Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many and what proportion of new general practice premises projects have appealed the valuation by the district valuer service; and how many of those appeals were upheld.

For context, the Valuation Office Agency’s (VOA) District Valuer Services (DVS) provide property advice to NHS bodies in England, including Current Market Rent (CMR) assessments for GP practice premises, under the NHS (General Medical Services - Premises Costs) Directions.

DVS is instructed in accordance with the Directions, to assess the financial value for money aspect of proposed new lease terms including rent for both existing premises and for third-party development schemes. DVS then provide advice to the Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The ICB is responsible for the decision on approval of the project reflecting all Value for Money considerations including the DVS advice and their own budgetary targets. The VOA are not aware of any appeals to NHS Resolution in relation to an ICB Value for Money decision relating to new premises development.