Agenda Document Pack - Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board - 07/09/2026
North Lanarkshire Council · 7 September 2026
Back to Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board — 7 September 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Members of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Chief Executive’s Office Rachel Blair Chief Officer (Legal, Democratic and Strategy) Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell ML1 1AB www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk Notice is given that a Meeting of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board is to be held in the Teams Meeting and Council Chamber, on Monday, 07 September 2026 at 14:00 PM which you are requested to attend. The agenda of business is attached. Rachel Blair Chief Officer (Legal, Democratic and Strategy) Members : Clerk Name: Clerk Telephone: Clerk Email: Page 1 of 124
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Agenda Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board - Final Agenda Pack - 07_09_2026 5 - 124 Page 3 of 124
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Tuesday, 01 September 2026 Dear Councillor Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board The Members listed below are requested to attend a meeting of the above Board to be held as follows:- Date: Monday, 07 September 2026 Time: 14:00 Venue: By Microsoft Teams and Council Chamber, The business to be considered at the meeting is listed overleaf. Yours sincerely Paul Manning Clerk to the Board Members Walter Brogan (Convener), Jim Reddin (Depute Convener), Bob Burgess, Maureen Chalmers, Ross Clark, Colin Dewar, Lynsey Hamilton, Martin Hose, Margaret Hughes, Lesley Jarvie, Tom Johnston, Gavin Keatt, Mark McGeever, Alex McVey, Nicky Shevlin, Anne Thomas Substitutes Mathew Buchanan, Monique Equi, Geri Gray, Cal Johnston-Dempsey, Richard Nelson, Carol Nugent, Norman Rae, Margaret B Walker 1 Page 5 of 124
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BUSINESS 1 Declaration of Interests 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting Minutes of the meeting of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board held on 1 June 2026 submitted for approval as a correct record. (Copy attached) 5 - 12 Monitoring Item(s) 3 Revenue Budget Monitoring 2026/2027 and Reserves Strategy - Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Report dated 25 August 2026 by the Treasurer to the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board. (Copy attached) 13 - 20 4 Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board - Audit of the 2025/2026 Annual Accounts Report dated September 2026 by Audit Scotland, External Auditor. (Copy attached) 21 - 32 Item(s) for Decision 5 Audited Accounts 2025/2026 Report dated 19 August 2026 by the Treasurer to the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board. (Copy attached) 33 - 84 6 Debt Recovery Policy Report dated 25 August 2026 by the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer. (Copy attached) 85 - 96 7 Establishment of a Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Recruitment Panel Report dated 19 August 2026 by the Clerk to the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board. (Copy attached) 97 - 100 Item(s) for Noting 8 Review of Establishment Report dated 25 August 2026 by the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer. (Copy attached) 101 - 104 9 Progress Update Report dated 20 August 2026 by the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer. (Copy attached) 105 - 120 Urgent Business 10 Urgent Business Any other items of business which the Chair decides are urgent. 2 Page 6 of 124
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For further information, please contact:- Clerk Name: Stuart McLeod Clerk Telephone: 07385 370 117 Clerk Email: stuart.mcleod@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 3 Page 7 of 124
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LANARKSHIRE VALUATION JOINT BOARD Minutes of meeting held via Microsoft Teams and in Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton on 1 June 2026 Convener: Councillor Walter Brogan, South Lanarkshire Council Councillors Present: North Lanarkshire Council Councillor Bob Burgess, Councillor Margaret Hughes, Councillor Lesley Jarvie, Councillor Tom Johnston, Councillor Alex McVey, Councillor Jim Reddin (Depute Convener), Councillor Anne Thomas South Lanarkshire Council Councillor Ross Clark, Councillor Colin Dewar, Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, Councillor Martin Hose, Councillor Gavin Keatt Councillors’ Apologies: North Lanarkshire Council Councillor Nicky Shevlin South Lanarkshire Council Councillor Janine Calikes, Councillor Mark McGeever Attending: Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board J Dell, Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer; A Berry, Electoral Services and Support Manager Clerk’s Office P Manning, Clerk to the Board; S McLeod, Administration Officer; S Jessup, Administration Assistant, South Lanarkshire Council Treasurer’s Office J Taylor, Treasurer to the Board Also Attending: Audit Scotland A Hyslop, Trainee Auditor; P Murray, Senior Audit Manager South Lanarkshire Council Y Douglas, Internal Audit Manager 1 Declaration of Interests No interests were declared. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the meeting of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board held on 2 March 2026 were submitted for approval as a correct record. The Board decided: that the minutes be approved as a correct record. 2 5 Page 9 of 124
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3 Revenue Budget Monitoring 2026/2027 - Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board A report dated 12 May 2026 by the Treasurer was submitted:- providing an update on the 2026/2027 revenue budget providing a forecast for the year to 31 March 2027 providing actual expenditure as at 17 April 2026 providing an update on the Reserves position for Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board The Board, at its meeting on 1 December 2025, had approved a net budget of £4.482 million for 2026/2027. This had been funded by Council requisitions (£1.701 million from North and South Lanarkshire Councils) and £1.026 million from Reserves. The budget included an assumption that the allocation of Barclay funding would total £0.736 million. The Local Government Finance Order 2026 had since confirmed that North and South Lanarkshire Councils would each be allocated additional Barclay funding of £0.086 million for 2025/2026, resulting in an additional £0.172 million being transferred to the budget for 2026/2027. To take account of the additional Barclay funding, the level of anticipated spend for 2026/2027 had been revised and the budgets for net expenditure and funding from requisitions and Reserves had both been increased by £0.172 million. Those adjustments, as detailed in the report and Appendix A to the report, took the overall budget for 2026/2027 to £4.600 million. At its meeting held on 1 December 2025, the Board had noted a revised Reserves Forecast and Strategy up to 2028/2029. This had now been further revised to reflect the reduced use of Reserves in 2025/2026, due to an increase in the interest received on the Board’s revenue balances, and the reduced use of Reserves predicted in 2026/2027 as a result of the ongoing underspend in employees costs. The revised Reserves Forecast and Strategy showed that there would be a reliance on £0.595 million of Reserves to balance the budget for 2028/2029 and that by the end of that year, the Reserves would be fully utilised. In order to reduce the ongoing reliance on Reserves of approximately £0.600 million per annum and to manage the position into the period beyond the current Strategy, the Board would be required to make savings where possible in the years up to 2028/2029. A review of the reliance on Reserves and how the estimated future funding shortfall could be managed would be undertaken, with the outcome to be reported to a future meeting of the Board. As at 17 April 2026, the projected outturn variance was a breakeven position. This reflected an underspend of £0.400 million in employee costs offset by a reduction of £0.400 million in the use of Reserves. The employee costs underspend reflected current staffing levels and anticipated recruitment timescales for vacant posts. The actual spend as at 17 April 2026 was £0.238 million. The Board decided: (1) that the revision to the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s Revenue Budget for 2026/2027, as detailed in the report, be noted; (2) that the forecast to 31 March 2027 of a breakeven position, and the actual expenditure as at 17 April 2026 of £0.238 million, as detailed in Appendix A to the report, be noted; and 6 Page 10 of 124
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(3) that the Reserves Strategy, as detailed in the report, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 2 March 2026 (Paragraph 4) and Minutes of 1 December 2025 (Paragraph 6)] 4 Internal Audit Annual Assurance Report 2025/2026 A report dated 30 April 2026 by the Internal Audit Manager was submitted:- on the progress and performance of Internal Audit in the provision of internal audit services to Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board (LVJB) in 2025/2026 providing an independent conclusion and opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of LVJB’s framework of governance, risk management and control arrangements for the year ended 31 March 2026 updating the Board on the Internal Audit function’s compliance with the Global Internal Audit Standards during 2025/2026 Internal Audit formed part of LVJB’s wider governance framework and its primary objective was to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management and control processes. As a function, it did this by delivering a programme of audit assignments for which the output allowed Internal Audit to conclude on the effectiveness of the organisation’s framework of governance, risk management and control arrangements in the audit year. Delivery of this internal audit service to LVJB was in accordance with the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS), as noted by the Board at its meeting held on 3 March 2025. Details of the following were provided in the report:- the internal audit service’s link to LVJB’s core purpose, as set out in its Service Plan, its vision statement and top risks the approach taken by the internal audit service compliance of the internal audit service with the GIAS, as demonstrated in the self- assessment for 2025/2026, attached as Appendix 1 to the report the role of the Head of Internal Audit the internal audit service’s workload and performance, including the year-end position against a new suite of performance indicator targets, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report 2025/2026 workload and delivery of the 2025/2026 Audit Plan which had been completed at least to draft stage, with improvement actions agreed with the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer included in a draft audit report 2025/2026 Internal Audit performance in terms of its efficiency and effectiveness audit conclusions from audit work undertaken in the year assurance in terms of LVJB’s:- governance arrangements risk management internal control Internal Audit’s conclusions and opinion for 2025/2026 which included:- the Chief Internal Auditor being satisfied that the Board had established adequate and effective arrangements for governance, risk management and internal control this opinion being based on a programme of risk-based internal audit work carried out in accordance with GIAS, together with consideration of other relevant sources of assurance 7 Page 11 of 124
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the audit work completed provided sufficient and appropriate evidence to support this conclusion. Where Internal Audit had identified areas of high residual risk during 2025/2026, those had been reported to management and to the Board, within the annual report, with agreed actions in place. Internal Audit was satisfied that the risk acceptance positions in place during the year were transparent and formally acknowledged Internal Audit had operated in conformance with GIAS during the year, and no significant limitations in scope or access had been identified that would impact on the reliability of this opinion The Board decided: (1) that the assessed level of Internal Audit’s compliance with the Global Internal Audit Standards, as set out in the report and Appendix 1 to the report, be noted: (2) that Internal Audit’s progress with delivering the 2025/2026 Internal Audit Plan, as outlined in the report, be noted; (3) that Internal Audit’s performance, as set out in the report and Appendix 2 to the report, be noted; (4) that the output and overall findings from internal audit work that would inform LVJB’s 2025/2026 governance statement, as outlined in the report, be noted; and (5) that Internal Audit’s conclusions on the level of assurance being provided in 2025/2026, as outlined in the report, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 1 December 2025 (Paragraph 7)] 5 Annual Governance Statement A report dated 15 May 2026 by the Treasurer was submitted on the Annual Governance Statement for 2025/2026 which would be included in the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s 2025/2026 Annual Accounts. The Board’s Annual Governance Statement 2025/2026, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, provided details of the systems for internal control which were in place to ensure a robust governance structure. For 2025/2026, the Chief Internal Auditor was satisfied that the systems for internal control were adequate and effective. In terms of continuous improvement, the annual audit review would provide recommendations to assist management to improve the control environment as well as an assessment of the adequacy of existing systems and procedures, including identifying any necessary improvements to maintain and improve the Board’s governance arrangements. The Treasurer responded to a member’s question on the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer responded to a member’s questions in relation to:- recruitment and retention of staff accidents and incidents 8 Page 12 of 124
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The Board decided: that the Annual Governance Statement, attached as Appendix 1 to the report, be approved for inclusion in the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s 2025/2026 Annual Accounts. 6 2025/2026 Annual Report and Accounts - Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board A report dated 12 May 2026 by the Treasurer was submitted on the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s Annual Report and Accounts for the financial year ending 31 March 2026. At its meeting on 2 March 2026, the Board had been advised of a probable outturn transfer from Reserves of £0.722 million. Appendix 1 to the report detailed the actual position for the Board for the year ended 31 March 2026 which showed a transfer from Reserves of £0.656 million. An explanation for the variance in the transfer from Reserves of £0.066 million was provided in the report and Appendix 1. The unaudited Annual Report and Accounts, attached as Appendix 2 to the report, detailed the Revenue Accounts and Balance Sheet position as at 31 March 2026 which showed a net deficit of £1.367 million. After implementing statutory accounting practice, the net position on the Board’s General Fund Balance was a deficit of £0.656 million, as shown in Appendix 1 to the report. This sum, when added to the General Reserve of £2.475 million carried forward from 2024/2025, gave the Board a closing General Reserve position of £1.819 million at 31 March 2026. This was £0.066 million higher than anticipated as part of the probable outturn. The strategy for use of Reserves in future years was detailed in a separate report to this meeting of the Board. The Board decided: that the unaudited Annual Report and Accounts for Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board for the year ended 31 March 2026, attached as Appendix 2 to the report, be approved for submission to the external auditors, Audit Scotland. [Reference: Minutes of 2 March 2026 (Paragraph 4) and Minutes of 1 December 2025 (Paragraph 6)] 7 Review of Establishment A report dated 5 May 2026 by the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer was submitted advising of changes to the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board (LVJB) staffing establishment which would provide additional capacity within the valuation team. A review of the structure had been undertaken by the Senior Management Team and the Head of Personnel Services (South Lanarkshire Council) to address the lack of experienced resource within the valuation team to carry out the more complex valuations of the Board’s statutory functions and to ensure that there were adequate qualified surveyors to cope with the volume and complexity of work relating to non-domestic valuation. As a result of the review, the following posts would be added to the LVJB staffing establishment:- 3 full time equivalent (FTE) posts of Principal Valuer on Grade 4, Level 2 to 5, SCP 82 to 88 (£54,783 to £59,911) 9 Page 13 of 124
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The costs in relation to the additional posts, graded at the highest point in the grade range, amounted to £213,160 to £233,113 and would be funded from current requisitions. In terms of the Scheme of Delegation, the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer, in consultation with the Clerk and Head of Personnel Services (South Lanarkshire Council), had the power to make changes to the authorised establishment up to but not including Chief Officers, as she considered necessary to meet the requirements of efficient service delivery subject to the proviso that any changes could be funded from the approved budget. As such, the changes to the establishment had not required the approval of the Board. The Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer responded to a member’s question on the recruitment of the additional Principal Valuers. The Board decided: (1) that the content of the report be noted; and (2) that the addition of 3 FTE posts of Principal Valuer to the LVJB staffing establishment, as detailed in the report and outlined above, be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 2 June 2025 (Paragraph 11)] 8 Equality Reporting – Annual Employee Information Report – April 2025 to March 2026 A report dated 5 May 2026 by the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer was submitted on the Annual Employee Information Report April 2025 to March 2026, for Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board, as attached as an appendix to the report. The Board was required to produce and deliver a set of equality outcomes to comply with the Public Sector Equality Duty under Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012 and 2016. In April 2025, in accordance with Regulation 4 of the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2012, the Board had published its Mainstreaming Equalities Report and Equalities Outcomes 2025 to 2029 and subsequently, in April 2026, the Board had published its Annual Employee Information Report for April 2025 to March 2026. Both documents were available on the Board’s website. In accordance with the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) (Scotland) Regulations 2016, the Annual Employee Information Report included an update on the actions the Board had undertaken to deliver on its equality duties and also included an equal pay statement, gender pay gap analysis and occupational segregation data. The Board decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 2 June 2025 (Paragraph 12)] 9 Lanarkshare Valuation Joint Board Public Performance Report 2025/2026 A report dated 5 May 2026 by the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer was submitted providing information on the Board’s Public Performance Report for the financial year 2025/2026. 10 Page 14 of 124
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The report was titled ‘Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board, Office of Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer, Public Performance Report 2025/2026’ and was attached as an appendix to the report. The report outlined the Board’s performance in its core service delivery areas for the period 2025/2026 and would be published on the Board’s website. The Board decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 2 June 2025 (Paragraph 13)] 10 Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Efficiency Gains 2025/2026 A report dated 5 May 2026 by the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer was submitted on the Board’s efficiency gains for the financial year 2025/2026. The report outlined Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s efficiency measures implemented in 2025/2026 and detailed both cashable and non-cashable efficiency gains totalling £476,748. Details of the efficiency gains for 2025/2026 were provided in an appendix to the report. The Board decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 2 June 2025 (Paragraph 14)] 11 Monitoring of Complaints (1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026) A report dated 5 May 2026 by the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer was submitted on complaints received by the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. One complaint, which related to a non-domestic valuation, had been received in the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. The complaint was classified as not having been upheld. No complaints had been referred to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman during the period. The Board decided: that the report be noted. 12 Progress Update A report dated 11 May 2026 by the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer was submitted on:- an overview of the Service current issues and Service priorities an update on performance issues affecting the future direction of the Joint Board Statistical information, illustrating progress made in terms of key areas of the work undertaken by Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board, was provided in the appendices to the report. 11 Page 15 of 124
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The Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer advised that one of the Board’s trainees had successfully achieved their professional status which had encouraged a further 3 trainees to undertake their professional exams. She added that it was hoped that the additional 3 posts of Principal Valuer would help with the retention of trainees after they had qualified. The Convener acknowledged that the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board had faced a number of challenges over the past year and thanked the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer and her staff for their hard work and innovation in meeting those challenges. The Board decided: that the report be noted. [Reference: Minutes of 2 March 2026 (Paragraph 9)] 13 Urgent Business There were no items of urgent business. 12 Page 16 of 124
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Date of Meeting: 7 September 2026 Report by: Treasurer to Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Subject: Revenue Budget Monitoring 2026/2027 and Reserves Strategy - Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] provide an update on the 2026/2027 Revenue Budget, including the forecast for the year to 31 March 2027; actual expenditure as at 7 August 2026 provide an update on the Reserves Strategy for Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Board is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the forecast to end of March 2027 of a breakeven position, and the actual to 7 August 2026, both shown in Appendix A, be noted; and (2) that the Reserves Strategy detailed in Section 6, be noted. 3. Background 3.1. This is the second revenue budget monitoring report presented to the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board for the financial year 2026/2027. 3.2. The report provides an update on the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Revenue Budget (section 5) and details the financial position as at 7 August 2025 (detailed in Appendix A). 3.3. In addition, an update on the Reserves Strategy is included in section 6. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. None 5. Financial Implications 5.1. Period 5 Monitoring Position: Appendix A shows that as at 7 August 2026, the projected outturn variance is breakeven. 5.2. This breakeven position reflects an underspend of £0.600 million in Employee Costs offset by a reduced use of Reserves. The Employee Cost underspend has increased by £0.2 million since the previous forecast. This net increase mainly reflects the timing of posts for Targeted Revaluation monies received (sections 5.5 and 5.6) with posts only anticipated to be filled for part of the financial year (£0.180 million) as well as further turnover of staff experienced in the past quarter, and the consequent timing of recruitment of these vacant posts (£0.020 million). 3 13 Page 17 of 124
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5.3. This forecast will continue to be monitored in line with the ongoing recruitment and will be affected by any further turnover of staff above the budgeted levels. An update will be provided at the December meeting of the Board. 5.4. The actual spend to 7 August 2026 is £1.119 million. 5.5. Budget Virements: The Scottish Government has allocated £0.197 million of funding to South Lanarkshire Council and £0.074 million to North Lanarkshire Council for ‘Targeted Revaluations’ (previously known as ‘Mansion Tax’). This is to support Assessors in delivering a targeted revaluation of dwellings valued above £1 million, enabling the introduction of two new high value Council Tax bands (Bands I and J) from 1 April 2028. The budget shown in Appendix A takes account of the additional funding and includes an additional expenditure budget to allow spend to be made appropriately. 5.6. As a result of the new Targeted Revaluations Funding, the level of anticipated spend for 2026/2027 has been refined. Taking this into account means that the budgets for Net Expenditure and Funding have both been increased by a £0.271 million. The budget realignments are detailed in Table 1 and included in the monitoring report in Appendix A. Table 1: Revised Budget 2026/2027 2026/2027 £ Base Net Expenditure Budget (June 2026) 4.600 Plus Increase to reflect Targeted Revaluations funding (£0.271m) (section 5.5) 0.271 Revised Net Expenditure Budget 4.871 Funded by: Requisitions and Reserves (December 2025) 4.600 Plus Targeted Revaluations funding (section 5.5) 0.271 Revised Funding from Requisitions and Reserves 4.871 6. Reserves Strategy 6.1. As noted in the previous report to the Board (Revenue Budget Monitoring 2026- 2027), the Revenue Budget for the coming years continues to place reliance on the use of Reserves. This is illustrated in Table 2 with the 2026/2027 position updated for the impact of the further £0.200 million Employee Cost underspend noted earlier in this paper (section 5.2), meaning a lesser use of Reserves in this year (£0.426 million) than previously advised (£0.626 million). Table 2 – Reserves Forecast and Strategy – Revised September 2026 2026/27 (year 1) £m 2027/28 (year 2) £m 2028/29 (year 3) £m 2029/30 (year 4) £m Opening Balance 1.833 1.407 0.908 0.409 Proposed Utilisation of Reserves (0.426) (0.499) (0.499) (0.499) Closing Balance 1.407 0.908 0.409 (0.090) 6.2. Table 2 shows that the Board would now have a balance of £1.407 million at the end of 2026/2027 and in the final year of the Strategy (2028/2029), the Board will have utilised the majority of the Reserves balance available with only £0.409 million remaining. 14 Page 18 of 124
