Client: Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust

Trafford General Hospital was the birthplace of the NHS in 1948.

The Trust’s liability was sharply increased by the VOA without warning in 2010 following a fresh approach to the assessment using a series of notices of alteration to the rating list.

Approach
We lodged formal appeals to challenge the notices and pressed the VOA to engage in discussions in advance of programming. We identified discrepancies in the VOA’s approach by reference to the correct physical and occupational circumstances.

We also made persistent representations with regard to the details of the VOA’s notices and backdating of increased assessments. By reference to specific regulations we were ultimately able to demonstrate to the VOA that their actions were within their lawful powers.

Results
Our work has secured overall savings of £585,000 for the Trust.