URL: https://democracy.ipswich.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1395

Decision Maker: Officer Decision

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The Government require each local authority to provide an estimate of their Non-Domestic Rates income for each financial year. This forecast includes a section to record potential losses from rateable value appeals.   The SRP partners (Ipswich Borough Council, Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council) have used a company to undertake a forensic analysis of the rating list to provide a forecast on the potential losses from appeal, on a quarterly basis.   A contract was awarded to Wilks, Head and Eve, via ESPO framework 2700-22 Estates Management, Professional Services, to produce a NNDR appeals forecast to support the completion of the NNDR 1 and NNDR 3 for Babergh, Ipswich and Mid Suffolk Councils. This contract is due to expire on the 31/10/2025.   The original contract included the option to extend for a further 12 months. This option was exercised with the decision taken to extend the contract for a further 12 months to the 31/10/2025.   This service remains a requirement of the estimates provided to Government and the recommendation is to therefore continue procuring the service for the next 2 financial years The total cost is £17,500 per annum + VAT (£35,000 in total) and is split as follows: • Babergh District Council - £5,500 + VAT • Ipswich Borough Council - £6,500 + VAT • Mid Suffolk District Council - £5,500 + VAT

Content: The Government require each local authority to provide an estimate of their Non-Domestic Rates income for each financial year. This forecast includes a section to record potential losses from rateable value appeals.   The SRP partners (Ipswich Borough Council, Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council) have used a company to undertake a forensic analysis of the rating list to provide a forecast on the potential losses from appeal, on a quarterly basis.   A contract was awarded to Wilks, Head and Eve, via ESPO framework 2700-22 Estates Management, Professional Services, to produce a NNDR appeals forecast to support the completion of the NNDR 1 and NNDR 3 for Babergh, Ipswich and Mid Suffolk Councils. This contract is due to expire on the 31/10/2025.   The original contract included the option to extend for a further 12 months. This option was exercised with the decision taken to extend the contract for a further 12 months to the 31/10/2025.   This service remains a requirement of the estimates provided to Government and the recommendation is to therefore continue procuring the service for the next 2 financial years The total cost is £17,500 per annum + VAT (£35,000 in total) and is split as follows: • Babergh District Council - £5,500 + VAT • Ipswich Borough Council - £6,500 + VAT • Mid Suffolk District Council - £5,500 + VAT To award a contract to Wilks Head and Eve for a period of 2 years at a cost of £35000.   Reason: WHE are also providing a provision for East & West Suffolk, this ensures consistency for the NNDR rating pool.

Date of Decision: November 4, 2025