IHTM23032 - Making a reference to the VOA: the objectives of the procedures for dealing with the VOA

The primary objectives of the valuation procedures agreed with the VOA ( IHTM23002) are to

• ensure the valuation process does not take an excessive length of time
• use the VOA resources in the most cost efficient and effective way; and
• keep down the level of work on hand within the VOA

The success of these objectives depends upon caseworkers on both sides having regard to

• good communication, on a reciprocal basis
• active use of the telephone and e-mail, and
• a team approach, not uncoordinated action

However, you have overall ownership of the case and it is your responsibility to actively manage it. Once you issue a request for valuation you must not abdicate responsibility and leave the VOA to run matters on his own. Keep in contact until you receive the final report. This is fundamental to the process and the key to its success.

A contributory factor to completing valuations in good time is to send a valuation request to VOA as early as possible. In most cases we should have the information we need in the IHT400 and supplementary schedules so it should usually be possible to refer the case to the VOA at an early stage.