancashire & Cheshire March 2015 Newsletter

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All the latest news for your association

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Downloafd the latest Newsletter

June 2015

Annual General Meeting Friday 22nd April 2016

The Lancashire and Cheshire Association are pleased to invite you to the Annual General Meeting of the Association at 10.30am on Friday 22nd April 2016 at Lancaster Castle

Tea / coffee will be available from 10 am.

The guest speaker is the National President of the IRRV, Jim McCafferty and following the meeting guests will have the opportunity to tour the castle at 11.45am. Lunch will follow at 12.30pm and is being taken at Merchants 1688, 29 Castle Hill, Lancaster, LA1 1YN  http://merchants1688.co.uk

Please find attached the following:

• Nomination of Officers already received.

• Minutes of the 2015 AGM

• Agenda

Please note that hard copies of the accounts for year ending 31.12.2015 will be available at the meeting, however, should any member wish to see them in advance of the meeting then please either contact myself or the treasurer, Mike Shang: MShang@rossendales.com

If you are attending the meeting or wish to stand for any position within the Association, please notify me at least two weeks before the AGM in order that any ballot papers may be prepared.

I would also be grateful if you would let me know by e-mail (awebster@warrington.gov.uk – 01925 442266) by 8th April if you are attending for lunch at the restaurant following the AGM.

The Association's 2016 Annual General Meeting will take place at 10.30am on Friday Tuesday 22nd April at Lancaster Castle. Following  the AGM there will be a tour of the Castle and Lunch at 1688 Merchants Pub/Restaurant in Lancaster.  Please find an agenda for the meeting  at the links below.

/documents/3/files/AGM%20Agenda%202016.doc

/documents/3/files/AGM%20Agenda%202016%20-%20part%202.doc

Lancashire & Cheshire February 2015 Newsletter

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Photographs of the event are now available to view

Please click here for the event photo wall

Photographs

Photographs of the event are now available to view

Please click here for the event photo wall

Photographs

Lancashire & Cheshires December 2015 Newsletter

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The latest newsletter from your association

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Lancashire & Cheshire October Newsletter

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Lancashire & Cheshire September Newsletter

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Newsletter includes

New President

Vulnerability Seminar

How to Get Involved

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The Association would like to thank the following for their sponsorship during 2014:

	Avarto
	Bristow & Sutor
	Capacity Grid
	Destin Solutions Ltd
	Dukes
	Equita
	Greenhalgh Kerr
	Horsfields
	Jacobs
	JBW
	Newlyn
	Phoenix Commercial
	Rossendales
	Rundles & Co

Please click the link below to view the newsletter.

In this edition of the newsletter

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The Annual Dinner Dance

Your Association Events

Catching up with our Association President

Get Involved with your Association

Spring Lunch

Former President Retires

Bill Shaw Award

Telford Conference Report

Executive Member Report- Craig Green Head of Arvato Public Sector Services Ltd   

Bill made everyone laugh.  That’s the best way to describe him.  He made his colleagues at Liverpool, Leicester and Pendle Councils love and respect him based on his humour and his knowledge of his field. This continued when he went into the private sector for the last year of his life.

Bill was never an Executive Member of the Association.  ‘I’m not a committee type of a person’ he used to say. It’s true, he wasn’t.  He would much rather work with staff and students to help them understand and interpret Revenues and Benefits legislation and ‘to do a good job’.  He was a committed teacher at the then Preston Polytechnic and was proud of every one of his students and their achievements; he worked many long hours to help and encourage them to succeed.  He also brought many of the lessons to a standstill by telling one of his many daft but funny stories.

As a speaker at the weekend school his presentation on Aladdin applying for a benefit was nothing short of spectacular. Bill dressed as Aladdin but played all the roles in the pantomime as well as providing sound effects from a yellow plastic telephone. Having the audience in stitches whilst learning about benefits is an art form in its own right.

As a mark of recognition for Bill’s contribution to the students of the Lancashire and Cheshire Association, a prize will be awarded each year to the highest achieving student sitting the Institute’s June examinations in the Association’s area.

The Association lost one of its finest and funniest members when Bill died at age 51. Any student winning the award that is named after Bill should be proud, as indeed Bill would be proud of you for doing so well and earning the prize.

Alf was a committed and active member of the Lancashire and Cheshire Association and an award is presented in his name each December. Many of the newer members will not know or remember Alf, but in light of his dedicated service and to explain why a student award is presented in his name, this article is a small attempt to describe the man and his contribution to members and students during his many years of service.

Alf was a real character and was widely known by many IRRV members nationally as well as locally. The prefect gentleman, he would always tip his hat to any passing ladies and was ready with a warm smile to all and a word of encouragement was never far from his lips. Alf served for many years on the Lancashire & Cheshire Executive and was an ardent contributor to debate and discussion. It was his many years of teaching at the Preston Polytechnic (now the University of Central Lancashire) that caused the Executive Committee to create the student award in his memory.

Alf’s main area of expertise was General Rates but he was equally ardent and knowledgeable on cricket. He organised the annual Lancashire versus Yorkshire match which was a really competitive event and attracted many members as spectators. The first question to any new students in September or new starter at work was always ‘Do you play cricket’ followed by ‘Are you sure you don’t play cricket?’ followed by ‘Would you like to learn to play cricket?’ Many would be wearing the cricket whites soon afterwards. As his college lectures came to an end each week, the conversation would soon come round to the cricket season and many a student did their best to get Alf onto cricket at the earliest opportunity during the lecture. Of course in those days smoking in a classroom was still allowed and Alf enjoyed his occasional cigar which also covered the first two rows of students.

On Local Government reorganisation on 1st April 1974 Alf had been transferred into South Ribble Borough Council at Leyland as Revenues Officer and retired on 30th March 1990. Alf later died in his retirement and was a great loss to the Association.

In view of his many years of his contribution to the Lancashire & Cheshire Association the Executive members decided to have an award dedicated to Alf. So now, following the IRRV December examinations, the student who has achieved the best examinations results in the Lancashire & Cheshire area is awarded the Alf Alker award; the prize is an engraved pen which is presented by the Association President and duly photographed for publication in Insight magazine and on the Association website. Whilst this is only a small token, many of us who remember Alf so fondly regard it as a real honour to be awarded a prize bearing the name of a man who put so much effort into the education and development of student members.

Well done to all those students who have received the Alf Alker award in the past and good luck to all those students taking examinations that may lead to this or other awards in the future.