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6.3. The 2028/2029 column shows that there is still a reliance on £0.499 million of reserves to balance the budget in that year, meaning that beyond that, there is only £0.409 million available into 2029/2030 and that would not cover the continued use of reserves in 2029/2030, leaving a deficit of £0.090 million. 6.4. The June paper noted that a review would be undertaken on the reliance on Reserves and will include planning scenarios on how the estimated future funding shortfall can be managed. 6.5. In order to reduce the ongoing reliance on Reserves of £0.499 million per annum, and manage the position into the next period beyond the current 3 year Strategy, the Board are required to make savings where possible in the years up to 2029/2030. However, due to the statutory nature of the service, this cost reduction will need to be considered alongside workload and staffing requirements. There is also the potential that further funding may become available for Council Tax reform and Barclay funding in future years. As there is no certainty on this, the 2026/2027 level of Barclay funding (£0.908 million, being £0.454 million per Council) has continued to be assumed from 2027/2028. 6.6. In June 2026, the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government confirmed plans for a comprehensive review of non-domestic rates. In addition, it was announced that an independent panel will undertake a rapid review of the outcomes of the 2026 Revaluation. While these activities could affect funding and the work of the Board, there is no detail available. Therefore, there has been no account taken in the scenarios. 6.7. Three planning scenarios have been identified on how the estimated shortfall of £0.499 million per annum could be managed. The scenarios assume that no further Government funding is made available beyond the £0.908 million Barclay funding currently received (section 6.5.) and that Targeted Revaluations funding (sections 5.5 and 5.6) is assumed at the advised reduced levels of £0.157 million in 2027/2028 and £0.039 million in 2028/2029. 6.8. Scenario 1: Current Assumptions This assumes the following:- temporary reductions in Council requisitions of £0.528 million (£0.264 million per Council) are re-instated in 2027/2028 as planned employer pension contributions to Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF) reduce to 15% from April 2027 (from current 17.5%) in line with Council assumptions (£0.070 million) pay award increases each year are met from targeted efficiencies Table 3 – Reserves Forecast and Strategy (Scenario 1) 2026/27 (year 1) £m 2027/28 (year 2) £m 2028/29 (year 3) £m 2029/30 (year 4) £m Opening Balance 1.833 1.407 0.978 0.549 Proposed Utilisation of Reserves (0.426) (0.429) (0.429) (0.429) Reduction In Use of Reserves – reduce staffing levels - - - 0.380 Closing Balance 1.407 0.978 0.549 0.500 6.9. Table 3 shows that there is a recurring reliance on reserves of £0.429 million per annum from 2027/2028. 15 Page 19 of 124
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6.10. To maintain reserves at £0.500 million to allow the Board to respond to any reduction in Barclay funding, reduced staffing levels would require to be implemented from 2029/2030. Given the assumption that the Barclay funding currently received continues at a level of £0.908 million, a Reserves balance of £0.500 million is deemed more than acceptable. 6.11. Scenario 2: Updated Employer Pension Contribution Assumption A full triennial actuarial valuation of the Strathclyde Pension Fund is currently being undertaken with indicative results expected in the Autumn. On the basis of recent information provided, it is reasonable to assume that the results will be similar to the last valuation, Table 4 shows the current position (from Table 3) updated to show the potential impact from 2027/2028 (a further £0.240 million reduction in Reserves required beyond the £0.070 million already assumed in scenario 1), with the Board’s use of Reserves reduced as a result of the reduction in pension costs. All other assumptions remain as per Scenario 1. Table 4 – Reserves Forecast and Strategy (Scenario 2) 2026/27 (year 1) £m 2027/28 (year 2) £m 2028/29 (year 3) £m 2029/30 (year 4) £m Opening Balance 1.833 1.407 1.218 1.029 Proposed Utilisation of Reserves (0.426) (0.189) (0.189) (0.189) Reduction In Use of Reserves – reduce staffing levels - - - - Closing Balance 1.407 1.218 1.029 0.840 6.12. Table 4 shows a recurring reliance on reserves of £0.189 million per annum from 2027/2028. 6.13. To maintain reserves at £0.500 million to respond to any reduction in Barclay funding, reducing staffing levels would not require to be implemented until after 2029/2030. 6.14. Scenario 3: Updated Employer Pension Contribution Assumption and extension of temporary reductions in Council Requisitions This scenario is the same as Scenario 2, however, the temporary reductions in council requisitions of £0.528 million (£0.264 million per Council) are re-instated one year later than currently assumed (so now in 2028/2029). Table 5 has been updated to show the potential impact from 2027/2028. Table 5 – Reserves Forecast and Strategy (Scenario 3) 2026/27 (year 1) £m 2027/28 (year 2) £m 2028/29 (year 3) £m 2029/30 (year 4) £m Opening Balance 1.833 1.407 0.690 0.501 Proposed Utilisation of Reserves (0.426) (0.717) (0.189) (0.189) Reduction In Use of Reserves – reduce staffing levels - - - 0.188 Closing Balance 1.407 0.690 0.501 0.500 6.15. Table 5 shows that this results in a recurring reliance on reserves of £0.189 million per annum from 2028/2029. 16 Page 20 of 124
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6.16. To maintain reserves at £0.500 million to respond to any potential reduction in Barclay funding, reducing staffing levels would require to be implemented from 2029/2030. 6.17. Scenario 3 above is the working assumption going forward. This proposal benefits the councils for a further year and also gives the Board three more years before any substantial reduction in staffing is required – thus giving time to consider the structure and needs. 6.18. However, as outlined above, the full triennial actuarial valuation of the Strathclyde Pension Fund is ongoing with indicative results not expected until the Autumn. If the valuation is not as expected, an update will be provided to the next meeting. 6.19. If underspends continue to materialise in year due to turnover of staff and filling of vacant posts, then Reserves will last for longer than currently assumed meaning that the above scenarios may not be required to be considered until beyond 2029/2030. Similarly, if Barclay funding were to end, scenario 3 would require to be accelerated. This scenario will continue to be monitored in line with revenue monitoring each financial year with updates provided to the Board as required. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no climate change, sustainability or environmental implications in terms of the information contained in this report. 8. Other Implications 8.1. The main risk associated with the Board’s Revenue Budget is that there is an overspend. The risk has been assessed as low given the detailed budget management applied. The risk is managed through four weekly Budget Monitoring Meetings at which any variance is analysed. In addition, the probable outturn exercise ensures early warning for corrective action to be taken where appropriate. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy, and therefore, no impact assessment is required. 9.2. There is also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in this report. Jackie Taylor Treasurer 13 August 2026 Previous References Revenue Budget Monitoring 2026/2027 – Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board – 1 June 2026 List of Background Papers Revenue Budget 2026/2027 – Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board – 1 December 2025 17 Page 21 of 124
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Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Graham Booth, Finance Manager (Strategy) Ext: 2699 (Tel: 01698 452699) E-mail: graham.booth@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 18 Page 22 of 124
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Appendix A LANARKSHIRE VALUATION JOINT BOARD Revenue Budget Monitoring Report Period Ended 7 August 2026 (No.2) Annual Budget Projected Outturn Projected Outturn Variance Against Budget (Over) / Under % Variance Year to Date Actual 07/08/26 Note £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Budget Category Employee Costs 3,913 3,313 600 under 15.33% 941 1, a Property Costs 0 0 0 - 0.0% 0 Supplies & Services 171 171 0 - 0.0% 63 Transport & Plant 5 5 0 - 0.0% 2 Administration Costs 465 465 0 - 0.0% 110 Payments to Other Bodies 31 31 0 - 0.0% 2 Financing Charges 15 15 0 - 0.0% 1 Total Controllable Exp. 4,600 4,000 600 under 13.04% 1,119 Total Controllable Inc. (119) (119) 0 - 0.0% 0 Net Controllable Exp. 4,481 3,881 600 under 13.39% 1,119 Add Central Support Costs (Office Accommodation £0.211m and Central Administration £0.179m) 390 390 0 - n/a 0 Total Budget 4,871 4,271 600 under 12.23% 1,119 Funded By: North Lanarkshire Council (1,861) (1,861) 0 - 0.0% (596) a South Lanarkshire Council (1,984) (1,984) 0 - 0.0% (793) a Transfer To / (From) Reserves (1,026) (426) (600) under recovered 58.48% 0 2 Net Budget 0 0 0 - n/a (260) Variance Explanations 1 Employee Costs: The forecast underspend reflects current staff in post until the end of the financial year, as well as expected start dates for vacant posts for which recruitment is ongoing. This will continue to be monitored throughout the year. 2 Transfers To / (From) Reserves: The use of Reserves is reduced by £0.600m to reflect the current forecast underspend in Employee Costs (refer 1). Budget Virements a Employee Costs / Funded By: The Scottish Government has redetermined the general revenue grant passed to both councils to include funding for Targeted Revaluations. This increases South Lanarkshire Council’s requisitions by £0.197m and North Lanarkshire Council requisitions by £0.074m. This increase in funding is offset by an increase to Employee Costs to undertake the new workload. 19 Page 23 of 124
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4th Floor, 102 West Port, Edinburgh EH3 9DN Phone: 0131 625 1500 Email: info@audit.scot www.audit.scot Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board 7 September 2026 Audit of the 2025/26 annual accounts Independent Auditor’s Report 1. My audit work on the 2025/26 annual accounts is now substantially complete. Subject to the satisfactory conclusion of the outstanding matters referred to later in this letter and receipt of a revised set of annual accounts for final review, I anticipate being able to issue unmodified audit opinions in the Independent Auditor's Report on 7 September 2026. The proposed Independent Auditor’s Report is attached at Appendix A. Annual Audit Report 2. Under International Standards on Auditing in the UK (ISA (UK)), I am required to report specific matters identified from the audit of the annual accounts to those charged with governance of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board in sufficient time to enable appropriate action. For Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board, I present for the committee's consideration my draft Annual Audit Report on the 2025/26 audit. The section headed "Significant findings and key audit matters" sets out the issues identified in respect of the annual accounts, including those that I am required to report to you. 3. The Annual Audit Report also sets out conclusions on the wider scope areas that frame public audit as set out in the Code of Audit Practice. 4. The Annual Audit Report will be issued in final form after the audit of the annual accounts has been completed. Uncorrected misstatements 5. I also report to those charged with governance all uncorrected misstatements in the annual accounts which I have identified during the course of my audit, other than those of a trivial nature, and request that these misstatements be corrected. 6. There are no uncorrected misstatements to report. Other ISA (UK) matters 7. In presenting this letter and the Annual Audit Report to the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board, I seek confirmation from those charged with governance on the following matters: • if they are aware of any instances of actual, suspected, or alleged fraud, 4 21 Page 25 of 124
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• if they are aware of any subsequent events that have occurred since the date of the financial statements, • if they are content that the methods, assumptions, and data used in making accounting estimates in the annual accounts are appropriate, • if all related party relationships and transactions they are aware of are reflected in the annual accounts, and • if they are aware of any non-compliance with laws and regulations. 8. Any issues that I have identified from my audit in relation to other ISA (UK) matters that I am required to report to those charged with governance have been reported in the section headed “Other matters to report” in the Annual Audit Report. No such matters have been reported. Representations from the Section 95 Officer 9. As part of the completion of the audit, I am seeking written representations from the Treasurer, who is the Section 95 Officer, on aspects of the annual accounts, including the judgements and estimates made. 10. A draft letter of representations is attached at Appendix B. This should be signed and returned to me by the Section 95 Officer with the signed annual accounts prior to the Independent Auditor’s Report being signed. Outstanding matters 11. There is one area where I still require additional information to conclude on audit work, and this is identified below: • We have requested audit assurances from Strathclyde Pension Fund’s auditors (EY) in respect of the information provided to the actuary relating to Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board. 22 Page 26 of 124
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Appendix A: Proposed Independent Auditor’s Report Independent auditor’s report to the members of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board and the Accounts Commission Reporting on the audit of the financial statements Opinion on financial statements I certify that I have audited the financial statements in the annual accounts of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board for the year ended 31 March 2026 under Part VII of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. The financial statements comprise the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, Balance Sheet, Movement in Reserves Statement, Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including material accounting policy information. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and UK adopted international accounting standards, as interpreted and adapted by the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2025/26 (the 2025/26 Code). In my opinion the accompanying financial statements: • give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board as at 31 March 2026 and of its income and expenditure for the year then ended; • have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards, as interpreted and adapted by the 2025/26 Code; and • have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014, and the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003. Basis for opinion I conducted my audit in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)), as required by the Code of Audit Practice approved by the Accounts Commission for Scotland. My responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of my report. I was appointed by the Accounts Commission on 16 March 2023. My period of appointment is five years, covering 2022/23 to 2026/27. I am independent of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to my audit of the financial statements in the UK including the Financial Reporting Council’s Ethical Standard, and I have fulfilled my other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. Non-audit services prohibited by the Ethical Standard was not provided to the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board. I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion. 23 Page 27 of 124
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Conclusions relating to going concern basis of accounting I have concluded that the use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work I have performed, I have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. These conclusions are not intended to, nor do they, provide assurance on the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board's current or future financial sustainability. However, I report on the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board's arrangements for financial sustainability in a separate Annual Audit Report available from the Audit Scotland website. Risks of material misstatement I report in my Annual Audit Report the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement that I identified and my judgements thereon. Responsibilities of the Treasurer and Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board for the financial statements As explained more fully in the Statement of Responsibilities, the Treasurer is responsible for the preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with the financial reporting framework, and for such internal control as the Treasurer determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Treasurer is responsible for assessing the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless there is an intention to discontinue the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board's operations. The Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting process. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements My objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes my opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 24 Page 28 of 124
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Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. I design procedures in line with my responsibilities outlined above to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. Procedures include: • using my understanding of the local government sector to identify that the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014, and the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 are significant in the context of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board; • inquiring of the Treasurer as to other laws or regulations that may be expected to have a fundamental effect on the operations of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board; • inquiring of the Treasurer concerning the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s policies and procedures regarding compliance with the applicable legal and regulatory framework; • discussions among my audit team on the susceptibility of the financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur; and • considering whether the audit team collectively has the appropriate competence and capabilities to identify or recognise non-compliance with laws and regulations. The extent to which my procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is affected by the inherent difficulty in detecting irregularities, the effectiveness of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board's controls, and the nature, timing and extent of the audit procedures performed. Irregularities that result from fraud are inherently more difficult to detect than irregularities that result from error as fraud may involve collusion, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. The capability of the audit to detect fraud and other irregularities depends on factors such as the skilfulness of the perpetrator, the frequency and extent of manipulation, the degree of collusion involved, the relative size of individual amounts manipulated, and the seniority of those individuals involved. A further description of the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of my auditor’s report. Reporting on other requirements Opinion prescribed by the Accounts Commission on the audited parts of the Remuneration Report I have audited the parts of the Remuneration Report described as audited. In my opinion, the audited parts of the Remuneration Report have been properly 25 Page 29 of 124
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prepared in accordance with The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014. Other information The Treasurer is responsible for the other information in the annual accounts. The other information comprises the Management Commentary, Annual Governance Statement, Statement of Responsibilities and the unaudited part of the Remuneration Report. My responsibility is to read all the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or my knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If I identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, I am required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work I have performed, I conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, I am required to report that fact. I have nothing to report in this regard. My opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and I do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon except on the Management Commentary and Annual Governance Statement to the extent explicitly stated in the following opinions prescribed by the Accounts Commission. Opinions prescribed by the Accounts Commission on the Management Commentary and Annual Governance Statement In my opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: • the information given in the Management Commentary for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements and that report has been prepared in accordance with statutory guidance issued under the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003; and • the information given in the Annual Governance Statement for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements and that report has been prepared in accordance with the Delivering Good Governance in Local Government: Framework (2016). Matters on which I am required to report by exception I am required by the Accounts Commission to report to you if, in my opinion: • adequate accounting records have not been kept; or • the financial statements and the audited part of the Remuneration Report are not in agreement with the accounting records; or • I have not received all the information and explanations I require for my audit. 26 Page 30 of 124
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I have nothing to report in respect of these matters. Conclusions on wider scope responsibilities In addition to my responsibilities for the annual accounts, my conclusions on the wider scope responsibilities specified in the Code of Audit Practice, including those in respect of Best Value, are set out in my Annual Audit Report. Use of my report This report is made solely to the parties to whom it is addressed in accordance with Part VII of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and for no other purpose. In accordance with paragraph 108 of the Code of Audit Practice, I do not undertake to have responsibilities to members or officers, in their individual capacities, or to third parties. Pauline Murray, 4th Floor 102 West Port Edinburgh EH3 9DN 27 Page 31 of 124
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Appendix B: Letter of Representations (ISA (UK) 580) Finance and Corporate Resources Executive Director Jackie Taylor Finance Services Pauline Murray, Senior Audit Manager 7 September 2026 Audit Scotland 4th Floor 102 West Port Edinburgh EH3 9DN Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Annual accounts 2025/26 Dear Pauline This representation letter is provided in connection with your audit of the annual report and accounts of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board, for the year ended 31 March 2026 for the purpose of expressing an opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and have been properly prepared, and for expressing other opinions on the Remuneration Report, Management Commentary, and Annual Governance Statement. I confirm to the best of my knowledge and belief, and having made such enquiries as I considered necessary, the following representations given to you in connection with your audit of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s annual accounts for the year ended 31 March 2026. General I have fulfilled my responsibilities for the preparation of the 2025/26 annual accounts as set out in your 2025/26 Annual Audit Plan. All the accounting records, documentation, and other matters which I am aware are relevant to the preparation of the annual accounts have been made available to you for the purposes of your audit. All transactions undertaken by Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board have been recorded in the accounting records and are properly reflected in the financial statements. I confirm that the effects of uncorrected misstatements are immaterial, individually and in aggregate, to the financial statements as a whole. As you have reported, there are no uncorrected misstatements. Financial Reporting Framework The annual accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2025/26 (2025/26 Code), and the requirements of 28 Page 32 of 124
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the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003, and the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014. In accordance with the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014, I have ensured that the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board at 31 March 2026 and the transactions for 2025/26. Accounting Policies and Estimates All material accounting policies applied are as shown in the note included in the financial statements. The accounting policies are determined by the 2025/26 Code, where applicable. Where the 2025/26 Code does not specifically apply, I have used judgement in developing and applying an accounting policy that results in information that is relevant and reliable. All accounting policies applied are appropriate to Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s circumstances and have been consistently applied. The methodology, significant assumptions, and data used in making accounting estimates are reasonable, and have been properly reflected and disclosed in the financial statements in accordance with the 2025/26 Code. Judgements made in making estimates have been based on the latest available and reliable information. Estimates have been revised where there are changes in the circumstances on which the original estimate was based or as a result of new information or experience. Going Concern Basis of Accounting I have assessed Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s ability to continue to use the going concern basis of accounting and have concluded that it is appropriate. I am not aware of any material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting. Assets All assets at 31 March 2026 of which I am aware have been reported in the financial statements. I carried out an assessment at 31 March 2026 as to whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired and have recognised any impairment losses identified in the financial statements. There are no plans or intentions that are likely to affect the carrying value or classification of the assets recognised in the financial statements. Owned assets are free from any lien, encumbrance, or charge, except as disclosed in the financial statements. 29 Page 33 of 124
