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List Description: Library and Premises

SCat Code156: Suffix G

This is a generalist class and responsibility for valuation will lie with the appropriate business unit. Queries of a complex nature arising from the valuation of individual properties should be referred to the National Valuation Unit (NVU) Class Lead via the Class Co-ordination Team (CCT).

NVU Civic Team has overall responsibility for the co-ordination of this class. The CCT are responsible for the approach to and accuracy and consistency of valuations. The CCT will deliver Practice Notes describing the valuation basis for revaluation and provide advice as necessary during the life of the rating lists. Caseworkers have a responsibility to:

• Follow the advice given at all times.
• Not depart from the guidance given on appeals or maintenance work without approval from the co-ordination team.
• Seek advice from the co-ordination team should any issues arise that are not covered in this instruction.

Libraries are a suigeneris class and consequently, as a general rule, only evidence relating to hereditaments in the same mode or category of use is pertinent. See:

• Scottish and Newcastle (Retail) Ltd v Williams (VO) (RA 2000 P 119) and the subsequent Court of Appeal decision Williams (VO) v Scottish and Newcastle Retail and Allied Domecq [RA 2001 P 41)
• Re the appeal of Reeves (VO) RA 2007 P168
• Dawkins (VO) v Royal Leamington Spa BC and Warwickshire County Council (1961) RVR 291.

See Rating Manual Section 2 Part 7 Appendix 2 thereof for guidance on mode and category of use at the material day.

6.1 Method of Measurement

Public libraries may be valued by either the rentals method or by reference to the contractors basis. The basis of valuation will determine the method of measurement required: Net Internal Area (NIA) in respect of the rentals method and Gross Internal Area (GIA) in respect of the contractors basis. It will be necessary to ascertain the basis of valuation prior to inspection but in case of doubt sufficient measurement and survey information should be recorded to enable valuations to be carried out using either basis.

6.2 Description

The design, specification and size of public libraries varies enormously from small temporary structures of wood and felt construction to very impressive flag ship buildings. Generally libraries will fall into two categories these being central libraries and branch libraries. Central libraries have traditionally been the focal point of the library service often acting as a hub for book and other media provision within the local authority area. They may act as an administrative centre and may also incorporate specialist archive and IT facilities and will probably house the main county reference library. They will normally be housed in prestigious buildings which may be contemporary or historic. There will be 1 or 2 central libraries or libraries of equivalent character in each library authority area. Branch libraries are more varied in nature and their character and construction will depend upon the size of the community they serve.

6.3 Requirements

a. Unit of Assessment

The principles referred to in Rating Manual Section 2 Part 2 2. Identification of the hereditament should be adhered to. In cases of difficulty advice from the Technical Advisor/NVU specialist should be obtained. The normal approach should be applied to the identification of hereditaments and no attempt should be made to aggregate property which on normal rating principles constitutes more than one hereditament. Recently (post-2010) some local authorities have moved to providing integrated one stop community hubs incorporating a range of services sometimes extending to include library, medical, administrative, sports and leisure services and a police presence all within one building. In these circumstances it is essential the rateable occupier of each part is ascertained and the correct unit(s) of assessment identified.

b. Survey Detail

The following information is required:

• A plan (CAD) or otherwise should be obtained where available and check dimensions made on site as necessary; otherwise a plan should be drawn up.
• Method of construction - e.g. temporary, traditional/permanent brick and tile or steel framed including roof type e.g. flat or pitched.
• Dimensions (where measured to NIA) and description of the accommodation i.e. lending library, childrens library, archive, administrative office etc.
• Where the contractors basis is to be the method of valuation only the GIA of individual building(s) and any extensions is required unless there is a significant variation in the type of accommodation. For example a separate GIA will be required if an archive is located within the main library building and has its own distinct characteristics such as design features and plan
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