Client: Central Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust
The Trust occupies a 38 acre ‘island site’ one mile from Manchester city centre. This historic property comprising some elements built in the 19th Century has undergone a massive modernisation and redevelopment programme since 2005 and is now the largest single site hospital complex in the UK, comprising over 3.3m sq ft and spread across four principal hospitals.
The challenge for us at the outset was clear. We needed to drive down the level of rating assessment and liability to the lowest possible level. Circumstances on site changed on a regular, sometimes weekly, basis during the build and refurbishment period.
Approach
We provided a continuous monitoring service to clinical departments, enabling us to assemble information during the redevelopment works and, as a result, initiated a range of carefully timed rating actions. We combined the lodging of a series of Appeals to challenge the assessment and representations to the local Billing Authority, to ensure the Trust’s position was protected.
Following a series of detailed inspections and discussions with the Valuation Officer, we agreed a revised basis of assessment back dated to 2005, and negotiated significant allowances to reflect the disruption from the ongoing works and other issues affecting the site.
Results
Our focus was on minimising the Trust’s outgoings and our persistence has achieved savings of more than £6.68m for the Trust since 2005. We are also delighted to have delivered the savings ahead of the original timetable. What’s more, the Trust now has an accurate and contemporaneous breakdown of the assessment, enabling us to provide estimates for budgeting purposes and providing a strong platform for further savings opportunities.
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