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Liabilities All liabilities at 31 March 2026 of which I am aware have been reported in the financial statements. Provisions have been recognised in the financial statements for all liabilities of uncertain timing or amount at 31 March 2026 of which I am aware where the conditions specified in IAS 37, as adapted by the 2025/26 Code, have been met. The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the expenditure likely to be required to settle the obligation at 31 March 2026. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the amount of the provision has been discounted to the present value of the expected payments. The accrual recognised in the financial statements for annual leave untaken by 31 March 2026 has been estimated on a reasonable basis. The pension assumptions made by the actuary in the IAS 19 report for Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board have been reviewed and I confirm that they are consistent with management's own view. The pension asset has been assessed against the asset ceiling as determined through IFRIC 14, and no pension asset has been recognised in the financial statements. I am satisfied that the assumptions applied in the calculation are consistent with management’s own view. There are no plans or intentions that are likely to affect the carrying value or classification of the liabilities recognised in the financial statements. Contingent Liabilities There are no significant contingent liabilities, other than those disclosed in Note 10 to the financial statements, arising either under formal agreement or through formal undertakings requiring disclosure in the financial statements. All known contingent liabilities have been fully and properly disclosed in accordance with IAS 37, as adopted by the 2025/26 Code. Litigation and Claims All known actual or possible legal claims have been disclosed to you and have been accounted for and disclosed in the financial statements in accordance with the 2025/26 Code. Fraud I understand my responsibilities for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control to prevent fraud and I believe I have appropriately fulfilled those responsibilities. I have provided you with all information in relation to: • my assessment of the risk that the financial statements may be materially misstated as a result of fraud, • any allegations of fraud or suspected fraud affecting the financial statements, and • fraud or suspected fraud that I am aware of involving management, employees who have a significant role in internal control, or others that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 30 Page 34 of 124
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Laws and Regulations I have disclosed to you all known instances of non-compliance or suspected non-compliance with laws and regulations whose effects should be considered when preparing financial statements. Related Party Transactions All material transactions with related parties have been appropriately accounted for and disclosed in the financial statements in accordance with IAS 24, as adopted by the 2025/26 Code. I have made available to you the identity of all of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s related parties and all the related party transactions of which I am aware. Remuneration Report The Remuneration Report has been prepared in accordance with the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014, and all required information of which I am aware has been provided to you. Management Commentary I confirm that the Management Commentary has been prepared in accordance with statutory guidance, and the information is consistent with the financial statements. Corporate Governance I confirm Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board has undertaken a review of the system of internal control during 2025/26 to establish the extent to which it complies with proper practices set out in Delivering Good Governance in Local Government: Framework 2016. I have disclosed to you all deficiencies in internal control identified from this review or of which I am otherwise aware. I confirm that the Annual Governance Statement has been prepared in accordance with the Delivering Good Governance in Local Government: Framework 2016 and the information is consistent with the financial statements. There have been no changes in the corporate governance arrangements, or issues identified, since 31 March 2026 which require to be reflected in the Annual Governance Statement or annual accounts. Events Subsequent to the Date of the Balance Sheet All events subsequent to 31 March 2026 for which IAS 10, as adopted by the 2025/26 Code, requires adjustment or disclosure have been adjusted or disclosed. Yours sincerely, Jackie Taylor Treasurer of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board 31 Page 35 of 124
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Date of Meeting: 7 September 2026 Report by: Treasurer to Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Subject: Audited Accounts 2025/2026 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- [purpose] advise members of the requirement to approve the Audited Accounts for 2025/2026 for signature, following the external audit of the Accounts [1purpose] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Board is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [ (1) that it be noted that the Accounts 2025/2026 received a clean audit certificate (section 4.3.); (2) that the audited Accounts 2025/2026, be approved for signature (Appendix 1); and (3) that it be noted that the audited Accounts 2025/2026 will be available on the Board’s website (section 4.4). [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. The Board’s external auditor, Audit Scotland, is required to supply an audit certificate outlining the findings of the audit process undertaken in relation to the Accounts 2025/2026. 3.2. Following the publication of The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014, the members of the Board have to meet to consider whether to approve the audited Accounts for signature. The members are also required to have regard to any report made or advice provided on the Accounts by the auditor. 4. Audited Accounts 4.1. As noted in 3.2. above, members are now required to approve the audited Accounts for signature. Appendix 1 attached provides a copy of the Accounts for members’ consideration. 4.2. The Board’s current external auditors, Audit Scotland, have completed an audit which extends across the 2025/2026 Accounts and related matters. 4.3. In summary, the report provides a clean audit certificate. There were no issues arising from the 2025/2026 audit work which merited a recommendation or action plan point. 5 33 Page 37 of 124
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4.4. The audited Accounts for 2025/2026 will be uploaded to the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board website. Paper copies are also available on request from Finance Services, Floor 4, Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton or from the Assessor’s office at David Dale House, Blantyre. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. None 6. Financial Implications 6.1. The financial details of the Auditor’s report are contained within section 4 above. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no climate change, sustainability or environmental implications in terms of the information contained in this report. 8. Risk and Other Implications 8.1. The main risk associated with the Board’s Annual Report and Accounts is a qualified audit report. The risk was minimised by the detailed preparation in relation to the year end process and training undertaken by key finance staff. Finance and the Board’s staff work together to achieve key deadlines and actions set from timetables. This has resulted in a clean audit certificate. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and therefore no impact assessment is required. 9.2. There is also no requirement to undertake any consultation in terms of the information contained in the report. Jackie Taylor Treasurer 19 August 2026 Previous References Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Unaudited Annual Report and Accounts 2025/2026 (Board Meeting, 1 June 2026) List of Background Papers External Auditor’s report Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Graham Booth, Finance Manager (Strategy) Ext: 2699 (Tel: 01698 452699) E-mail: graham.booth@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 34 Page 38 of 124
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LANARKSHIRE VALUATION JOINT BOARD ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 2025/2026 5 35 Page 39 of 124
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2 List of Contents Contents Membership of the Board (2025/2026) 3 Management Commentary 4 Statement of Responsibilities 11 Annual Governance Statement 13 Remuneration Report 18 Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement 22 Balance Sheet 24 Movement in Reserves Statement 25 Cash Flow Statement 27 Notes to the Financial Statements Note 1 Accounting Policies 29 Note 2 Prior Period Adjustments 31 Note 3 Accounting Standards issued but not Adopted 31 Note 4 Critical Judgements in Applying Accounting Policies 31 Note 5 Expenditure and Funding Analysis 32 Note 6 Notes to the Expenditure and Funding Analysis - Adjustments Between Funding and Accounting Basis 33 Note 7 Adjustments between Accounting Basis and Funding Basis Under Regulations 34 Note 8 Assumptions Made About the Future and Other Major Sources of Estimation Uncertainty 35 Note 9 Events after the Balance Sheet date 35 Note 10 Contingent Liabilities 35 Note 11 Leases 36 Note 12 Property, Plant and Equipment – Movement on Balances 37 Note 13 Short Term Debtors 37 Note 14 Short Term Creditors 38 Note 15 Related Party Transactions 38 Note 16 Defined Benefit Pension Schemes 39 Note 17 External Audit Costs 43 Note 18 Grant Income 43 Note 19 Balance Sheet Reserves 44 Note 20 Financing and Management of Liquid Resources 45 Note 21 Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement - financing and investment income and expenditure 45 Note 22 Going Concern 45 Note 23 Agency Relationship (Civil Penalties) 45 Audit Report 46 36 Page 40 of 124
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3 Membership of the Board (2025/2026) Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board (herein after referred to as ‘the Board’) is comprised of Elected Members from its two constituent local authorities. The serving Members of the Board during financial year 2025/2026 were as noted below: South Lanarkshire Council North Lanarkshire Council Councillor Walter Brogan (Convener) Councillor Jim Reddin (Depute Convener) Councillor Janine Calikes Councillor Bob Burgess Councillor Ross Clark Councillor Lesley Jarvie Councillor Colin Dewar Councillor Tom Johnston Councillor Lynsey Hamilton Councillor Martin Hose Councillor Anne Thomas Councillor Margaret Hughes Councillor Gavin Wylie Keatt Councillor Nicky Shevlin Councillor Mark McGeever Chief Officers Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer: Christine Maxwell BSc MRICS (to 31 December 2025) Jacqueline Dell MRICS Dip Rating AEA (Cert) (from 1 January 2026) The following appointed office bearers of the Board are employed on a substantive basis by South Lanarkshire Council: Clerk: Paul Manning (Chief Executive of South Lanarkshire Council) Treasurer: Jackie Taylor (Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources, South Lanarkshire Council) 37 Page 41 of 124
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4 Management Commentary 2025/2026 The management commentary provides an overview of the key messages in relation to the objectives and strategy of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board (the Board) and its financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026. It also provides an indication of the issues and risks that may impact upon the Board’s finances in the future. The Board was established by the Valuation Joint Boards (Scotland) Order 1995 and came into existence on 1 April 1996. It provides a range of valuation and electoral registration services to and on behalf of South Lanarkshire Council and North Lanarkshire Council (the constituent authorities), working in partnership with other Valuation Joint Boards and professional bodies throughout Scotland. Core Purpose, Vision, Service Function and Core Objectives The Board's Service Plan covering the period April 2025 through to March 2028 was approved by the Board in June 2025. The Plan incorporates the Board's Vision statement which is "to deliver quality in the work which we undertake, provide efficient services to all service users, and ensure completeness and accuracy of the Electoral Register, Valuation Roll and the Valuation (Council Tax) List”. The Plan sets out the key business areas identified for Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board over the three-year period, with a view to ensuring that the Board’s services are delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible to service users. Where deemed appropriate, each key business area is supported by a series of priorities and measurable key actions, against which performance is regularly reported to the Board. Review of Performance The Board's performance against key performance indicator (KPI) targets during 2025/2026 is detailed below: Of 2,145 new council tax entries added, 93% were completed within 3 months of the effective date against a target of 87%, 98% were completed within 6 months against a target of 92%. Of 1,416 alterations to the non-domestic valuation roll, 44% were completed within 3 months of the effective date against a target of 77% and 54% were completed within 6 months against a target of 92%. The three-monthly and six-monthly targets were met in relation to council tax valuation but not met regarding non-domestic valuation. Within Scotland, LVJB is an outlier where some targets are stringent and unachievable. Across Scotland many offices have rebased their targets, based on previous performance and statutory demands. As such the board’s non-domestic valuation, key performance indicator targets for the year 2026/27, are 60% of alterations to the Valuation Roll should be actioned within 3 months of the effective date, 20% of alterations actioned within 3-6 months and 20% actioned in timeframes over 6 months. Performance was affected due to the continued shortage of experienced qualified staff, and a greater concentration of trainees. Resources concentrated on the statutory requirement to publish the draft 2026 Revaluation Roll on 30 November 2025 and shortly thereafter to finalise the 2026 Revaluation Roll for publication on 1 April 2026. In addition, the valuation team were navigating their way through the statutory disposal of all 2023 Revaluation proposals to conclusion by the deadline date of 30 September 2025. With regards to electoral registration, within the period 2025/2026, the principal activities centred on maintaining the completeness and accuracy of the registers. The canvass was concluded successfully, and the registers were published on 1 December 2025. The Review of Scottish Boundaries was also approved and reflected in the electoral registers published on 1 December 2025, effective for the Scottish Parliament election on 7 May 2026. 38 Page 42 of 124
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5 During 2025/2026 the Electoral Registration Officer supported the delivery of a Scottish Parliamentary by-election held for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency on 5 June 2025. During the year, there was one complaint received. The complaint was not upheld and was dealt with within the timescales required by the Complaints Handling Procedures. More information on the Board's performance during 2025/2026 can be found on the Board’s website at www.lanarkshire-vjb.gov.uk Financial Performance Revenue The Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement on page 23 summarises the total costs of providing services and the income available to fund those services. The Board set a net operating expenditure budget for 2025/2026 of £4.082 million to be funded by contributions from the two constituent local authorities. The budget was based on experience of expenditure and income levels during previous years and included a planned contribution from the Board’s reserves of £1.000 million. This budget included funding received from the Scottish Government for the implementation of the Barclay Review. Additional funding received during the year revised the budget to £4.122 million. In comparison to the 2025/2026 budget, the Board returned a deficit of income over expenditure of £0.642 million which, compared with the budgeted deficit of £1.000 million, meant there was £0.358 million of an improvement in the Board’s position. This deficit excludes the accounting adjustments relating to pensions and short-term accumulating absences. In the main, the improved financial position reflected reductions in spend due to turnover of staff and ongoing recruitment difficulties in the sector. The Table below compares the revised budget of the Board at the 31 March 2026. The difference between the net expenditure figure below and that reported in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement is due to the accounting adjustments, which are analysed in Note 5 Expenditure and Funding Analysis on page 32. Financing Charges in the table below includes Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure as detailed in the Net Expenditure Chargeable to General Fund column of Note 5 on page 32. Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Revenue Budget 2025/2026 Budget Actual Variance £000 £000 £000 Employee Costs 3,045 2,763 282 Property Costs 208 207 1 Supplies and Services 159 154 5 Transport and Plant 5 11 (6) Administration Costs 678 746 (68) Payments to Other Bodies 31 34 (3) Financing Charges 14 51 (37) Total Expenditure 4,140 3,966 174 Income (18) (201) 183 Net Expenditure 4,122 3,765 357 Funded by: Contributions from Councils (3,082) (3,082) 0 Funding from Other Bodies (40) (41) 1 Total (3,122) (3,123) 1 Surplus / (Deficit) for the Financial Year (1,000) (642) 358 As noted in the table, the main underspend was in respect of employee costs, reflecting a combination of the turnover of staff and difficulties in the recruitment of staff. In addition, there is an over recovery in income from the interest received on the Board’s revenue balances of the Board. 39 Page 43 of 124
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6 These were partially offset by overspends in Administration Costs for postage costs of writing out to absent voters, and an overspend on Information Technology leasing costs. Balance Sheet The Board’s Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2026 reported net assets of £1.373 million compared with net assets of £2.047 million as at 31 March 2025, a movement of £0.674 million during the year. This is due to a decrease in cash and cash equivalents reflecting the timing of spend across financial year end (£0.648 million). Adding the deficit on the Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2026 (£0.642 million) to the Board’s General Reserve carried forward from 2024/2025 (£2.475 million), gives the Board a closing General Reserve position of £1.833 million at the end of 2025/2026. This is shown in Note 5 Expenditure and Funding Analysis on page 32 and the Movement in Reserves Statement on page 25. Pension Fund The disclosure requirements for pension benefits under International Accounting Standard 19 are detailed at Note 16. The appointed actuary assessed the Board’s share of Strathclyde Pension Fund as a net asset of £nil as at 31 March 2026. This reflects the assumptions used by the actuary, including financial and demographic assumptions, resulting in an increase to the Pension Asset since the previous year. The 2025/2026 pension reports provided by the actuary indicate an increased Asset (a surplus) for this year (compared to 2024/2025), and in line with IFRIC14, an asset ceiling has been applied. This reduced the Net Pension Asset from £17.965 million to £0 and reflects the present value of employer future service costs less the present value of future employer contributions, over the future working lifetime of the active scheme. The Pension Liability is indicative of a broad position however, the reader should be aware that the Board is meeting its pension costs on an annual basis. Note 16: Defined Benefit Pension Schemes on page 39 provides more details on pensions including the factors affecting the pension asset such as assumptions about mortality, salary inflation, pension inflation and discount rates. The Board’s actuary has confirmed that the IAS19 Balance Sheet is based on financial market values and future market expectation indicators as at 31 March 2026 to comply with the standard. Provisions, Contingencies and Write-offs The Board is not aware of any eventualities which may have a material effect on its financial position and has therefore made no provision for such eventualities. Contingent assets and liabilities are disclosed as a note to the financial statements. No debts were written off during the financial year. Service Changes and Future Developments Future development is driven by legislative changes, new case law and as a result of formal reviews undertaken. Reform of council tax, implementation of the Barclay Review in relation to non- domestic rates and changes to the electoral registration process are examples of changes to service delivery. A review of service delivery continues. Throughout the past year a review of our valuation service has been undertaken, systematically evaluating tasks to determine the best use of available resources, this includes a programme of IT improvements to ensure more efficient processes and procedures. The Board noted the annual update of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s Service Plan at its meeting of 2 March 2026. Such updates on the Service Plan are provided annually to the Board. Future developments being anticipated in the following service areas: 40 Page 44 of 124
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7 Electoral Registration With the introduction of the Elections Act 2022, further new measures were introduced by the UK Government, which only apply to UK Parliamentary elections, by-elections and recall petitions. The Act introduced the requirement for all postal voters in UK Parliamentary elections to renew their application every 3 years. Work began late March 2025 to identify electors affected by the renewal obligations: 80,000 such electors were identified and contacted between March and June 2025. As a result, 43,467 electors received cancellation letters in February 2026, confirming that they have lost their postal vote for UK elections. The Scottish Parliament (Elections etc,) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2025 introduced new emergency proxy arrangements for medical companions and to change an existing proxy. The order also amended the age for looked after children from 16 to 21. Work was undertaken to ensure our electoral registration team were able to advise electors in relation to new legislative arrangements. The annual canvass of electors 2025 ran between July and November 2025. It was run under canvass reform. Data matching was used at the outset of the canvass to help identify those properties where the residents are more likely to have changed. All Electoral Registration Officers in Great Britain were required to match specified data they hold with regard to registered electors against the Department for Work and Pensions’ Customer Information System (DWP CIS) dataset. This dataset is already used in the electoral registration process to verify an applicant's identity. During the 2025 canvass, almost 263,800 households matched with the DWP dataset, thereafter those matched households were issued with an email and/or letter (canvass communication A - CCA). The CCA advised who was on the register at that address, whilst detailing no return was required, unless there was a change in the household. Where the data held did not match with the DWP, initially a canvass form is issued, circa 59,000 canvass forms were issued, a response being required. Where a response is not received, a further communication is then issued in the form of a letter (canvass communication B - CCB) circa. 39,000 households failed to respond and received CCBs. The household visit element, the final stage, of the 2025 canvass proceeded in August 2025, with circa 38,700 properties being personally canvassed. The canvass reforms have also allowed for the use of e-communications that include telephone and email contact. 9,215 emails were issued and 4,600 phone calls were made to reduce the number of door knocks required. Rolling Registration activity, introduced in 2000 to assist in maintaining the Electoral Register, continued throughout 2025/2026 with the bulk of the registration applications being received via the central government online registration system (www.gov.uk/register-to-vote). Valuation: Non-domestic Work over the period 2025/2026 continued maintaining the Valuation Roll. The disposal of the 2023 revaluation proposals of which circa.1,400 were received, continued through a programme of disposal throughout the year to ensure compliance with the statutory disposal deadline of 30 September 2025. Alongside 2023 revaluation proposals, the team disposed of 218 running roll proposals during the year and 31 appeals from both 2017 and 2023 revaluation periods. New processes arising from the Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020 continued to impact on the administration of the valuation for non-domestic rates. Changes to the appeal system, which now comes under the scope of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, are now embedded and a continuous flow of work arises from these altered workflows. Work continues in relation to the issue of Assessors’ Information Notices and those resulting civil penalties issue as a consequence of non- return. 41 Page 45 of 124
