The importance
of making savings.
Owning or leasing property in the education sector presents a very specific set of challenges. As well as the accepted administrative and practical difficulties associated with running a set of premises (not to mention the issue of business ratings), the educational market requires that decisions take other considerations into account, such as pupil numbers, legislation changes and the increasing involvement of external public sector agencies.
Yet despite these differences, educational establishments must also monitor the bottom line – in a time of reduced education budgets, it is essential that every area of a school runs as efficiently as it can in order to reduce costs. Business ratings, in particular, represent a significant proportion of any school's running costs. As a school's single largest asset, its premises play a key role in the cost management process.
Meticulous attention to detail and formidable tenacity are our hallmarks as we strive to make savings for our clients and streamline the complex processes involved in managing educational property.
Minimising council tax liability for schools
Where elements of school premises serve a domestic purpose – such as housemasters' accommodation, matrons' flats or pupils' boarding accommodation – these are subject to council tax payments. The amount of tax to be paid depends upon the council tax bands for each property, as well as the circumstances of each occupation.
It is important to note that while the calculation of rates for most domestic properties is very simple, the rules are significantly more complex when applied to mixed-use properties such as schools. The intricacies of this system are second nature to our experienced team, who will work to identify potential savings at each and every stage so as to minimise unnecessary expenditure.
AutoCAD and plan redrawing
Many schools possess only a rudimentary collection of plans for their buildings – a seemingly inconsequential fact, but one which can have a range of implications when it comes to establishing the value of a school estate. Our extensive use of AutoCAD systems means that we can professionally redraw plans for our clients, offering a clarity and precision they may never have seen. The newly redrawn plans can be supplied electronically, reducing the need for large plan chests, but can of course always be reproduced if the need arises.
"The Beattie Partnership has been highly professional and diligent in helping us to control our costs in this important area."
Harrow School
Case Study
City College, Norwich
City College Norwich is a prestigious educational establishment, keen to maintain the highest of standards in all areas - including finance. The College engaged the Beattie Partnership to review their business rates liability for the 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010 revaluation milestones, with the aim of saving money which would be put to better use elsewhere.
Determination was the watchword, as the Beattie Partnership used our experience in the education sector to identify crucial savings and then apply these in negotiations with the Valuation Officer. After mandatory relief, the reductions in the 2005 rateable value led to savings for the College of over £31,000.
For full details of the service we provided for City College, please click here.
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