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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Dec 1960

Vol. 185 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valuation of Buildings.

12.

asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the present system of valuation of buildings is retarding reconstruction work and that valuations have been increased in certain cases by one hundred to three hundred per cent; and, if so, if the Commissioners of Valuation will consider changing the system of valuation so that only the addition, and not the old building, will be valued and so that the increase in the valuation will be a small percentage increase related to the amount of capital expenditure.

I am not aware that the present system of valuation of buildings is materially retarding reconstruction work.

I am aware that in some cases there have been valuation increases of the order indicated by the Deputy. Obviously this must happen if a nil or token valuation is replaced by one of say £50 or £100, according to scale of reconstruction or additions carried out. Increases, then, can and must occur where the net annual letting value of the premises is estimated to have been increased by the same degree, or where the previous valuation has been inadequate by reference to the net annual value of the premises as it stood prior to reconstruction, as often happens where such valuations have not been referred to the Commissioner of Valuation for revision at the proper time.

Under the Valuation Acts relativity between valuations, especially as between those on old and new premises, can be attained only by local authorities including all out-of-date valuations in the Complete Lists of Hereditaments requiring Revision of Valuations which they submit annually, under statute, to the Commissioner of Valuation. Rate collectors have the duty, and ratepayers the right, to submit to the secretaries of their rating authorities lists of the hereditaments in their respective districts which in their opinion require revision, and such lists are incorporated in the complete Lists submitted to the Commissioner; it is up to the rating authorities to require their collectors to seek out and report all cases that appear to need revision.

The valuation of any premises made or revised under the Valuation Acts must be based on an estimate of the net annual value of the premises in its actual state. I regard that as a fair system, and I would not favour the introduction of legislation to alter it The change proposed in the Deputy's Question would operate unfairly in favour of occupiers whose present inadequate valuations are out-of-date by reason of the omission of the local authorities to submit them for revision.

May I also remind the Deputy that increases in valuation of premises reconstructed or added to are cushioned in favour of the occupiers by the generous temporary valuation or rating concessions given under the relevant statutes.

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