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8 The valuation team revalued 24,190 non-domestic subjects, publishing the draft 2026 Revaluation Roll on 30 November 2025, at the same time draft valuation notices were issued to every proprietor, tenant and occupier listed in the Roll. Valuation: Domestic In respect of council tax, work continued to maintain the Valuation List, entering new houses on the List as well as reviewing bands of houses which have been sold (where there have been alterations which may result in a band increase), as efficiently as possible. Regarding proposals, although we continue to receive large numbers to deal with, the number of proposals being converted to appeals is comparatively low. The First-tier Tribunal, Local Taxation Chamber, cited a number of valid and invalid council tax appeals throughout the year, which our valuation team oversaw and managed to conclusion. The annual audit requirement of self-catering properties continue to affect performance. This is a legislative requirement which is both challenging and resource intensive. Following audit those properties which no longer meet the criteria to be treated as self-catering accommodation require to be entered into the Council Tax Valuation List effective from 1 April in that financial year. Financial Outlook Most economic commentators forecast that pressures on public finances will continue for the foreseeable future. The Board recognises the impact of this difficult financial climate on its constituent authorities and consequently it continues to seek to generate efficiencies where possible. A Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2026/2027 to 2028/2029 was presented to the Board in June 2025, and refreshed in December 2025 along with the setting of the 2026/2027 Budget. The Financial Strategy assists in managing several key risks which directly impact on the funding available to deliver the Board’s objectives. It also identifies a future strategy in respect of financial reserves and future work to be done by the Board to manage financial pressures. The Budget for 2026/2027 included assumptions in relation to pay award and use of reserves. The revised expenditure budget totals £4.600 million and is funded by contributions from councils (including the Barclay allocations) and the use of Reserves (£1.026 million). Early indications are that due to employee turnover, the forecast use of Reserves for the year is £0.426 million, rather than the budgeted £1.026 million. Taking this into account will leave £1.407 million in Reserves for future years. This equates to 31% of the Board’s annual budget for 2026/2027. A review of the reliance on reserves has been undertaken and was reported to the Board in September 2026. The revised reserves forecast is based on an updated working assumption going forward that includes an updated pension contribution assumption and the extension of temporary reductions in council requisitions. Under this scenario, in order to maintain reserves at £0.500 million to allow the Board to respond to any reduction in Barclay funding, reduced staffing levels would require to be implemented from 2029/2030. Given the assumption that the Barclay funding currently received continues at a level of £0.908 million, a Reserves balance of £0.500 million is deemed more than acceptable. The Table overleaf summarises the impact on Reserves across 2026/2027 to 2029/2030 from the updated working assumption going forward. 42 Page 46 of 124
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9 Reserves Forecast and Strategy – September 2026 2026/2027 (year 1) £m 2027/2028 (year 2) £m 2028/2029 (year 3) £m 2029/2030 (year 4) £m Opening Balance 1.833 1.407 0.690 0.501 Proposed Utilisation of Reserves (0.426) (0.717) (0.189) (0.189) Reduction In Use of Reserves – reduce staffing levels 0.188 Closing Balance 1.407 0.690 0.501 0.500 There is also the potential that further funding may become available for Council Tax reform and Barclay funding in future years. As there is no certainty on this, the 2026/2027 level of Barclay funding has continued to be assumed from 2027/2028. The Board’s Financial Strategy will continue to be revised annually, with consideration given to any changes in the financial horizon and will be presented to the Board as appropriate. Risks and Uncertainties The Board noted the Risk Register Update 2025 at its meeting in March 2025. The main risks highlighted are the continued difficulties faced in recruiting and retaining adequate staff numbers to undertake all statutory duties, and the uncertainty surrounding the funding going forward, for the duties brought about by the Barclay Review into non-domestic rates, particularly the 3 yearly revaluations. In respect of the first highlighted risk, South Lanarkshire Council’s Personnel Services continue to proactively work with the Board in relation to a programme of recruitment, whilst undertaking a review of tasks and gradings within the Board. A programme of in-house training has meant that our five graduate trainee valuers are working towards submitting their final paperwork to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to gain membership, within the coming year. To date the Board are supporting 16 members of staff who are undertaking various courses in education, to ensure they gain the relevant knowledge and understanding to equip them to carry out their roles. Whilst staffing levels are improving within the valuation team, there remains a number of vacancies within the management team. Currently tasks are being redistributed amongst the remaining members of the management team where possible. Regarding the second risk, dialogue continues with the Scottish Government to ensure that all new statutory requirements emanating from the Barclay Review are properly funded. All risks are monitored by the Board’s management team with a view to mitigating each risk, whether as an existing or emerging risk. Working Practices Working arrangements are hybrid, where employees split their time between the office and their home. However, where a business need is identified, staff are required to attend the office every day. Conclusion The Board has faced a year of significant challenge, in the form of legislative changes followed by new adaptive workflows whilst navigating a new personnel structure. Performance overall was positive across all 3 main business areas, albeit the non-domestic performance targets were not met. Sound financial management and medium-term planning have enabled the Board to successfully manage the financial challenges faced during the financial year 2025/2026. We wish to acknowledge the significant efforts of all staff contributing to the Board's operational performance, of budget managers and support staff whose financial stewardship have contributed to the Board's financial position as at 31 March 2026, and to everyone involved in the preparation of the Annual Accounts. 43 Page 47 of 124
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10 Jackie Taylor Jacqueline Dell Cllr Walter Brogan Treasurer Assessor and ERO Convener 44 Page 48 of 124
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11 Statement of Responsibilities This statement sets out the respective responsibilities of the Board and the Treasurer for the Annual Accounts. The Board’s Responsibilities The Board is required to: • Make arrangements for the proper administration of its financial affairs, and to ensure that one of its officers has responsibility for the administration of those affairs. For the Board, that officer is the Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources for South Lanarkshire Council, designated as the Treasurer of the Board. • Manage its affairs to secure economic, efficient and effective use of resources and safeguard its assets. • Ensure the Annual Accounts are prepared in accordance with legislation (The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014) and is compatible with that legislation, in accordance with proper accounting practices (section 12 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003). • Approve the Annual Accounts for signature. I confirm that these Annual Accounts were approved for signature by the Board at its meeting on 7 September 2026. Councillor Walter Brogan Convener of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board 45 Page 49 of 124
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12 The Treasurer’s Responsibilities The Treasurer is responsible for the preparation of the Board's annual accounts in accordance with proper practices as required by legislation and as set out in the CIPFA/LASAAC Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom (the Accounting Code). In preparing the Annual Accounts, the Treasurer has: • Selected suitable accounting policies, and applied them consistently. • Made judgements and estimates that were reasonable and prudent. • Complied with legislation. • Complied with the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom. The Treasurer has also: • Kept adequate accounting records which were up to date. • Taken reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. I certify that the annual accounts give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Board at the reporting date and the transactions of the Board for the year ended 31 March 2026. Jackie Taylor Treasurer of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board 46 Page 50 of 124
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13 Annual Governance Statement This statement sets out the framework within which the Board has proper arrangements for the governance of the Board’s affairs, thereby facilitating the effective exercise of its functions, ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place for the management of risk, and that appropriate systems of internal control are in place. The Annual Governance Statement has been prepared within the context of the Board’s governance framework and meets legislative requirements to include the Annual Governance Statement within the Annual Accounts. A consolidated Code of Corporate Governance was approved at the Board meeting of 4 March 2019, and this is still applicable. Scope of Responsibility In delivering its aims and objectives, the Board is responsible for ensuring that its business is conducted in accordance with the law and proper standards, and that public money is safeguarded, properly accounted for and used economically, efficiently and effectively. The Board also has a statutory duty to make arrangements to secure best value under the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003. In discharging this responsibility, the Board’s elected members and senior officers are responsible for putting in place proper arrangements for its affairs and facilitating the effective exercise of its functions. This includes arrangements proper arrangements for the management of risk. Governance Framework The Board operates a system of internal control designed to manage risk to a reasonable level. Internal controls cannot eliminate all risk of failure to achieve policies, aims and objectives and can therefore only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance of effectiveness. The system of internal control is based on an ongoing process designed to identify and prioritise the risks to the achievement of the Board’s policies, aims and objectives, to evaluate the likelihood of those risks being realised and the impact should they be realised, and to manage them efficiently, effectively and economically. The main features of the Board’s Corporate Governance arrangements are:- • Consolidated Code of Corporate Governance; • Clearly defined Standing Orders, Scheme of Delegation and Financial Regulations and Tender Procedures; • Comprehensive business planning arrangements, setting key targets and action plans designed to achieve our corporate objectives; • Arrangements to manage risk, including a risk management strategy, a Corporate Risk Register and business continuity plans; • Clear customer complaints procedures; • Policies to regulate employee related matters, including the Employee Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures; and • Regular public performance monitoring. As part of the overall control arrangements, the system of internal control is designed to ensure that assets are safeguarded, transactions are authorised and properly recorded, and material errors are detected and corrected. This system is based on a framework of regular management information, financial regulations, administrative procedures (including segregation of duties), management and supervision, and a system of delegation and accountability. Development and maintenance of the system is undertaken by managers within the Board. In particular, the system includes:- • Financial management supported by Financial Regulations; • Detailed budgeting systems; 47 Page 51 of 124
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14 • Regular reviews of periodic and annual financial reports which compares financial forecast information against the annual budgets; • Setting targets to measure performance, including financial performance; • The preparation of regular financial reports that consider forecast expenditure levels, as well as actual expenditure and income against the annual budget; and • A range of policies such as the Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy. These continue to be updated to reflect best practice and support a culture of ethical behaviour amongst employees and councillors. On 1 June 2026, the Board considered the adequacy and effectiveness of the Board’s governance arrangements and internal control environment and approved the Annual Governance Statement and Accounts. South Lanarkshire Council is the administering authority. All financial transactions of the Board are processed through the financial systems of the Council and are subject to the same controls and scrutiny as those of the Council. This includes a rolling programme of reviews by the Council’s Internal Audit Manager. Financial Sustainability and Reserves A Medium-Term Financial Strategy was presented to the Board on 2 June 2025, which noted the level and adequacy of reserves, and detailed a plan to utilise those to sustain the Board’s budget over the 3 year period to 2028/2029. Revised positions are reported to the Board on an annual basis. Review of Effectiveness The Board purchases its internal audit service from South Lanarkshire Council, through a Service Level Agreement. The role of Internal Audit is to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of governance, risk management and control processes. The internal audit service provided to the Board operates in accordance with the Global Internal Audit Standards. Risks and audit ideas are assessed and then prioritised to ensure audit focus is directed towards areas where an independent review would add greatest value to Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board. The Internal Audit Manager presents an annual report to the Board that provides a conclusion as to the effectiveness of the organisation’s framework of governance, risk management and control arrangements in the audit year . The annual report for 2025/2026 was presented to the Board on 1 June 2026. In 2025/2026, the Internal Audit conclusion is that, based on the work undertaken during the year, the Chief Internal Auditor, is satisfied that Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board has established adequate and effective arrangements for governance, risk management and internal control. Statement on the Role of the Chief Financial Officer CIPFA published the statement on the role of the Chief Financial Officer in 2010 and under the Code, the Board is required to state whether it complies with the statement, and if not, to explain how their governance arrangements deliver the same impact. The Board’s financial management arrangements comply with the principles set out in CIPFA’s statement on the Role of the Chief Financial Officer. Continuous Improvement As part of the annual audit review, recommendations are provided which not only assist management to improve their control environment but also provide an assessment of the adequacy of existing systems and procedures, including highlighting any necessary improvements to maintain and improve the Board’s governance arrangements going forward. The External Auditor's Annual 48 Page 52 of 124
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15 Report to the Board 2024/25 did not identify any Governance actions for implementation during 2025/2026. Working Practices Agile working practices include home/office blended working arrangements, and sourcing more information digitally with the continued use of electronic communications, where deemed appropriate. Where a business need is identified, staff are required to attend the office every day. The Board’s staff are to be commended on their ability to adapt to changing processes to ensure that all statutory functions are carried out. Assurance In conclusion, there were no significant weaknesses identified in the Annual Audit Report relating to improvements requiring action in 2025/2026. Systems are in place to continually review and improve the control environment and governance arrangements operated by the Board. The effectiveness of governance is dependent on the actions of officers of the Board and by the work of Internal and External Audit. It is the Board’s view that the governance arrangements were effective during financial year 2025/2026. Significant Governance Areas The Board’s management team identifies risks to which the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board is exposed, and documents the controls in place to help mitigate each risk. At the latest review in March 2026, 6 risks were deemed high but are mitigated by these controls, and are summarised in the table below. Risk Classification Key Risk Description of Risk Controls in Place 1 Operational, Continuity and Performance Lack of central IT support. Lack of central IT support for the Board provided by constituent authorities. 1) Service Level Agreement (SLA) with constituent authority in place. 2) IT Business Systems Manager and an IT Team Leader attend relevant part of the Board’s monthly Management Team meetings. 2 Financial Insufficient budget from SLC/NLC. Insufficient budget from SLC/NLC could lead to statutory duties not being undertaken. 1) Realignment of budgets. 2) Quarterly meeting with Treasurer to the Board to discuss budgetary matters. 3) Notification to Clerk as part of budget planning. 4) Notification to the board as part of budget planning. 5) Monitor revenue budget at monthly management meetings. 6) Three-year budgetary planning. 3 People Failure to recruit and or retain valuation staff. Failure to retain or recruit staff, including those 1) Work life balance, conditions of service, personnel policies and job families regularly reviewed. 49 Page 53 of 124
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16 Risk Classification Key Risk Description of Risk Controls in Place with appropriate qualifications. Inability to match work life balance, conditions of service, personnel policies, salaries of other valuation joint boards, local authorities, constituent authorities or private sector. 2) PDR process in place. 3) Recruitment of trainee valuers employed when appropriate, with structured training plan in place. 4) Existing staff offered appropriate training, including training towards professional qualifications where deemed appropriate. 5) Ongoing monitoring of grading matrix alongside key duties to ensure fair and equal pay with lead authority to retain staff. 6) Review of structure, to deploy employees effectively to ensure statutory duties are met. 7) Ongoing discussions with Personnel in relation to recruitment issues. 4 Financial Lack of funding for new duties associated with the Barclay review into non- domestic rates Insufficient funding for new duties could lead to difficulties in delivery of statutory undertakings. There is no detail on future years’ funding from the Scottish Government for such duties. 1) Risk to the new statutory duties has previously been raised and continues to be discussed with Scottish Government officials, and directly with the Minister for Public Finance. 2) Three yearly budget planning assists with the identification of when funding levels become critical to service delivery. 5 People Injury, death, physical or verbal assault of staff or service users. Injury, death, assault of staff whilst undertaking duties, or of service users. 1) Risk assessments carried out. 2) Personal Safety Policy in place. 3) Occupational Health and Safety Management System in operation. 4) Training and instructions provided for staff. 5) Communication with SLC in relation to common areas. 6) Implementation of Traffic Management Plan. 7) Surveying Safely Guidance Note has been reviewed and issued to staff. 6 People Changes to conditions of service. Changes to conditions of service, pensions, holidays, etc. 1) Regular contact with SLC Personnel in relation to any changes. 50 Page 54 of 124
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17 Risk Classification Key Risk Description of Risk Controls in Place could cause general staffing issues. 2) Maintain awareness of such issues across industry in general. 3) Maintain effective communication with staff and staff representatives (industrial relations). 4) Allow staff time to attend briefings on legislative changes likely to impact conditions of service (e.g. pension changes). 5) Personnel Bulletins and team briefing notes provided to all employees. Jacqueline Dell Councillor Walter Brogan Assessor and ERO Convener 51 Page 55 of 124
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18 Remuneration Report The remuneration report provides details of the Board’s remuneration policy for senior Board members and senior employees. Introduction The Remuneration Report has been prepared in accordance with the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 1985 (as amended by the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014. These Regulations require various disclosures about the remuneration and pension benefits of senior Board members and senior employees. All information disclosed in tables 1 – 3 and 5 and 6 in this Remuneration Report and details of exit packages have been audited by Audit Scotland. The other sections of the Remuneration Report have been reviewed by Audit Scotland to ensure that they are consistent with the financial statements. Senior Employees The remuneration of senior employees is set by reference to national arrangements. The Scottish Joint Negotiating Committee (SJNC) for Local Authority Services sets the salaries for the Chief Officers of Scottish local authorities. COSLA Industrial Relations Circular 11-23b sets the amount of salary for Chief Officers for 2025/2026. Senior Councillors The Convener and Depute Convener of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board are remunerated by the Council of which they are a council member, as shown in Table 3. The remuneration of councillors is regulated by the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Regulations 2007 (SSI No. 2007/183) as amended most recently by the Local Governance (Scotland) Act 2004 (Remuneration) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/8). The Regulations provide for the grading of Councillors for the purposes of remuneration arrangements, as either the Leader of the Council, the Provost, Senior Councillors or Councillors. These regulations also set out the amounts a councillor may be paid for being a Convener or Depute Convener of a Joint Board. This is inclusive of any amount payable to them as either a Councillor or Senior Councillor. The Board has an arrangement with each Council who remunerates the Convener and Depute Convener/s to reimburse the Council for the additional costs of that councillor arising from them being a Convener or Depute Convener of the Board. The disclosures made in this report are limited to the amounts paid to the Council by the Board for remuneration and does not reflect the full value of the remuneration that may be paid to the councillor. 52 Page 56 of 124
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19 General Pay Bands for Senior Employees The number of officers who received remuneration (excluding pension contributions) in excess of £50,000 for the financial year is shown in Table 1: Table 1 - General Pay Band Disclosure for Senior Employees Annual Remuneration Number of Employees Number of Employees £ 2025/2026 2024/2025 50,000 – 54,999 0 1 55,000 – 59,999 2 2 60,000 – 64,999 2 3 65,000 – 69,999 0 0 70,000 – 74,999 1 0 75,000 – 79,999 1 1 80,000 – 84,999 1 1 85,000 – 99,999 (Note 1) 0 0 100,000 – 104,999 1 0 105,000 – 109,999 1 0 110,000 – 129,999 (Note 1) 0 0 130,000 – 134,999 0 1 Note 1: These are merged pay bands covering more than £5,000 due to the fact that no employees fell into these bands in either financial year. Disclosure of Remuneration Tables 2 and 3 provide details of the remuneration paid to the Board’s senior employees, Convener and Depute Convener. Comparative figures for 2024/2025 have been shown. Table 2 – Senior Employees Name / Post Salary / Fees Taxable Expenses Compensation for Loss of Office Any other Remuneration 2025/2026 Total 2024/2025 Total C Maxwell Assistant Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer (To 15 April 2024) Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer (From 16 April 2024 to 31 December 2025) - £106,845 (Full Time Equivalent £141,556) - - - - £106,845 (Full Time Equivalent £141,556) £3,563 (Full Time Equivalent £84,438) £128,240 (Full Time Equivalent £133,729) J Dell Assistant Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer (To 31 December 2025) Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer (From 1 January 2026) £69,965 (Full Time Equivalent £87,915) £34,142 (Full Time Equivalent £139,236) - - - £69,965 £34,142 (Full Time Equivalent £139,236) £81,938 - Total £210,952 - - - £210,952 £213,741 53 Page 57 of 124
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20 The senior employees included in Table 2 include any Board employee: • Who has responsibility for management of the Board to the extent that the person has power to direct or control the major activities of the Board (including activities involving the expenditure of money), during the year to which the report relates, whether solely or collectively with other persons; • Who holds a post that is politically restricted by reason of section 2(1) (a), (b) or (c) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989; or • Whose annual remuneration, including remuneration from a local authority subsidiary body, is £150,000 or more. Table 3 – Conveners and Depute-Conveners Name / Post Salary / Fees Taxable Expenses Compensation for Loss of Office Any other Remuneration 2025/26 Total 2024/25 Total W Brogan Convener £2,225 - - - £2,225 £5,575 J Reddin Depute Convener £815 - - - £815 £4,007 Total £3,040 - - - £3,040 £9,582 Pension Rights Pension benefits for councillors and Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board employees are provided through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The Board’s employees had a final salary pension scheme prior to 1 April 2015. This means that pension benefits are based on the final year’s pay and the number of years that person has been a member of the scheme. As of 1 April 2015, the Board’s employees are now part of a defined benefit pension scheme worked out on a career average basis. Benefits built up are calculated using pensionable pay each scheme year, rather than final salary. All benefits built up prior to this date are protected. From 1 April 2009, a five-tier contribution system was introduced with contributions from scheme members based on how much pay falls into each tier. This is designed to give more equality between the costs and benefits of scheme membership. Under The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2014, the earnings ranges used to determine annual contribution rates are to be increased each year by any increase applied to pensions under the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971. In accordance with this the salary bands for 2024/2025 were uprated by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase for 2025/2026. The member contribution rates and tiers for 2025/2026 are shown in Table 4 along with those that applied in 2024/2025. Table 4 – Pension Contribution Rates Pensionable Pay Contribution rate 2025/2026 Pensionable Pay Contribution Rate 2024/2025 On earnings up to and including £27,500 5.50% On earnings up to an including £27,000 5.50% On earnings above £27,500 and up to £33,600 7.25% On earnings above £27,000 and up to £33,000 7.25% On earnings above £33,600 and up to £46,100 8.50% On earnings above £33,000 and up to £45,300 8.50% On earnings above £46,100 and up to £61,400 9.50% On earnings above £45,300 and up to £60,400 9.50% On earnings above £61,400 12.0% On earnings above £60,400 12.0% 54 Page 58 of 124
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21 From April 2015, if a person works part-time their contribution is based on their part-time pay. Prior to this, if a person worked part-time, their contribution rate was worked out on the whole-time pay rate for the job, with actual contributions paid on actual pay earned. There is no automatic entitlement to a lump sum. Members may opt to give up (commute) pension for lump sum up to the limit set by the Finance Act 2004. From 1 April 2015, benefits are calculated on the basis of a revalued annual pension built up of 1/49th of pensionable pay each year, plus inflation to keep up with the cost of living. Prior to this date, the accrual rate guaranteed a pension based on 1/60th of final pensionable salary and years of pensionable service and prior to 2009 the accrual rate guaranteed a pension based on 1/80th and a lump sum based on 3/80th of final pensionable salary and years of pensionable service. The value of the benefits has been calculated without exercising any option to commute pension entitlement into a lump sum and without any adjustment for the effects of future inflation. In those cases where members have transferred pension entitlements from previous employments, the pension figures shown relate to the benefits that the person has accrued as a consequence of their total local government service, and not just their current appointment. It also reflects both employer and employee contributions. The Pension entitlement of Senior Employees for the year to 31 March 2026 are shown in the Table 5, together with the contribution made by the Board to each senior employees’ pension during the year. The accrued pension benefit reflects both the employer and employee contributions. Table 5 – Pension Benefits: Senior Employees Name / Post Accrued Pension Benefits March 2026 Movement in accrued pension benefits since 31 March 2025 Pension Contribution made by Board 2025/2026 Pension Contribution made by Board 2024/2025 C Maxwell Assistant Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer (To 15 April 2024) Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer (From 16 April 2024 to 31 December 2025) Pension Lump Sum £60,698 £93,892 £3,496 £3,886 £6,945 £8,567 J Dell Assistant Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer (To 31 December 2025) Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer (From 1 January 2026) Pension Lump Sum £58,444 £84,343 £21,103 £36,333 £6,532 £5,326 Total £13,477 £13,893 55 Page 59 of 124
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22 Table 6 – Pension Benefits: Conveners and Depute Conveners Name / Post Pension Contribution made by Board 2025/2026 Pension Contribution made by Board 2024/2025 W Brogan, Convener £145 £362 J Reddin, Depute Convener £53 £260 Exit Packages There were no exit packages agreed or paid for in 2025/2026 or 2024/2025. Jacqueline Dell Councillor Walter Brogan Assessor and ERO Convener 56 Page 60 of 124
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23 Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement for the year ended 31 March 2026 This statement shows income generated by the Board during the year and how it was spent on services and financing costs. 2024/2025 2025/2026 Note Actual Actual £000 £000 2,748 Employee Costs 3,305 108 Property Costs 108 182 Supplies and Services 154 11 Transport and Plant 11 623 Administration Costs 758 30 Payments to Other Bodies 34 145 Financing Charges (Note a) 158 3,847 Total Expenditure 4,528 (4,018) Income (3,161) (171) Net Cost of Services 1,367 (69) Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure (102) 21 (240) (Surplus)/Deficit on the Provision of Services 1,265 (282) Re-measurement of the Net Defined Benefit (Asset)/Liability (591) 16 (282) Other Comprehensive Income and Expenditure (591) (522) Total Comprehensive Income and Expenditure 674 57 Page 61 of 124
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24 Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2026 This statement shows the resources of the Board and means by which they were financed. It shows the values as at the Balance Sheet date of the assets and liabilities recognised by the Board. 31 March 2025 31 March 2026 Note £000 £000 Non-Current Assets: 557 Property, Plant and Equipment 449 11,12 0 Pension Asset 0 16 557 Total Non-Current Assets 449 Current Assets: 66 Short Term Debtors 49 13 2,587 Cash and Cash Equivalents 1,939 2,653 Total Current Assets 1,988 Current Liabilities: (246) Short Term Creditors (226) 14 (78) Short Term Lease Liability (86) 11 (324) Total Current Liabilities (312) 2,886 Total Assets less Current Liabilities 2,125 Long Term Liabilities (435) Pension Liability (434) 16 (404) Long Term Lease Liability (318) 11 (839) Total Long Term Liabilities (752) 2,047 Total Assets less Liabilities 1,373 Financed By: Unusable Reserves (435) Pension Reserve (434) 19 (68) Accumulating Compensated Absences Reserve (71) 19 75 Capital Adjustment Account 45 19 Usable Reserves 2,475 General Fund Reserve 1,833 19 2,047 1,373 The notes on pages 29 to 45 form part of the financial statements. The unaudited accounts were approved for issue by the Board on 1 June 2026, and the audited accounts were authorised for issue on 7 September 2026. The audited accounts are signed on behalf of the Board by: Jackie Taylor Treasurer of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board 58 Page 62 of 124
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25 Movement in Reserves Statement for the year ended 31 March 2026 This statement shows the movement in the year on the different reserves held by the Board, analysed into usable reserves and unusable reserves. The deficit on the provision of services shows the true economic cost of providing the Board’s services, which is fully analysed in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement on page 23. This cost excludes other statutory charges to the General Fund balance. The net increase / (decrease) before transfers to / from other statutory reserves shows the statutory General Fund balance before any discretionary transfers to or from the other statutory reserves of the Board. General Fund Balance Total Usable Reserves Unusable Reserves Total Reserves £000 £000 £000 £000 Balance as at 31 March 2025 2,475 2,475 (428) 2,047 Movement in Reserves during 2025/2026 Surplus / (Deficit) on the provision of services (1,265) (1,265) (1,265) Other comprehensive income and expenditure 0 0 591 591 Total comprehensive income and expenditure (1,265) (1,265) 591 (674) Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis (note 5) 623 623 (623) 0 Net increase / (decrease) before transfers to / (from) other statutory reserves (642) (642) (32) (674) Transfers to / (from) other statutory reserves 0 0 0 0 Increase / (Decrease) in 2025/2026 (642) (642) (32) (674) Balance as at 31 March 2026 1,833 1,833 (460) 1,373 59 Page 63 of 124
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26 Movement in Reserves Statement for the year ended 31 March 2025 General Fund Balance Total Usable Reserves Unusable Reserves Total Reserves £000 £000 £000 £000 Balance as at 31 March 2024 1,975 1,975 (450) 1,525 Movement in Reserves during 2024/2025 Surplus / (Deficit) on the provision of services 240 240 - 240 Other comprehensive income and expenditure - - 282 282 Total comprehensive income and expenditure 240 240 282 522 Adjustments between accounting basis and funding basis (note 5) 260 260 (260) 0 Net increase / (decrease) before transfers to / (from) other statutory reserves 500 500 22 522 Transfers to / (from) other statutory reserves - - - - Increase / (Decrease) in 2024/2025 500 500 22 522 Balance as at 31 March 2025 2,475 2,475 (428) 2,047 60 Page 64 of 124
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27 Cash Flow Statement This statement shows the changes in cash and cash equivalents of the Board during the year. The statement shows how the Board generates and uses cash and cash equivalents by classifying them as either operating, investing or financing activities. • The level of net cash arising from operating activities is a key indicator of the extent to which the operations of the Board are funded by way of taxation and grant income or from service users and constituent authorities. • Investing activities represent the extent to which cash outflows have been made for resources which are intended to contribute to the Board’s future service delivery. • Cash flows arising from financing activities are useful in predicting claims on future cash flows in respect of leasing. Further analysis of movements is provided in the cash flow notes following the statement. 2024/2025 2025/2026 £000 £000 240 Surplus/(Deficit) on the Provision of Services (1,265) 424 Adjust Surplus/(Deficit) on the Provision of Services for non-cash movements 696 0 Adjust for items included in the Surplus/(Deficit) on the Provision of Services that are investing and financing activities 0 664 Net cash flows from operating activities (569) 0 Investing Activities 0 (69) Financing Activities (79) 595 Net increase or decrease in cash and cash equivalents (648) 1,992 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2,587 2,587 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 1,939 Cash Flow Statement Note – Non Cash Movements The balance of non-cash movements is made up of the following elements: 2024/2025 2025/2026 £000 £000 107 Depreciation, impairment and amortisation of assets 108 40 Movement in Debtors 17 55 Movement in Creditors (22) 224 Movement in Pension Liability 590 (2) Movement in the Employee Statutory Adjustment Account 3 - Interest received 0 424 Net Cash flows from the provision of services for non-cash movements 696 Cash Flow Statement Note – Financing Activities The cash flows for financing activities include the following item: 2024/2025 2025/2026 £000 £000 (69) Cash payments for the reduction of the outstanding liabilities relating to leases (79) (69) Net cash flows from financing activities (79) 61 Page 65 of 124
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28 Cash Flow Statement Note – Cash and Cash Equivalents The balance of Cash and Cash Equivalents is made up of the following elements: 2024/2025 2025/2026 £000 £000 2,587 Short term deposits 1,939 2,587 Total Cash and Cash Equivalents 1,939 62 Page 66 of 124
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29 Notes to the Financial Statements Note 1: Accounting Policies General Principles Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board is required to prepare annual accounts by the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014, section 12 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 requires they be prepared in accordance with proper accounting practices. The general policies adopted in compiling and presenting the Accounts are those recommended by the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2023/2024 issued jointly by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and the Local Authority (Scotland) Accounts Advisory Committee (LASAAC), supported by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). There are no significant departures from those recommendations. The Annual Accounts has been prepared under the historic cost convention. All accounting policies have been applied consistently. Debtors and Creditors Accruals basis The Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement is compiled on an accruals basis. Income and expenditure activities are accounted for in the year in which they take place, not simply when payments are made or received. Where goods and services have been sold but the income not received by 31 March 2026 or goods have been received but not paid for by 31 March 2026 then the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement has been amended to reflect the outstanding amounts and a debtor or creditor for the relevant amount is recorded in the Balance Sheet. (i) Debtors All specific and material sums payable to the Board have been brought into account. (ii) Creditors Sundry Creditors are accrued on the basis of payments made during the first three weeks following 31 March 2026; together with specific accruals in respect of further material items. (iii) Accumulating Compensated Absences International Accounting Standard 19 (IAS19) states that ‘an organisation should account for employment benefits when employees earn them and the authority is committed to providing them, even if the actual provision might be in future years.’ All salaries and wages earned up to 31 March 2026 are included irrespective of when actual payments were made. The requirements of IAS 19 have been fully applied in the current year, in respect of annual leave provision, including recognition of the net liability and an accumulating compensated absences reserve in the Balance Sheet and entries in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement for movements in the liability relating to the scheme. (iv) Pension Costs The Board participates in the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (Strathclyde Pension Fund), which is administered by Glasgow City Council. The cost of providing pensions for employees is charged to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement in accordance with the statutory requirements governing the particular pension schemes to which the Board contributes. While the requirements of IAS19 have been fully applied in the current year, the Pension report provide by the actuary has indicated a significant net Asset (a surplus). The significant nature of the Asset has been reviewed, and in line with IFRIC14, the asset has been de-recognised to equate to the level of the asset ceiling, provided by the Fund’s actuary. This reflects the net present value of future service costs less the net present value of future obligations over the future working lifetime as at 31 March 2026. This derecognition has been applied through the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. Previous year budget and expenditure information has been provided to allow comparability. 63 Page 67 of 124
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30 In assessing liabilities for retirement benefits for the 2025/2026 Annual Accounts (included in the net asset), a discount rate based on the current rate of return on a high-quality corporate bond of equivalent currency and term to the scheme was used. The Actuary has advised that a rate of 6.3% per annum is appropriate (2024/2025 – 5.8%). Actuarial Gains and Losses – changes in the net pension asset / liability that arise because of events have not coincided with assumptions made at the last actuarial valuation or because the actuaries have updated their assumptions – debited to the Pension Reserve. (v) Allocation of Central Support Expenses The allocation of Central Support Expenses is the cost of those South Lanarkshire central support departments which provide a service to the Board. The individual support departments are Administration Services, Personnel, Information Technology and Finance Services. The method of allocation is determined by each individual department and in most instances is a time-based allocation of employee costs or the recharge of actual costs incurred. The recharge is made on a consistent basis. (vi) Borrowing Facilities The Board is a separate legal entity and has South Lanarkshire Council as its lead authority. The loans’ fund of South Lanarkshire Council acts as banker to the Board and consequently lends or borrows according to the required cash flow and activities of the Board. (vii) Financial Instruments Where an instrument has a maturity of less than 12 months the fair value is taken to be the principal outstanding. Creditors due within 12 months are not classed as a financial instrument. (viii) Agency Relationship Where the Board is acting as an agent for another party (for example in the collection of Civil Penalties), income and expenditure are recognised only to the extent that commission is receivable by the Board for the agency service rendered or the Board incurs expenses directly on its own behalf in rendering the services. Intangible Assets Expenditure on non-monetary assets that do not have physical substance but are controlled by the Board as a result of past events (for example, software licences) is capitalised when it is expected that it will bring benefits to the Board for more than 12 months. Intangible Assets are measured at cost. The depreciable amount of an intangible asset is amortised over its useful life in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. The useful life of these assets is deemed to be 1-5 years. The Board has no Intangible Assets. Leases The Board adopted IFRS 16 (Leases) with effect from 1 April 2024. The main impact of the requirements of IFRS 16 is that, for arrangements previously accounted for as operating leases (where any leased equipment and property were not recognised as an asset, and future rents were not recognised as a liability), a right-of-use asset and a lease liability are now included on the balance sheet from 1 April 2024. The Board has elected to apply recognition exemptions to low value assets (below £0.010 million when new) and to short-term leases (existing leases that expire on or before 31 March 2026), and new leases with a duration of less than 12 months. A contract is, or contains a lease, if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Property, Plant and Equipment Assets that have physical substance and are held for use in the supply of services or administrative purposes and that are expected to be used during more than one financial year are classified as Property, Plant and Equipment. 64 Page 68 of 124
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31 Recognition Expenditure on the acquisition, creation or enhancement of Property, Plant and Equipment is capitalised on an accruals basis. Expenditure that merely maintains the condition of an asset e.g. repairs and maintenance is charged as an expense when it is incurred. Measurement Assets are initially measured at cost, comprising: • the purchase price. • any costs attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Assets are then carried in the Balance Sheet using the following measurement bases: • other land and buildings – fair value, determined by the amount that would be paid for the asset in its existing use (existing use value – EUV). • vehicles, plant and equipment – where non- property assets that have short useful lives or low values (or both), depreciated historical cost basis is used as a proxy for fair value. Depreciation Depreciation is provided for on all Property, Plant and Equipment assets and is calculated on the following bases: • other buildings – straight-line allocation over the useful life of the property as estimated by the valuer (other buildings 10 – 40 years). • vehicles, plant and equipment – straight line allocation over the useful life of the asset (5 – 20 years). • over the term of the remaining lease of David Dale House. Note 2: Prior Period Adjustments There are no prior period adjustments included within the 2025/2026 Annual Accounts. Note 3: Accounting Standards Issued but Not Adopted The Accounting Code of Practice requires the Board to disclose information relating to the impact of an accounting change that is required by a new standard that has been issued but not yet adopted. At the balance sheet date, the following new standards and amendments to existing standards have been published but not yet adopted by The Code and are not expected to have an impact on the Board’s financial statements and are noted below: • Amendments to FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK (Amendments to Heritage assets) issued in March 2024. • Amendments to the Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments (Amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7) issued in May 2024. • Annual improvements to IFRS accounting standards – Volume 11 issued in July 2024 • Contracts Referencing Nature-dependent Electricity (Amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7) The above are not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements. Note 4: Critical Judgements in Applying Accounting Policies In applying the accounting policies, the Board is obliged to highlight whether it has had to make certain judgements about complex transactions or those involving uncertainty about future events. The critical judgements made in the Annual Accounts are: • In assessing the potential for significant costs arising from Valuation Appeal Panels, the Board has considered its level of exposure as low and therefore no provision for an outflow of money has been made. 65 Page 69 of 124
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32 • The Accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis as it is expected that despite the uncertainty around future local government funding, a medium-term Financial Strategy has been developed in conjunction with the Board’s constituent authorities. This gives certainty regarding the medium-term financial outlook and the level of service provision. • If a Pension Scheme was in deficit (a liability), this would be recognised in the Accounts. Conversely, if the Pension scheme was in a surplus (an Asset), in line with IFRIC14, this would not be recognised on the basis that there is no ability to recover any surplus from the fund, nor recover any of the funds from future contributions. The surplus/deficit is arrived at by obtaining a valuation from the actuary. In the event of a surplus, consideration is given to whether it can be recognised based on whether the surplus can be recovered, or the contributions can be reduced. It is believed that under the agreement with Strathclyde Pension Fund, such a surplus cannot be recovered. Note 5: Expenditure and Funding Analysis The Expenditure and Funding Analysis shows the expenditure and income figures reported to Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board and, through a single adjustments column, reconciles it to the accounting figures presented in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. 2024/2025 2025/2026 Net Exp. Chargeable to GF Adjustment between Funding and Accounting Basis (Note 6) Net Exp. in CIES Net Exp. Chargeable to GF Adjustment between Funding and Accounting Basis (Note 6) Net Exp. in CIES £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 2,534 214 2,748 Employee Costs 2,763 542 3,305 108 108 Property Costs 108 108 182 182 Supplies and Services 154 154 11 11 Transport and Plant 11 11 645 (22) 623 Administration Costs 746 12 758 30 30 Payments to Other Bodies 34 34 106 39 145 Financing Charges 129 29 158 3,616 231 3,847 Total Expenditure 3,945 583 4,528 (4,018) (4,018) Income (3,161) 0 (3,161) (402) 231 (171) Net Cost of Services 784 583 1,367 (98) 29 (69) Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure (142) 40 (102) (500) 260 (240) (Surplus) or Deficit 642 623 1,265 2024/2025 2025/2026 General Fund General Fund £000 £000 (1,975) Opening General Fund Balance (2,475) (500) (Surplus) or Deficit 642 - Transfers To/From Reserves - (2,475) Closing General Fund Balance (1,833) 66 Page 70 of 124
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33 Note 6: Notes to the Expenditure and Funding Analysis - Adjustments Between Funding and Accounting Basis 2025/2026 2025/2026 2025/2026 2025/2026 Adjustments for Capital Purposes (note a) £000 Net Change for the Pensions Adjustments (note b) £000 Other Differences (note c) £000 Total Adjustments between Funding and Accounting Basis £000 Employee Costs - 539 3 542 Property Costs - - - - Supplies and Services - - - - Transport and Plant - - - - Administration Costs - 12 - 12 Payments to Other Bodies - - - - Financing Charges 29 - - 29 Total Expenditure 29 551 3 583 Income Net Cost of Services 29 551 3 583 Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure 40 40 (Surplus) or Deficit 29 591 3 623 2024/2025 2024/2025 2024/2025 2024/2025 Adjustments for Capital Purposes (note a) £000 Net Change for the Pensions Adjustments (note b) £000 Other Differences (note c) £000 Total Adjustments between Funding and Accounting Basis £000 Employee Costs - 216 (2) 214 Property Costs - - - - Supplies and Services - - - - Transport and Plant - - - - Administration Costs - (22) - (22) Payments to Other Bodies - - - - Financing Charges 39 - - 39 Total Expenditure 39 194 (2) 231 Income - - - - Net Cost of Services 39 194 (2) 231 Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure - 29 - 29 (Surplus) or Deficit 39 223 (2) 260 Note a – Adjustment for Capital Purposes This column adds in depreciation and impairment and revaluation of gains and losses in the financing charges line. Note b – Net Change for the Pensions Adjustment Net change for the removal of pension contributions and the addition of IAS19 Employee benefits pension related expenditure and income: 67 Page 71 of 124
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34 • For Employee Costs and Administration Costs this represents the removal of the employer contributions made by the Board as allowed by statute and the replacement with current service costs and past service costs. • For Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure – the net interest on the defined benefit liability is charged to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. Note c – Other Differences Other differences between amounts debited/credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement and amounts payable /receivable to be recognised under statute: • For Employee Costs this represents the accrual made for the cost of holiday/leave entitlements earned by employees but not taken before the year-end which employees can carry forward into the next financial year. These require to be included within the Net Cost of Services under generally accepted accounting practices, however, are not chargeable to the General Fund. Note 7: Adjustments between Accounting Basis and Funding Basis Under Regulations This note details the adjustments that are made to the total Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement recognised by the Board in the year in accordance with proper accounting practice to arrive at the resources that are specified by statutory provisions as being available to the Board to meet future revenue expenditure. Useable Reserves 2025/2026 2024/2025 £000 £000 Adjustments to Revenue Resources Pension Costs (transferred to (or from) the Pensions Reserve (1) (58) Holiday Pay (transferred to the Employee Statutory Adjustment Account) 3 (2) Statutory provision for the Repayment of Debt – Leases (78) (69) Reversal of entries in the surplus or deficit on the Provision of Services in relation to capital expenditure (these items are charged to the Capital Adjustment Account) 108 107 Total Adjustments to Revenue Resources 32 (22) Adjustments between Revenue and Capital Resources Capital expenditure finance from revenue balances (transfer to Capital Adjustment Account) 0 0 Total Adjustments between Revenue and Capital Resources 0 0 Total Adjustments 32 (22) Total Comprehensive Income and Expenditure (674) 522 Net Increase / (Decrease) before transfers to / from Reserves (642) 500 Increase / (Decrease) in year (642) 500 68 Page 72 of 124
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35 Note 8: Assumptions Made About the Future and Other Major Sources of Estimation Uncertainty The Annual Accounts contain estimated figures that are based on assumptions made by the Board about the future or that are otherwise uncertain. Estimates are made taking into account historical experience, current trends and other relevant factors. However, because balances cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could be materially different from the assumptions and estimates. The items in the Board’s Balance Sheet at 31 March 2025 for which there is a significant risk of material adjustment in the forthcoming financial year are as follows: Items Uncertainties Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions Pension Asset / (Liability) Estimation of the net asset depends on a number of complex judgements relating to the discount rate used, the rate at which salaries are projected to increase, changes in retirement ages, mortality rates and expected returns on pension fund assets. A firm of consulting actuaries, commissioned by Strathclyde Pension Fund, is engaged to provide the Board with expert advice about the assumptions to be applied. The effect on the net pension asset of changes in individual assumptions can be measured. E.g. a 0.1% decrease in the discount rate assumption would result in a decrease in the pension asset of £0.338 million. The assumptions interact in complex ways. During 2025/2026, the actuaries advised that the net pension asset had increased by: £0.806 million attributed to the updating of financial assumptions, decreased by £0.132 million attributable to changes in demographic assumptions, and decreased by £0.169 million due to other experience. The net asset had increased by £1.221 million due to the expected return on pension fund assets. In line with IFRIC14, while there is a net asset, an asset ceiling has been applied to the Balance Sheet to bring the asset to £nil.. Note 9: Events after the Balance Sheet The unaudited Annual Accounts were authorised for issue by the Treasurer of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board on 1 June 2026. There were no events that occurred between 1 April 2026 and the date that the Annual Accounts were authorised for issue that would have an impact on the financial statements. Note 10: Contingent Liabilities Pensions A circular from the Scottish Public Pensions Agency (Local Government Pension Scheme 2020/04) refers to a ruling that same-sex survivors were originally entitled to survivor benefits, taking into account the member’s service from 6 April 1978. Following the Goodwin Tribunal, regulatory amendments will now need to be made with effect from the same date to extend that entitlement to male survivors of female members. While this could have a financial impact on future years’ costs, and the impact cannot yet be quantified, current information from the Board’s actuaries suggests that any impact is likely to be minimal. Given the uncertainty, and the expected immaterial nature of any potential impact, no provision has been made in the Accounts. The Board’s actuaries also highlighted an awareness of 2 other court cases which may impact on pension benefits in the future. The first was the Walker case where it was ruled that surviving spouses in same sex marriages should be entitled to the same benefits as those in different sex marriages and also the O’Brien case where it was ruled that recognition of part time benefits should apply to service for the period prior to 7 April 2000. The actuaries understanding is that these are unlikely to be significant judgements in terms of impact on future pension obligations of 69 Page 73 of 124
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36 Employers. Again, given the uncertainty, and the immaterial nature of any potential impact, no provision has been made in the Accounts. Valuation Appeals Number of Appeals: The Board remains engaged in a number of ongoing valuation appeals, some of which date from the 2017 Revaluation. It is possible that additional expenditure in legal costs as a consequence of these appeals may arise, however, neither the value nor the timing of these costs can be reliably estimated at this time. The Board recognises that a contingent liability may exist in respect of potential costs arising from these appeals. Note 11: Leases The Board adopted IFRS 16 from 1 April 2024, to recognise right of use assets. IFRS 16 means that leases where the Board acts as lessee are reflected on the balance sheet and lessor accounting is effectively unchanged. The main impact of the requirement is that, for arrangements previously accounted for as operating leases (i.e. without recognising the leased vehicles, plant, equipment, property and land as an asset and future rents as a liability), a right-of-use asset and a lease liability are now included on the balance sheet since 1 April 2024. Leases for items of low value (below £0.010 million) and leases that expire on or before 31 March 2026 are exempt from the new arrangements. A weighted average incremental borrowing rate, in line with the time period of the lease, has been applied to lease liabilities as at 1 April 2024. The rate applied was 4.61% As a lessee, the Board has previously classified leases as operating or finance leases based on its assessment of whether the lease transferred significantly all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset to the Board. Under IFRS 16, the Board recognises right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for most leases. The Board has decided to apply recognition exemptions to low value assets (below £0.010 million when new) and to short-term leases (existing leases that expire on or before 31 March 2026), and new leases with a duration of less than 12 months. The Board recognises the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Board's lease contracts comprise leases of operational buildings and equipment. Most are individually immaterial however, material leases include the lease for the ground floor at David Dale House, Blantyre which commenced in April 2021 for a term of 9.3 years. Rentals were set at the start of the lease. The value of the asset as at 31 March 2026 was £0.377 million. This table shows the change in the value of right-of-use assets held under leases by the Board. These are included within overall Property, Plant and Equipment in Note 12. Right of Use Assets 2025/26 2024/25 Buildings £000 Buildings £000 Balance 1 April 464 551 Revaluations - - Depreciation (87) (87) Disposals - - Balance 31 March 377 464 70 Page 74 of 124
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37 The Board incurred the following expenses and cashflows in relation to leases. Transactions under Leases 2025/26 2024/25 £000 £000 Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement Interest Expense on Lease Liabilities 20 24 Expense relating to exempt leases of low-value items 51 37 Cashflow Statement Interest paid 20 24 Minimum lease payments 79 69 Total Cashflow for Leases 99 93 The lease liabilities are due to be settled over the following time bands (measured at the undiscounted amounts of expected cash payments). Maturity Analysis of Lease Liabilities 2025/26 2024/25 Lease Liability £000 Lease Liability £000 Not later than one year 86 78 Later than one year and not later than five years 318 368 Later than five years 0 36 Total Undiscounted Liabilities 404 482 Note 12: Property, Plant and Equipment 2025/2026 2024/2025 £000 £000 Cost or Valuation At 1 April 732 181 Recognise Right of Use Assets 0 551 Additions 0 0 At 31 March 732 732 Accumulated Depreciation At 1 April 175 68 Depreciation 108 107 At 31 March 283 175 Net Book Value at 31 March 449 557 Note 13: Short Term Debtors The debtors figure comprises prepayments and is analysed as follows: 2025/2026 2024/2025 £000 £000 Information Technology Annual Support and Maintenance 47 47 Membership Fees / Annual Subscriptions 2 4 Credit Note Relating to 2023/2024 (charges received in error) - 7 Insurance Services - 8 Total 49 66 71 Page 75 of 124
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38 Note 14: Short Term Creditors The creditors figure is analysed as follows: 2025/2026 2024/2025 £000 £000 Royal Mail – Postal Charges 17 3 North Lanarkshire Council – Depute Convenor Salary 1 5 Accumulated Compensated Absences – Annual Leave 71 68 Other – Employee Cost Accrual 127 118 Audit Scotland 1 1 Administration and Legal Costs 9 51 Total 226 246 Note 15: Related Party Transactions The Board is required to disclose material transactions with related parties – bodies or individuals who have the potential to control or influence the Board or to be controlled or influenced by the Board. Disclosure of these transactions helps users to assess the extent to which the Board may have been constrained in its ability to operate independently or may have secured the ability to limit another party’s ability to bargain freely with the Board. The Board’s related parties include: Scottish Government: has significant control over the general operations of the Board as it is responsible for providing the statutory framework within which the Board operates. The Scottish Government provides the majority of funding to the constituent councils who then fund the Board via requisitions. UK Government: provides grant funding for various electoral initiatives. Constituent Local Authorities: Board members are represented by Councillors from both North and South Lanarkshire Council with responsibility for oversight of the Board’s functions in respect of valuations and Electoral Registration; decision making; budget setting and compliance and governance. North and South Lanarkshire Councils have significant influence over the general operations of the Board as they provide most of the Board’s funding in the form of revenue requisitions. In addition, South Lanarkshire Council provides the Board with a range of key services as its role as lead authority. All transactions with the Board’s constituent authorities are disclosed in the table below. Members of the Board: have direct control over the Board’s operating and financial policies. Total Members’ allowances paid during 2025/2026 are shown in the Remuneration Report on page 18. No members declared an interest during the financial year in any third party organisations with which the Board engaged in transactions. Chief Officials of the Board: have direct control over the management of the Board’s operations and finances policies. Total remuneration paid to Chief Officers during 2025/2026 is shown in the Remuneration Report on page 18. No Chief Officers declared an interest during the financial year in any third party organisation with which the Board engaged in transactions. During the year transactions arose with the following related parties shown overleaf: 72 Page 76 of 124
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39 2025/2026 2024/2025 Expenditure: Fife Council - 1 North Lanarkshire Council: Remuneration and on-costs of Depute Convenor 1 5 South Lanarkshire Council: • Central Support recharge 199 202 • Office Accommodation 207 201 • Remuneration and on-costs of Convenor 2 7 Total South Lanarkshire Council expenditure 408 410 Total Expenditure 409 416 Income: North Lanarkshire Council: Requisition (Note 1) 1,541 1,814 South Lanarkshire Council: • Requisition (Note 1) 1,541 1,814 • Interest Income 162 122 Total South Lanarkshire Income 1,703 1,936 Scottish Government: Elections Act Funding - - UK Government: Electoral Integrity Grant 41 362 Note 1: The Scottish Government provide Barclay funding which is included in the constituent council requisition payments (Note 18 – Grant Income) Note 16: Defined Benefit Pension Schemes As part of the terms and conditions of employment, the Board offers retirement benefits. The Board participates in the Local Government Pension Scheme (Strathclyde Pension Fund), a funded defined benefit scheme, administered by Glasgow City Council. The scheme is supported by contributions from both employer and employees. The 2025/2026 pension reports provided by the actuary indicate an increased Asset (a surplus) for this year (compared to 2024/2025), and in line with IFRIC14, an asset ceiling has been applied. This reduces the net Pension Asset from £17.965 million to £nil and reflects the present value of employer future service costs less the present value of future employer contributions, over the future working lifetime of your active scheme. Transactions relating to Retirement Benefits The cost of retirement benefit is recognised in the reported cost of services when it is earned by the Board’s employees, rather than when the benefits are eventually paid as pensions. However, the charge that is statutorily required to be made against the Board’s funding from councils is based on the pension contributions payable by the Board in the year, and an adjustment is made in the Movement in Reserves Statement to this effect. 73 Page 77 of 124
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40 The following transactions have been made in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement 2025/2026 2024/2025 £000 £000 Cost of Services: Service cost comprising: Current service cost 301 356 Past Service Cost (including curtailments) 420 0 Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure Net interest expense 40 29 Total post-employment benefit charged to the Deficit on the Provision of Services 761 385 Other Post Employment Benefit Charged to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement: Re-measurement of the net defined benefit liability/(asset) comprising: • return on pension fund assets (1,221) 454 • actuarial (gains) or losses arising on changes in demographic assumptions 132 (39) • actuarial (gains) or losses arising on changes in financial assumptions (806) (3,486) • actuarial (gains) or losses arising on changes in other experience 169 (182) • actuarial (gains) or losses arising on de-recognition of Pension Asset 1,136 3,029 • actuarial (gains) or losses arising on present value of Unfunded Liability (1) (58) Total post-employment benefit charged to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement (591) (282) Net Charge to the Surplus/Deficit on the Provision of Services brought forward 761 385 Movement In Reserves Statement • reversal of net charges made to the surplus or deficit for the provision of services for post-employment benefits in accordance with the Code (590) (224) Actual amount charged against the General Fund balance for pensions in the year: • employers’ contributions payable to the scheme 171 161 Pensions Assets and Liabilities Recognised in the Balance Sheet The amount included in the Balance Sheet arising from the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s obligation in respect of its defined benefit plan is as per the Table overleaf. The net asset arising from the Board’s involvement in the defined benefit scheme totals £17.965 million at 31 March 2026. However, this has been limited to £0 in line with the accounting requirements of IFRIC 14 to limit the recognition of a pension asset to the extent to which the Board can recover the benefits through either refunds or reduced contributions. As the Board is not able to withdraw from the scheme or recover funds directly, the asset is therefore limited to the forecast reductions in contributions as compared to the forecast future service costs. This has limited the recognition of the pension asset to £nil. Separately the Board has continued to recognise the unfunded element of its pension liabilities as there are no scheme assets to cover the future costs of these liabilities as they are due going forward. 74 Page 78 of 124
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41 2025/2026 2024/2025 £000 £000 Present value of the funded obligation (Note 1) (20,795) (19,957) Fair value of pension fund assets 38,760 35,865 De-Recognition of Pension Assets (Surplus) to Asset Ceiling (Note 1) (17,965) (15,908) Net asset / (liability) arising from funded obligations 0 0 Present Value of the Unfunded Liability Accounted for Separately (434) (435) Net asset / (liability) arising from unfunded obligations (434) (435) Note 1- the formatting of this table has been updated from the prior year to now show the present value of the funded position and present value of unfunded obligations separately. A reconciliation of the Board’s share of the present value of the Fund’s defined obligation is as follows: 2025/2026 2024/2025 £000 £000 Opening Balance at 1 April (20,392) (23,193) Current Service Cost (301) (356) Past Service Cost (420) - Interest Cost (1,187) (1,119) Contributions by scheme participants (140) (124) Re-measurement gains and losses actuarial gains and losses arising on changes in demographic assumptions (132) 39 actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in financial assumptions 806 3,486 actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in other experience (169) 182 Past service gains / losses - - Settlements and curtailments - - Estimated Unfunded benefits paid 31 30 Estimated Benefits paid 675 663 Closing Balance at 31 March (21,229) (20,392) A reconciliation of the movement in the Board’s share of the fair value of the Fund’s assets is as follows: 2025/2026 2024/2025 £000 £000 Opening Fair Value of Pension Fund Assets 35,865 35,039 Interest Income 2,069 1,688 Re-measurement gains and (losses) - - expected return on pension fund assets 1,221 (454) actuarial gains and losses - - other experiences - - The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates - - Contributions by members 140 124 Contributions by the employer 140 131 Contributions in respect of Unfunded Benefits 31 30 Benefits Paid (706) (693) Closing Fair Value of the Scheme Assets 38,760 35,865 75 Page 79 of 124
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42 Analysis of Pension Fund Assets 31/03/26 31/03/25 Quoted prices in active markets Quoted prices not in active markets Total Quoted prices in active markets Quoted prices not in active markets Total £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Cash and Cash Equivalents 0 1,250 1,250 0 873 873 Equity Instruments 8,151 28 8,179 7,430 23 7,453 Debt Instruments 0 0 0 0 0 0 Real Estate 0 2,687 2,687 0 2,706 2,706 Derivatives 0 0 0 0 0 0 Private Equity 0 9,295 9,295 0 8,290 8,290 Investment Funds 0 17,349 17,349 131 16,412 16,543 Asset Backed Securities 0 0 0 0 0 0 Structured Debt 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total 8,151 30,609 38,760 7,561 28,304 35,865 Basis for Estimating Assets and Liabilities Liabilities have been assessed on an actuarial basis using the projected unit credit method, to provide an estimate of the pensions that will be payable in future years dependant on assumptions about mortality rates, salary levels etc. The Local Government Pension Scheme has been assessed by Hymans Robertson LLP, an independent firm of actuaries, with estimates for the Strathclyde Pension Fund being based on the latest valuation of the scheme as at 31 March 2026. The principal assumptions used by the actuary were: 2025/2026 2024/2025 Years Years Mortality Assumptions: Longevity at 65 for current pensioners Male 21.4 21.0 Female 23.3 23.2 Longevity at 65 for future pensioners Male 22.9 22.5 Female 24.5 24.4 Financial Assumptions: % % Rate of inflation / pension increase rate 3.0 2.75 Rate of increase in salaries 3.7 3.45 Return on assets 9.2 3.5 Rate for discounting scheme liabilities 6.3 5.8 Take up option to convert annual pension into retirement lump sum Pre April 2009 / (Post April 2009) 75(75) 75(75) The estimation of the defined benefit obligation is sensitive to the actuarial assumptions set out in the table above. The sensitivity analyses overleaf have been determined based on reasonably possible changes of the assumptions occurring at the end of the reporting period and assumes for each change that the assumptions analysed changes while all the other assumptions remain constant: 76 Page 80 of 124
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43 Approximate % increase in employer’s liability Approximate monetary amount £000 Change in assumption at 31 March 2026 0.1% decrease in real discount rate 2% 338 1 year increase in member life expectancy 4% 849 0.1% increase in the salary increase rate 0% 33 0.1% increase in the pension increase rate 1% 304 Asset and Liability Matching Strategy The Fund has an asset and liability matching (ALM) strategy that matches, to the extent possible, the types of assets invested to the liabilities in the defined benefit obligation. The Fund has matched assets to the pension obligations by investing in long-term fixed interest securities and index linked gilt edged investments with maturities that match the benefits payments as they fall due. A large proportion of the assets relate to equities (72%) and bonds (18%). The scheme also invests in properties (7%) and cash (3%). The comparative year’s figures for equities and bonds are 69% and 21% respectively. The ALM strategy is monitored annually or more frequently if necessary. Impact on the Board’s Cash Flow The objectives of the fund are to keep employers’ contributions at a constant a rate as possible. The Fund has an agreed strategy to achieve a funding rate of 100% in the longer term. The Scheme is a multi-employer defined benefit plan and employers’ contributions have been determined so that employee and employer rates are standard across all participating local authorities. Employers’ contributions were set at 6.5% for 2025/2026 based on the last triennial valuation completed on 31 March 2023. Following completion of the triennial valuation as at 31 March 2023, employers’ contribution rates have been set at 17.5% for the next year (2026/2027). The total contributions expected to be made by the Board to the Fund for the year ending 31 March 2027 is approximately £0.374 million. The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation for Fund members is 17 years. Note 17: External Audit Costs The Board has incurred the following external audit costs: 2025/2026 2024/2025 £000 £000 Fees payable to Audit Scotland with regard to external audit services carried out by the appointed auditor for the year 10 10 Total 10 10 Note 18: Grant Income The following Government Grants were received during the year: 2025/2026 2024/2025 £000 £000 Scottish Government Grant – Barclay Funding 736 718 Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities New Burdens Funding 41 362 Total 777 1,080 77 Page 81 of 124
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44 Note 19: Balance Sheet – Reserves Unusable Reserves 2025/2026 2024/2025 Capital Adjustment Account Pension Reserve Employee Statutory Adj. Account Total Capital Adjustment Account Pension Reserve Employee Statutory Adj. Account Total £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Opening Balance 1 April 75 (435) (68) (428) 113 (493) (70) (450) Movement in Pension Reserve 1 1 - 58 - 58 Movement in Annual Leave Accrual (3) (3) - - 2 2 Statutory repayment of debt 78 78 69 - - 69 Charges for Depreciation of Non Current Assets (108) (108) (107) - - (107) Amortisation of Intangible Assets - - - - Closing Balance as at 31 March 45 (434) (71) (460) 75 (435) (68) (428) Usable Reserves 2025/2026 2024/2025 General Fund Reserve Total General Fund Reserve Total £000 £000 £000 £000 Opening Balance 1 April 2,475 2,475 1,975 1,975 Increase / (Decrease) in Reserve (642) (642) 500 500 Closing Balance as at 31 March 1,833 1,833 2,475 2,475 78 Page 82 of 124
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45 Note 20: Financing and Management of Liquid Resources Liquid resources are held by South Lanarkshire Council as lead authority and are available to the Board as required. Note 21: Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement – financing and investment income and expenditure 2025/2026 2024/2025 £000 Restated £000 Pension Interest Cost and Expected Return on Pensions Assets 40 29 Interest Payable on Leases 20 24 Interest Received on Revenue Balances (162) (122) Total (102) (69) Note 22: Going Concern As at 31 March 2026, the Balance Sheet of the Board shows a Net Asset position of £1.373 million. There are statutory arrangements for funding the long-term deficit in respect of the net pension liability and the statutory accumulated absences, as detailed in the Movement in Reserves Statement on page 25, leaving a General Fund Reserve of £1.833 million to be carried forward for use in future years in line with the 2027/28 to 2028/29 Financial Strategy reported to the Board in June 2025, and subsequently updated in June 2026. Note 23: Civil Penalties The Board acts as agent on behalf of the Scottish Government in the collection and payment of Penalties. The Board issue penalties where required and pays over the income collected to the Scottish Government on receipt of the monies, a portion of which will remain in the Board’s accounts to cover administration costs. The Scottish Government set the value of these penalties and the Board does not bear any credit risk from these penalties not being paid. These penalties are often mitigated on receipt of information. As at 31 March 2026, the value of civil penalties issued and due to be collected by the Board totalled £1.294 million. 79 Page 83 of 124
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46 Independent auditor’s report to the members of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board and the Accounts Commission Reporting on the audit of the financial statements Opinion on financial statements I certify that I have audited the financial statements in the annual accounts of Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board for the year ended 31 March 2026 under Part VII of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. The financial statements comprise the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, Balance Sheet, Movement in Reserves Statement, Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including material accounting policy information. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and UK adopted international accounting standards, as interpreted and adapted by the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2025/26 (the 2025/26 Code). In my opinion the accompanying financial statements: • give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board as at 31 March 2026 and of its income and expenditure for the year then ended; • have been properly prepared in accordance with UK adopted international accounting standards, as interpreted and adapted by the 2025/26 Code; and • have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014, and the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003. Basis for opinion I conducted my audit in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)), as required by the Code of Audit Practice approved by the Accounts Commission for Scotland. My responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of my report. I was appointed by the Accounts Commission on 16 March 2023. My period of appointment is five years, covering 2022/23 to 2026/27. I am independent of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to my audit of the financial statements in the UK including the Financial Reporting Council’s Ethical Standard, and I have fulfilled my other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. Non-audit services prohibited by the Ethical Standard was not provided to the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board. I believe that the audit evidence I have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for my opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern basis of accounting I have concluded that the use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work I have performed, I have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the 80 Page 84 of 124
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47 Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. These conclusions are not intended to, nor do they, provide assurance on the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board's current or future financial sustainability. However, I report on the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board's arrangements for financial sustainability in a separate Annual Audit Report available from the Audit Scotland website. Risks of material misstatement I report in my Annual Audit Report the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement that I identified and my judgements thereon. Responsibilities of the Treasurer and Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board for the financial statements As explained more fully in the Statement of Responsibilities, the Treasurer is responsible for the preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with the financial reporting framework, and for such internal control as the Treasurer determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Treasurer is responsible for assessing the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless there is an intention to discontinue the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s operations. The Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board is responsible for overseeing the financial reporting process. Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements My objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes my opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. I design procedures in line with my responsibilities outlined above to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. Procedures include: • using my understanding of the local government sector to identify that the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014, and the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 are significant in the context of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board; • inquiring of the Treasurer as to other laws or regulations that may be expected to have a fundamental effect on the operations of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board; 81 Page 85 of 124
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48 • inquiring of the Treasurer concerning the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s policies and procedures regarding compliance with the applicable legal and regulatory framework; • discussions among my audit team on the susceptibility of the financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur; and • considering whether the audit team collectively has the appropriate competence and capabilities to identify or recognise non- compliance with laws and regulations. The extent to which my procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is affected by the inherent difficulty in detecting irregularities, the effectiveness of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s controls, and the nature, timing and extent of the audit procedures performed. Irregularities that result from fraud are inherently more difficult to detect than irregularities that result from error as fraud may involve collusion, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. The capability of the audit to detect fraud and other irregularities depends on factors such as the skilfulness of the perpetrator, the frequency and extent of manipulation, the degree of collusion involved, the relative size of individual amounts manipulated, and the seniority of those individuals involved. A further description of the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of my auditor’s report. Reporting on other requirements Opinion prescribed by the Accounts Commission on the audited parts of the Remuneration Report I have audited the parts of the Remuneration Report described as audited. In my opinion, the audited parts of the Remuneration Report have been properly prepared in accordance with The Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014. Other information The Treasurer is responsible for the other information in the annual accounts. The other information comprises the Management Commentary, Annual Governance Statement, Statement of Responsibilities and the unaudited part of the Remuneration Report. My responsibility is to read all the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or my knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If I identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, I am required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work I have performed, I conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, I am required to report that fact. I have nothing to report in this regard. My opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and I do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon except on the Management Commentary and Annual Governance Statement to the extent explicitly stated in the following opinions prescribed by the Accounts Commission. 82 Page 86 of 124
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49 Opinions prescribed by the Accounts Commission on the Management Commentary and Annual Governance Statement In my opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: • the information given in the Management Commentary for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements and that report has been prepared in accordance with statutory guidance issued under the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003; and • the information given in the Annual Governance Statement for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements and that report has been prepared in accordance with the Delivering Good Governance in Local Government: Framework (2016). Matters on which I am required to report by exception I am required by the Accounts Commission to report to you if, in my opinion: • adequate accounting records have not been kept; or • the financial statements and the audited part of the Remuneration Report are not in agreement with the accounting records; or • I have not received all the information and explanations I require for my audit. I have nothing to report in respect of these matters. Conclusions on wider scope responsibilities In addition to my responsibilities for the annual accounts, my conclusions on the wider scope responsibilities specified in the Code of Audit Practice, including those in respect of Best Value, are set out in my Annual Audit Report. Use of my report This report is made solely to the parties to whom it is addressed in accordance with Part VII of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and for no other purpose. In accordance with paragraph 108 of the Code of Audit Practice, I do not undertake to have responsibilities to members or officers, in their individual capacities, or to third parties. Pauline Murray, Audit Scotland 4th Floor 102 West Port Edinburgh EH3 9DN 83 Page 87 of 124
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4h??1 June Report Agenda Item Report to: Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Date of Meeting: 7 September 2026 Report by: Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer Subject: Debt Recovery Policy 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- request the Board’s approval of the attached Debt Recovery Policy 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Board is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the content of the report be noted, and that the attached Debt Recovery Policy, at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved. 3. Background 3.1. Until recently the Board had very few debtors. The Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020, Section 30, introduced the implementation of Civil Penalties, should a recipient fail to comply with an Assessor Information Notice. 3.2. Where a recipient fails to comply with an Assessor Information Notice, the Assessor must give a notice to that recipient, stating that they are liable to a penalty. 3.3. Penalties vary, ranging from £200 up to 50% of rateable value. The penalties can be substantial. Since 1 April 2026, 783 penalties have been issued. 3.4. The Board does not have a corporate Debt Recovery Policy. To date, the value of penalties collected is low, and this is largely because the Board does not have a corporate Debt Recovery Policy in place. 3.5. To ensure governance and control, it is considered good practice to have a corporate Debt Recovery Policy. Appendix 1 provides a Debt Recovery Policy. The aim of the Policy is to implement effective debt management, ensuring debts are monitored and pursued in line with an agreed approach. 3.6. South Lanarkshire Council carry out many finance services on behalf of the Board. An appropriate agreement will be put in place with South Lanarkshire Council to support the practical delivery of the debt recovery policy and the other financial services provided. 6 85 Page 89 of 124
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3.7. If approved by the Board, the corporate Debt Recovery Policy will be published on the Board’s website. At the same time, an announcement will be visible on the homepage of the same website to highlight the implementation of the corporate Debt Recovery Policy. 3.8. A formal Assessor Information Notice is issued and begins the process. The Notice outlines the consequences of non-compliance. Where a recipient does not respond to their Assessor Information Notice, a formal Civil Penalty Notice is issued, and mail tracking is implemented as proof of receipt. The Civil Penalty Notice states the recipient has not complied and is liable to a penalty as determined by the Act, the level of penalty and timescales are clearly noted, thereafter, the recipient is granted a discretionary 14 days to comply. 3.9. In addition to the process at 3.8 above, our Audit and Information Management team actively engage with those who have received an Assessor Information Notice, communicating the importance of compliance. Further details are shared, in relation to non-compliance, highlighting the value of all penalties which will be issued for non- compliance and the timescales involved, to fully inform any recipient of potential outcomes for non-compliance. This line of communication will continue, where possible, after the implementation of the Policy. 4. Employee Implications 4.1. There are no employee implications. 5. Financial Implications 5.1. The Board must pay any money recovered from penalties issued under Section 30 of the Act, into the Scottish Consolidated Fund, as prescribed under Section 32 of the Act. 5.2. However, the Assessor may do so, after deduction of reasonable expenses incurred in relation to issuing and collecting the penalty. To date no monies have been returned to the Consolidated Fund, as costs have outweighed monies collected. 5.3. It is anticipated that once the Debt Recovery Policy is implemented, the process will be cost neutral, both the Assessor and South Lanarkshire Council can recoup costs through the collection of the debt, thereafter, any surplus will be returned to Scottish Government. 6. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 6.1. There are no climate change, sustainability, or environmental implications in terms of the information contained in this report. 7. Risk and Other Implications 7.1. The main risk in terms of the Board’s debt recovery, is the inequitable treatment of debtors, which could leave the Board open to challenge. 7.2. The approval of a corporate Debt Recovery Policy would mitigate this risk. 8. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 8.1. This report introduces a new policy. An integrated impact assessment has been carried out, and there is no impact or relevance to the Equality Duty in relation to this policy. 86 Page 90 of 124
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8.2. Consultation has been undertaken with South Lanarkshire Council’s Finance Services as per paragraph 3.6 above. Jacqueline Dell BSc MRICS Dip Rating AEA (Cert-Scotland) Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer 25 August 2026 Previous References None List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you require further information, please contact:- Jacqueline Dell, Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer Phone: 01698 476078 E-mail: assessor@lanarkshire-vjb.gov.uk 87 Page 91 of 124
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Appendix 1 LANARKSHIRE VALUATION JOINT BOARD DEBT RECOVERY POLICY 89 Page 93 of 124
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2 Contents 1. Introduction 2. Aims & Objectives 3. Service Standards 4. Recovery of Sundry Debt 5. Recovery of Civil Penalties 6. Debt Enforcement 7. Write Off of Outstanding Debts 8. Legal Framework 9. Equal Opportunities 10. Complaints 90 Page 94 of 124
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3 1. Introduction 1.1 This policy will become effective from 7 September 2026. While an element of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s (LVJB) overall spending is funded by North & South Lanarkshire Councils, they are also funded through sales of the Electoral Register and Certified Extracts from the Valuation Roll and can recoup the administrative costs of issuing civil penalties from such monies raised through those penalties. Customers, citizens and businesses have a responsibility to pay for the charges for which they are liable. It is essential that all monies due to LVJB are actively pursued, and this document sets out the general principles to be applied in doing so. 1.2 The key components of this policy are: - • Aims and Objectives • Service Standards • Recovery of Sundry Debt • Recovery of Civil Penalties • Performance Monitoring and Reporting Detailed procedures have been developed to guide staff through the key processes involved. 2. Aims and Objectives 2.1 The overall objective of LVJB’s debt recovery policy is to maximise income by ensuring that all billing, collection, and recovery action is undertaken in an economic, effective, and efficient manner, in accordance with legislation. 2.2 The specific aims and objectives of the policy are: • to ensure all customers pay in accordance with their bills/invoices • to ensure bills/invoices and adjustment notices are issued at the earliest opportunity in accordance with regulations • to take prompt action to reduce the risk of arrears escalating and becoming unmanageable • that LVJB’s approach to debt arrears is 'firm but fair' and consistent for all • to take appropriate and proportionate action to recover outstanding monies • to recognise that failure to recover monies due, impacts on LVJB’s ability to provide key services 3. Service Standards 3.1 A summary of LVJB’s service standards is set out below: 91 Page 95 of 124
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4 • have detailed procedures that are applied consistently across the service • ensure staff are trained to enable them to carry out their roles effectively • ensure a wide range of accessible payment methods are available • ensure that customers are given the opportunity to agree an arrangement to repay arrears • signpost customers to money advice agencies as appropriate 4. Recovery of Sundry Debt 4.1 Sundry Debt is the collective term for non-statutory accounts including invoices for goods and services e.g. the sale of the Electoral Register. LVJB is responsible for the raising and issuing of invoices to customers for payment. LVJB must ensure that the evidence of service provided is fully validated and that the invoice is accurate and contains sufficient detail for both billing and recovery. 4.2 LVJB will ensure that all collection and recovery action is undertaken in an economic, effective, and efficient manner in accordance with legislation and that: - • Invoices will be issued timeously • outstanding accounts with no repayment arrangement will be passed to South Lanarkshire Council to pursue payment on LVJB’s behalf • South Lanarkshire Council, on behalf of LVJB, will consider raising a court action to obtain a decree 4.3 A decree is a money judgement that a creditor can obtain at court to prove that a debt exists. 4.4 Following the granting of a decree the debtor will be given an opportunity to make a suitable payment arrangement. Should the debtor not make, or keep to, a payment arrangement then recovery action can be taken by the debt management contractor. 5. Recovery of Civil Penalties 5.1 The Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020 (“The Act”) introduced Civil Penalties in the case of failure to comply with Assessor Information Notices (AIN). 5.2 Under section 30 of the Act, a penalty is recovered as a civil debt due to the Assessor. 5.3 A civil penalty will be remitted in full, in the following circumstances: - • Where a person can prove that they do not hold/control the information requested • Where a full AIN return has been made, during the ‘grace period’; following receipt of the first civil penalty notice (CPN) and prior to the issue of the first civil penalty invoice 92 Page 96 of 124
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5 In practice, the first civil penalty invoice will be issued 14 days after the date of issue of the CPN. Which will allow the parties involved a ‘grace period’ in which they may return the information requested in the original AIN. 5.4 The payment of a penalty does not negate the need for the original AIN to be returned. 5.5 The Assessor may mitigate or remit any penalty at any time, under section 30(7) of the Non Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020. 5.6 Whilst the primary aim of this process is to maximise the AINs being properly completed and returned, the process of administering CPNs is very time consuming and costly. It is therefore the aim of LVJB to collect civil penalties, from which reasonable expenses incurred by LVJB can be retained. 5.7 Where a CPN has been properly served by registered mail, it will be policy that no civil penalty invoice will be remitted on receipt of an AIN. Any penalties incurred would remain outstanding and payable, subject to section 5.3 above. 5.8 LVJB will ensure that all collection and recovery actions are undertaken in an economic, effective and efficient manner in accordance with legislation and that: • bills will be issued timeously • outstanding accounts with no repayment arrangement will be passed to South Lanarkshire Council to pursue payment on LVJB’s behalf • South Lanarkshire Council will consider raising a court action, on behalf of LVJB, to obtain a decree 5.9 A decree is a money judgement that a creditor can obtain at court to prove that a debt exists. Following the granting of a decree the debtor will be given an opportunity to make a suitable payment arrangement. Should the debtor not make, or keep to, a payment arrangement, then recovery action can be taken by a debt management contractor. 6. Debt Enforcement 6.1 The different processes of debt enforcement which are available under Scottish law are referred to as diligence. A person or organisation (the creditor) can use diligence if someone who owes them money (the debtor) has failed to pay a sum due. 6.2 Where appropriate, a debtor will be served with a Charge for Payment by a Sheriff Officer, prior to the execution of diligence. South Lanarkshire Council will support LVJB and will utilise all forms of diligence including, but not limited to: • funds attachment - attachment placed on debtor's bank account on any funds in excess of the statutory minimum • money attachment - permits the seizure of money belonging to the debtor (at business premises) in satisfaction of the debt 93 Page 97 of 124
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6 6.3 If the amount of arrears meets the statutory minimum requirement, South Lanarkshire Council, on behalf of LVJB, may petition for sequestration or liquidation. 6.4 South Lanarkshire Council on behalf of LVJB may arrange for an inhibition order to be placed on a property to prevent a debtor from disposing of the property before making payment of an outstanding debt. 7. Write Off of Outstanding Debts 7.1 The practice of writing off debts due, is permitted in accordance with LVJB’s Financial Regulations. 7.2 Outstanding debts may be written off for deceased, sequestrated and liquidated estates and where prescribed under legislation. Debts may also be considered for write off where it is deemed uneconomical for South Lanarkshire Council on behalf of LVJB to pursue. The Assessor, in consultation with the Treasurer can recommend debts are written off in respect of specific cases. 7.3 All write offs must be approved by the Board and submitted for approval quarterly. 8. Legal Framework 8.1 South Lanarkshire Council, on behalf of LVJB, will ensure that the Debt Recovery Policy adheres to the legislative and good practice requirements for the collection of LVJB income. This will include complying with the following: • Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987 • The Bankruptcy and Diligence etc. (Scotland) Act 2007 • The Non-Domestic Rates (Scotland) Act 2020 9. Equal Opportunities 9.1 In relation to debt recovery, this policy is consistent with our Equal Opportunities Policy and aims to ensure that we act fairly and lawfully on all occasions. We will not discriminate against anyone on the grounds of race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexuality, disability, age, religion or other beliefs. 9.2 An Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment has been carried out to ensure that the policy is inclusive and does not unfairly disadvantage any groups within the community. 9.3 A Privacy Impact Assessment has been carried out to ensure that the policy does not unfairly impact on the privacy of any group within the community. 94 Page 98 of 124
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7 9.4 Ongoing monitoring of the policy will be undertaken to ensure equality objectives are achieved. 10. Complaints 10.1 LVJB operates a Complaints Procedure that is available to anyone who is not satisfied with the way in which their case has been dealt with. Details of the Complaints Procedure will be made available and accessible through our office, and LVJB website. 95 Page 99 of 124
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Date of Meeting: 7 September 2026 Report by: Clerk to the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Subject: Establishment of a Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Recruitment Panel 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- outline the proposed formalised arrangements for the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Recruitment Panel [1purpse] 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Board is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- [recs] (1) that the establishment of a Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Recruitment Panel be approved; and (2) that the Terms of Reference for the Recruitment Panel, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved. [1recs] 3. Background 3.1. In terms of the Scheme of Delegation, approved by the Board at its meeting held on 27 June 2022, the Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) has the power to appoint all employees up to, but not including, Chief Officer grade within the authorised establishment. 3.2. Consequently, responsibility for the appointment of the Assessor and ERO falls to the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board. 3.3. The process that has been followed for previous appointments has reflected the arrangements for Chief Officer appointments adopted by South Lanarkshire Council’s Recruitment Committee and it is proposed that the process for Assessor and ERO appointments is formalised on this basis. 4. Establishment of a Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Recruitment Panel 4.1. In terms of Standing Order No 30(a) of the Board’s Standing Orders on Procedures, the Board has the power to pass on responsibilities as it determines to a sub- committee, panel or working group, as appropriate. Accordingly, it is proposed that a Recruitment Panel be established with Terms of Reference, as attached as Appendix 1 to the report. 7 97 Page 101 of 124
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4.2. If the Board agrees to approve the recommendations contained in this report, North and South Lanarkshire Councils will be asked to nominate members and substitute members to reflect the Terms of Reference. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. There are no employee implications arising from this report. 6. Financial Implications 6.1. There are no financial implications arising from this report. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no implications for climate change, sustainability or the environment in terms of the information contained in this report. 8. Risk and Other Implications 8.1. There are no implications for risk in terms of the information contained within this report. 9. Integrated Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 9.2. Consultation has taken place between the constituent councils in terms of the proposals contained in this report. Paul Manning Clerk to the Board 19 August 2026 Previous References Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board – 27 June 2022 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Stuart McLeod, Administration Officer Tel: 07385 370 117 E-mail: stuart.mcleod@southlanarkshire.gov.uk 98 Page 102 of 124
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TERMS OF REFERENCE Appendix 1 Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Recruitment Panel 1 Powers and Responsibilities 1.1 To make appointments to the post of:- ♦ Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer 2 Membership 2.1 6 members with provision for named substitutes, comprising the Convener and Depute Convener and 2 other members from each constituent Council who are either members or substitute members of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board (Political balance is based on the political composition of each constituent Council). 2.2 The Panel will be chaired by the Convener of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board when present. 2.3 The Panel will have a Depute. 2.4 Quorum – 3. 3 Meeting Arrangements and Practice 3.1 To meet as required. 3.2 Minutes of shortleet meetings will be submitted to the next meeting of the Recruitment Panel and minutes of interview meetings will be submitted to the next meeting of the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board for approval as a correct record. 99 Page 103 of 124
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Report Agenda Item Report to: Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Date of Meeting: 7 September 2026 Report by: Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer Subject: Review of Establishment 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- advise members of changes to the Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board (LVJB) establishment which will provide additional capacity within the valuation team 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Board is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the content of the report be noted; and (2) that the addition of 5.0 temporary FTE Property Assistants, as detailed in this report, be noted. 3. Background 3.1. The Scottish Government announced, in its most recent budget, the introduction of two new Council Tax bands for high value properties, namely, Band I for properties with an estimated open market capital value of more than £1 million and up to £2 million, and Band J for properties valued at more than £2 million. 3.2. The proposed change will apply values at 1 April 2026, to only those properties worth over £1 million. At this stage, no legislation has been passed or laid before the Scottish Government. 3.3. Whilst we are yet to consider legislation, which is likely to be in place later this year, preparatory work has begun. This project will introduce a significant undertaking for the Board. It will require strategic management, resource allocation, and governance to ensure delivery on 1 April 2028. 3.4. The identification of in-scope properties is underway, alongside the collation of market evidence and data gathering. Data collection is a core focus of the project; a substantial number of subject records will require to be updated, to reflect alterations which have taken place over the years. Research and analysis on up-to-date information, will be required, to ensure an accurate valuation of individual properties, across both constituent council areas. 3.5. Additional funding has been received from the Scottish Government to fund the delivery of this project (£0.271 million in 2026/2027). The project is known as the High Value Property Bands. 8 101 Page 105 of 124
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4. Proposed Structure Change 4.1. The structure changes have been reviewed by the Management Team, the Clerk to the Board and the Head of Personnel Services, and are in line with the LVJB Scheme of Delegation “to make, in consultation with the Clerk and Head of Personnel Services for the lead authority (South Lanarkshire Council), such changes to the authorised establishment up to but not including Chief Officers, as he/she considers necessary to meet the requirements of efficient service delivery subject to the proviso that any changes can be funded from the approved budget”. 4.2. The current structure requires additional positions to undertake data gathering, research and to carry out inspections and surveys of properties, to ensure delivery of the High Value Property Band project revaluation. 4.3. The introduction of five temporary Property Assistant posts will enhance our capacity to help manage the demands of our statutory obligations. Ensuring workloads are managed, whilst benchmarking LVJB against our comparators. 5. Employee Implications 5.1. The following posts have been added to Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board’s establishment on a temporary basis:- Post Number of Posts Grade SCP Range Hourly Rate Annual Salary Total cost (plus oncosts 29.7%) Property Assistants 5 Grade 1 Level 1 –3 20 - 27 £13.80 - £14.83 £25,183 - £27,063 £163,311 - £175,503 6. Financial Implications 6.1. The cost in relation to the additional posts, each graded at the highest point in the grade range are £0.163 million to £0.176 million. The costs of these additional posts will be funded from the additional funding of £0.271 million received from the Scottish Government (section 3.5) in 2026/2027. The balance of funding will be utilised for overtime for current staff. 6.2. The Scottish Government have confirmed funding will be available for three years to undertake the High Value Property Band project revaluation with draft funding levels provided of £0.157 million in 2027/2028 and £0.039 million in 2028/2029. 7. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 7.1. There are no climate change, sustainability, or environmental implications in terms of the information contained in this report. 8. Risk and Other Implications 8.1. There are no implications for risk in terms of the information contained in this report. 9. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 9.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to existing policy, function, or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 9.2. There is no requirement for consultation in respect of this report. 102 Page 106 of 124
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10. Privacy Impact Assessment 10.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function, or strategy and therefore no impact assessment is required. Jacqueline Dell BSc MRICS Dip Rating AEA (Cert-Scotland) Assistant Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer 25 August 2026 Previous References Report to Board 1 June 2026 entitled Review of Establishment ‘’Items for Noting’’ List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you would like to inspect the background papers or want further information, please contact:- Jacqueline Dell, Assistant Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer Phone: 01698 476078 E-mail: assessor@lanarkshire-vjb.gov.uk 103 Page 107 of 124
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h??1 June Report Agenda Item Report to: Lanarkshire Valuation Joint Board Date of Meeting: 7 September 2026 Report by: Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer Subject: Progress Update 1. Purpose of Report 1.1. The purpose of the report is to:- provide an overview of the service to members outline current issues and service priorities provide an update on performance highlight issues affecting the future direction of the Joint Board 2. Recommendation(s) 2.1. The Board is asked to approve the following recommendation(s):- (1) that the content of the report be noted. 3. Service Overview and Priorities 3.1. Electoral Registration 3.1.1. Elections Act 2022 The final provisions of this Act, for UK elections, still to be undertaken is the overseas renewal process. Overseas electors’ declarations expire on the third 1 November after their electoral register entry first takes effect. Any overseas elector added to the register, on or prior to 31 October 2024, is required to renew by 1 November 2026. The overseas elector renewal process for LVJB is due to commence on Monday 24 August 2026, with a reminder communication scheduled for non-responders on 28 September 2026. The first tranche will include 679 overseas electors whose declarations are due to expire on 1 November 2026, with 399 absent votes due for renewal by the same date. Thereafter, a rolling schedule of initial communications and reminder notices will then be issued for each subsequent declaration expiry month. In addition, awareness and encouragement communication will be issued to all overseas electors who do not currently have an absent vote arrangement in place, highlighting the benefits of applying for either a postal vote or proxy vote to ensure they can participate in future elections. 3.1.2. Electoral Reform (UK Parliament) The report stage of the Representation of the People Bill will now take place in the autumn. 9 105 Page 109 of 124
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3.1.3. Private Member Bill – Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) The Absent Vote (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Order 2026, comes into force on 3 November 2026. As a result, absent vote data for reserved and devolved elections will be merged. Where existing arrangements do not match, for example where a person has a postal vote for Scottish Parliament elections and a proxy vote for UK Parliament elections, the registration officer must write to the elector before the online absent vote application service goes live on 3 November 2026. The communication must explain the discrepancy and make clear that the records must match if the elector’s absent vote entitlement is to remain in place on the convergence date. Preparatory work has begun; resources have been dedicated to identifying and correcting anomalies between absent vote records. Thereafter, contact with electors will be initiated to resolve any remaining inconsistencies, prior to the convergence date. The UK Government’s digital online application service for absent vote applications will be extended to Scottish Parliament and local government elections in Scotland, at present devolved applications must be submitted in paper format. 3.1.4. Elections Held Since Last Board Meeting Since the last Board meeting, there has been one by-election, South Lanarkshire Larkhall Ward 20, held on 9 July 2026. Following the Scottish Parliamentary election and the Larkhall by-election, the Returning Officers have provided the Board with details in relation to those electors who have had their postal votes rejected. Each elector with a rejected postal vote has now been written to, to inform them that their vote at the election was rejected. 3.1.5. Annual Canvass The national data matching of the Electoral Register against the records held by the Department for Work and Pensions was carried out on 8 June 2026, thereafter local data matching was undertaken. Following the matching exercise, the results are categorised as follows:- Route 1 - all registered electors in a household are successfully matched. A total of 275,641 properties were successfully matched this year, against 263,735 properties last year. 164,614 of these households received email canvass communications, and the remainder were issued with paper communication. Where an email has been issued, a response is required from at least one member of that household, however, no response is required where a paper communication was issued. Route 2 - unmatched electors/occupiers. A total of 48,347 properties were unmatched, against 58,824 properties last year. In this instance paper communications must be issued, and a response is required. Route 3 - establishments such as care homes, student accommodation, multi- occupancy properties. A total of 347 establishments were identified this year, against 344 establishments last year. These properties are personally contacted. Statistics on Data Matching are provided below. Overall, vast improvements were recognised across every route during the data matching exercise, reducing the volume of work required during the annual canvass. 106 Page 110 of 124
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The door-to-door canvass began on 11 August 2026, circa 32,000 properties are being visited, against almost 40,000 last year. Canvassers initially commenced their visits in Ward 5, Avondale and Stonehouse, in preparation of the scheduled by- election on 17 September 2026. On completion of all canvass activities, the publication of the final register will take place on 1 December 2026. 3.2. Non-Domestic Valuation A summary of information in this area can be found in Appendices 1.1 to 1.4. 3.2.1. Changes to the 2026 Valuation Roll (Running Roll) A summary of the running roll changes can be seen in Appendices 1.1 and 1.2 for the period 1 April 2026 to 1 August 2026. A total of 436 changes have been made to the Valuation Roll in the last quarter, 93% of all running roll processed was within three months of the alteration, against a target of 60%, almost 3% was processed within 6 months, against a target of 20% and 3% against a target of 20% was processed over 6 months of completion. During the coming months resources will be allocated to ensure running roll is monitored and where possible, the Valuation Roll will be altered within 3 months of the change. 3.2.2. 2017 Valuation Roll Appeals (Revaluation and Running Roll) A summary of the position with regards to 2017 appeals is contained in Appendix 1.3, table 1 details 2017 Revaluation appeals and table 2 details 2017 running roll appeals. Any 2017 appeals outstanding are those that have been referred to the Upper Tribunal for future hearing and determination. Since the last Board meeting, one 2017 Revaluation appeal has been resolved, leaving 11 outstanding in total. 3.2.3. 2023 Valuation Roll Proposals (Revaluation and Running Roll) Appendix 1.4 table 1 details 2023 Revaluation proposals and appeals. Since the last meeting we have received no further appeals, 44 of our 1,403, 2023 Revaluation decision notices have been appealed in total. In the last quarter, four of these appeals have been resolved, therefore, in total 30 appeals have now been resolved with the taxpayer or their agent, and 14 remain outstanding with the Local Taxation Chamber for citing. Appendix 1.4 table 2 shows that a further 40 running roll proposals have been received in the last quarter, to date 702 running roll proposals during the 2023 period have been received. Of the 702 received, 479 have been dealt with, 42 resolved in the last quarter. The valuation team continue to progress the remaining 223 outstanding running roll proposals, ahead of statutory deadlines. To date one appeal has been lodged with the Local Taxation Chamber. 107 Page 111 of 124
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3.2.4. 2026 Revaluation The 2026 Revaluation came into force on 1 April 2026. In total, 1,348 pre-agreements were reached on 2026 values. Pre-agreements are a statutory process, allowing parties with an interest in a property to enter discussions with the Assessor, to formally agree the Valuation Roll entries, before the values are made live on 1 April 2026. Pre-agreements were reached on a variety of subjects, for example Electricity Distribution, Electricity Generation, Electricity Transmission, Offices, Industrials, and Shops to name a few. In total £400,887,005 of rateable value was pre-agreed. The statutory deadline date for any proprietor, tenant or occupier, to submit a proposal, challenging 2026 Revaluation figures, fell on 31 July 2026. The team have been working their way through each proposal lodged, accurately assessing the submissions against the regulations, determining whether each individual proposal can be classed as complete or incomplete. Thereafter, the proposer is issued with confirmation of the completeness of their proposal. Early indications suggest, circa 38,000 Revaluation notices were issued, which has resulted in circa 3,000 proposals. At this stage the team continue to review proposal submissions, ahead of devising a strategic plan to resolve each proposal in line with statutory deadlines. 3.2.5. Non Domestic Rates Reform On 23 June 2026, the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government confirmed plans for a comprehensive review of non-domestic rates. In addition, it was announced that an independent panel will undertake a rapid review of the outcomes of the 2026 Revaluation. 3.3. Council Tax 3.3.1. New Houses A summary of the position for the period 1 April 2026 to 1 August 2026 is contained at Appendix 2.2. In the last quarter 609 new houses have been added to the Valuation List, in total 804 new houses have been added since 1 April 2026, 97% of which being added within 3 months, against a target of 87%. 3.3.2. Proposals and Appeals Appendices 2.3 and 2.4 contain information on the outstanding Council Tax proposals and appeals. In the last quarter, the team have disposed of 60 Council Tax proposals. Irrespective of validity, each Council Tax proposal and appeal is fully investigated and any errors on banding uncovered are rectified. On 1 August 2026, there were 155 Council Tax proposals and appeals still to be resolved. At Appendix 2.4, of the 68 resolved since 1 April 2026, nine resulted in a change to Council Tax band. 108 Page 112 of 124
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3.3.3. Council Tax Revaluation The Scottish Government will introduce two new high value Council Tax bands from 1 April 2028. Namely, Band I for properties with an estimated open market capital value of more than £1 million and up to £2 million, and Band J for properties valued at more than £2 million. The current Council Tax bands (A – H) will remain unchanged, reflecting historic estimated values at 1 April 1991. The new high value Council Tax band (I – J) will reflect estimated values at 1 April 2026. At this stage, no legislation has been laid before the Scottish Government. In preparation, a dedicated team of surveyors has been established to begin preliminary work for accurate analysis, to collate market sales and evidence, whilst cleansing data, and identifying properties where surveys will be necessary to reflect alterations which have taken place. 4. Staffing 4.1. Recruiting, Departures and Arrivals Since the last Board meeting, a Clerical Assistant and a Divisional Valuer have left the organisation. In the same period, we have recruited a Clerical Assistant, a Trainee Valuer, and two Trainee Technicians. Further, a Principal Valuer and an Administration Manager have been appointed internally. During the last 3 months recruitment has focussed on the following roles: Assistant Assessors, Trainee Valuer/Valuer and Property Assistants. Recruitment checks have been completed, and two Assistant Assessors will commence employment on 1 December 2026. Two Property Assistants are currently undergoing recruitment checks, and a further Trainee Valuer is also undergoing recruitment checks. During the last quarter, a Trainee Valuer successfully completed their Assessment of Professional Competence and is now a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Recruitment will now focus on Divisional Assessor, Divisional Valuer, and Principal Valuers. 4.2. Staff absence levels for the last rolling year are summarised in Appendix 3.1. 5. Other Matters 5.1. Complaints Received and Dealt with Since Last Progress Update Report Since the last update provided to the Board, one complaint has been received, and is currently under investigation. 5.2. Complaints to the Ombudsman No decisions have been received from the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) since the last meeting of the Board. 6. Employee Implications 6.1. Please see item 4 above. 109 Page 113 of 124
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7. Financial Implications 7.1. No implications. 8. Climate Change, Sustainability and Environmental Implications 8.1. There are no climate change, sustainability, or environmental implications in terms of the information contained in this report. 9. Risk and Other Implications 9.1. There are no implications for risk in terms of the information contained in this report. 10. Equality Impact Assessment and Consultation Requirements 10.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function, or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. 10.2. There is no requirement for consultation in respect of this report. 11. Privacy Impact Assessment 11.1. This report does not introduce a new policy, function or strategy or recommend a change to an existing policy, function or strategy and, therefore, no impact assessment is required. Jacqueline Dell BSc MRICS Dip Rating AEA (Cert-Scotland) Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer 20 August 2026 Previous References Progress Update Report for Board meeting of 1 June 2026 List of Background Papers None Contact for Further Information If you require further information, please contact:- Jacqueline Dell, Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer Phone: 01698 476078 E-mail: assessor@lanarkshire-vjb.gov.uk 110 Page 114 of 124
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Alterations made to the Valuation Roll (including appeal adjustments) between 01/04/2026 and 01/08/2026 Area AS AT 1 APRIL 2026 ADDED DELETED ALTERED AS AT 1 AUGUST 2026 SUBJECTS RV SUBJECTS RV SUBJECTS RV SUBJECTS RV SUBJECTS TOTAL RV North Lanarkshire 11,721 325,653,235 158 509,680 29 336,550 44 £131,730 11,850 325,958,095 South Lanarkshire 12,469 874,454,260 124 7,323,250 67 670,250 43 £34,125 12,526 881,141,385 LVJB total 24,190 £1,200,107,495 282 £7,832,930 96 £1,006,800 87 £165,855 24,376 £1,207,099,480 Appendix 1.1 111 Page 115 of 124
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Summary of time taken to make alterations (excluding appeal adjustments) to the Valuation Roll Period: 1 April 2026 to 1 August 2026 Area Total altered altered < 3 months altered 3 to 6 months altered > 6 months No. No. %age No. %age No. %age North Lanarkshire 290 275 94.83% 11 3.79% 4 1.38% South Lanarkshire 146 134 91.78% 3 2.05% 9 6.16% LVJB totals 436 409 93.30% 14 2.92% 13 3.77% Appendix 1.2 112 Page 116 of 124
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Valuation Roll Appeals: Revaluation and Running Roll 2017 1. Revaluation Appeals Area Appeals received since 2017 Valuation Roll Appeals resolved as at 1 August 2026 Appeals heard but awaiting stated case for appeal to Lands Valuation Appeal Court (historic) Rateable Value of Appeals in process of appeal to LVAC (historic) Appeals outstanding awaiting determination of Upper Tribunal for Scotland Rateable Value of Outstanding Appeals awaiting determination of Upper Tribunal for Scotland Appeals Outstanding as at 1 August 2026 North Lanarkshire 4,726 4,721 0 £0 5 £128,100 5 South Lanarkshire 4,553 4,550 0 £0 3 £664,100 3 LVJB total 9,279 9,271 0 £0 8 £792,200 8 2. Running Roll Appeals Area Appeals received since 2017 Valuation Roll Appeals resolved as at 1 August 2026 Appeals heard but awaiting stated case for appeal to Lands Valuation Appeal Court (historic) Rateable Value of Appeals in process of appeal to LVAC (historic) Appeals outstanding awaiting determination of Local Taxation Chamber Rateable Value of Outstanding Appeals awaiting determination of Local Taxation Chamber Appeals Outstanding as at 1 August 2026 North Lanarkshire 4,672 4,672 0 £0 0 £0 0 South Lanarkshire 5,044 5,041 0 £0 3 £3,612,000 3 LVJB total 9,716 9,713 0 £0 3 £3,612,000 3 Appendix 1.3 113 Page 117 of 124
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Valuation Roll Proposals: Revaluation and Running Roll 2023 1. Revaluation Proposals Area Proposals received since 2023 Revaluation Proposals Determined by Assessor Proposals now Appealed to Local Taxation Chamber by 1 August 2026 Appeals dealt with by Assessor by 1 August 2026 Appeals still outstanding at Local Taxation Chamber on 1 August 2026 Rateable Value of outstanding appeals at Local Taxation Chamber Appeals referred to Upper Tribunal North Lanarkshire 757 757 19 15 4 £196,300 0 South Lanarkshire 646 646 25 15 10 £771,425 0 LVJB total 1403 1403 44 30 14 £967,725 0 2. Running Roll Proposals Area Running Roll Proposals received since 1 April 2023 Proposals Determined by Assessor by 1 August 2026 Proposals now Appealed to Local Taxation Chamber Appeals dealt with by Assessor by 1 August 2026 Appeals still outstanding at Local Taxation Chamber on 1 August 2026 Rateable Value of outstanding appeals at Local Taxation Chamber Proposals / Appeals Outstanding on 1 August 2026 North Lanarkshire 270 205 0 0 0 0 65 South Lanarkshire 432 274 1 0 1 £20,750 158 LVJB total 702 479 1 0 1 £20,750 223 Appendix 1.4 114 Page 118 of 124
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Council Tax Subjects as at 1 August 2026 ENTRIES AS AT 01/08/2026 ADDITIONS DELETIONS CURRENT ENTRIES BAND 'D' EQUIVALENT BAND NORTH SOUTH TOTAL NORTH SOUTH TOTAL NORTH SOUTH TOTAL NORTH SOUTH TOTAL NORTH SOUTH TOTAL A 51848 36046 87894 3 26 29 70 4 74 51781 36068 87849 34522 24047 58569 B 38213 30958 69171 5 14 19 6 3 9 38212 30969 69181 29721 24088 53809 C 20874 27229 48103 72 17 89 2 1 3 20944 27245 48189 18617 24218 42835 D 18822 22949 41771 106 119 225 4 6 10 18924 23062 41986 18924 23062 41986 E 17905 21361 39266 83 81 164 1 4 5 17987 21438 39425 23633 28167 51800 F 11002 14768 25770 51 162 213 0 3 3 11053 14927 25980 17961 24256 42217 G 3229 7538 10767 8 52 60 1 2 3 3236 7588 10824 6337 14860 21197 H 173 602 775 0 5 5 0 0 0 173 607 780 424 1487 1911 TOTAL 162066 161451 323517 328 476 804 84 23 107 162310 161904 324214 150139 164185 314324 'D' EQIV. 149817 163565 313382 383 646 1030 60 26 86 150139 164185 314324 JOINT BOARD TOTALS 01/04/2026 01/08/2026 Increase TOTAL CHARGEABLE ENTRIES North 162066 162310 244 South 161451 161904 453 Total 323517 324214 697 BAND 'D' EQUIVALENT North 149817 150139 322 South 163565 164185 620 Total 313382 314324 942 Appendix 2.1 115 Page 119 of 124
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Summary of time taken to enter new houses in Valuation (Council Tax) List Period: 1 April 2026 to 1 August 2026 Area Number of New Houses added Number added in less than 3 months Number added between 3 to 6 months Number New added over 6 months North Lanarkshire 328 321 97.87% 5 1.52% 2 0.61% South Lanarkshire 476 459 96.43% 14 2.94% 3 0.63% LVJB totals 804 780 97.15% 19 2.23% 5 0.62% Appendix 2.2 116 Page 120 of 124
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Summary of Council Tax Proposals/Appeals received and dealt with as at 1 August 2026 Valid Proposals/Appeals outstanding @ 1 April 2026 Proposals/Appeals received since 1 April 2026 Proposals/Appeals completely resolved between 1 April 2026 and 1 August 2026 North Lanarkshire 22 25 15 South Lanarkshire 33 29 22 LVJB total 55 54 37 Invalid Proposals/Appeals outstanding @ 1 April 2026 Proposals/Appeals received since 1 April 2026 Proposals/Appeals completely resolved between 1 April 2026 and 1 August 2026 North Lanarkshire 25 32 15 South Lanarkshire 29 28 16 LVJB total 54 60 31 Combined Proposals/Appeals outstanding @ 1 April 2026 Proposals/Appeals received since 1 April 2026 Proposals/Appeals completely resolved between 1 April 2026 and 1 August 2026 North Lanarkshire 47 57 30 South Lanarkshire 62 57 38 LVJB total 109 114 68 Appendix 2.3 117 Page 121 of 124
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Summary of resolution of Council Tax Proposals/Appeals Between 1 April 2026 and 1 August 2026 Valid Proposals/Appeals completely resolved between 1 April 2026 and 1 August 2026 Number withdrawn Number abandoned Number adjusted Number dismissed by Local Taxation Chamber Number adjusted by Local Taxation Chamber North Lanarkshire 15 5 6 4 0 0 South Lanarkshire 22 14 2 5 1 0 LVJB total 37 19 8 9 1 0 Invalid Proposals/Appeals completely resolved between 1 April 2026 and 1 August 2026 Number withdrawn Number abandoned Number adjusted Number dismissed by Local Taxation Chamber Number adjusted by Local Taxation Chamber North Lanarkshire 15 0 12 0 3 0 South Lanarkshire 16 0 11 0 5 0 LVJB total 31 0 23 0 8 0 Combined Proposals/Appeals completely resolved between 1 April 2026 and 1 August 2026 Number withdrawn Number abandoned Number adjusted Number dismissed by Local Taxation Chamber Number adjusted by Local Taxation Chamber North Lanarkshire 30 5 18 4 3 0 South Lanarkshire 38 14 13 5 6 0 LVJB total 68 19 31 9 9 0 Appendix 2.4 118 Page 122 of 124
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Appendix 3.1 ABSENCE MANAGEMENT STATISTICS Short-Term Long-Term Unauthorised Total Total Month Absence No of Days Work days available No of Days % No of Days % No of Days % No of Days Work Days Avail % Month % June 2025 1 0.09% 21 1.79% Nil 0% 22 1173 1.87% June 2024 117 1109 10.55% July 2025 20 1.51% 10 0.75% Nil 0% 30 1325 2.26% July 2024 113 1155 9.78% August 2025 26 2.19% 21 1.78% Nil 0% 47 1188 3.96% August 2024 114 1169 9.75% September 2025 71 5.91% 70 5.82% Nil 0% 141 1202 11.73% September 2024 104 1217 8.54% October 2025 35 2.83% 93 7.51% Nil 0% 128 1238 10.34% October 2024 125 1313 9.52% November 2025 21 1.98% 84 7.94% Nil 0% 105 1058 9.92% November 2024 94 1153 8.15% December 2025 35 2.79% 70 5.59% Nil 0% 105 1253 8.38% December 2024 128 1192 10.74% January 2026 21 1.89% 78 6.98% Nil 0% 99 1118 8.86% January 2025 69 1246 5.54% February 2026 28 2.72% 49 4.76% Nil 0% 77 1030 7.46% February 2025 171 1174 14.56% March 2026 34 3.00% 12 1.06% Nil 0% 46 1133 4.06% March 2025 133 1166 11.41% April 2026 8 0.71% 22 1.95% Nil 0% 30 1123 2.67% April 2025 36 1143 3.15% May 2026 36 3.43% 1 0.10% Nil 0% 37 1048 3.53% May 2025 27 1173 2.30% June 2026 10 0.91% 44 4.01% Nil 0% 54 1097 4.92% June 2025 22 1173 1.87% July 2026 22 1.82% 39 3.23% Nil 0% 61 1206 5.06% July 2025 30 1325 2.26% Averages for 12 26 2% 44 3.81% Nil 0% 70 1157.5 6.07% 91.64 1193.4 7.72% 119 Page 123 of 124
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