Firing on all cylinders

The company has been shifting through the gears with activities, events and specialist property tax support for clients nationwide – and its team have been hitting the road as the Covid restrictions have slowly eased.

The much-misunderstood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – a ‘draconian’, non-negotiable planning charge on development by local authorities throughout England & Wales – remains a cause of considerable anguish among many people contacting E³.

Alun Oliver FRICS, E³ Managing Director, said: “We are phenomenally busy.

“The calls about CIL continue to flood in and it’s clear that many people are still completely perplexed by the Byzantine regulations and procedures whether they are householders, small builders, property professionals or larger developers.

“Unfortunately, we have to explain to many of them week in, week out that they should have acted earlier because once a spade hits the ground it is usually too late to claim any relief, exemption or to adjust the numbers from this unrelenting tax.”

Earlier in the summer, E³ held a CIL panel discussion about the challenges private clients and developers face, which was well attended by property professionals and gave plenty of food for thought.

Alun said “CIL is non-negotiable, there’s a set procedure to follow and the figures have to be correct.

“As with most property tax matters, it’s a case of getting good quality advice at an early stage.

“Don’t wait until there’s a problem, a bill arrives, or a decision has to be made. By acting early you can understand your options as well as save a great deal of time, energy, stress and money!

“The amount spent on good quality advice at an early stage will be a fraction of the amount of CIL which you could end up paying if you fail to follow the right procedures.”

E³ is also lining up another webinar this autumn about capital allowances and the super deduction – see our event page for more details and registration.

Another date for the diary is October 27 when the Chancellor will announce his Budget – which could well include details of how the tax regime will change to recoup some of the £400bn plus spent by the Government during the pandemic. E³ will examine the small print to find out just what the implications are.

Business remains strong at E³ across multiple sectors and service lines in various parts of the country, whether it’s for CIL, Capital Allowances, VAT or Land Remediation Tax Relief.

Client wins have included a diverse range of projects in Kent, Sussex, London, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Avon, Worcestershire, Liverpool and Wales.

They have included offices, dental practices, car dealerships, GP surgeries, student accommodation and residential developments.

We are also currently analysing, for a long-standing client, the capital allowances and repairs deductions available from the £3m redevelopment cost on one of their London business parks focussed on music, media and arts.

With the easing of Covid restrictions, the E³ team are getting out and about more. They include our Director Nicky Oliver who has also been travelling throughout August and September with business meetings from Edinburgh, Yorkshire and Cumbria to London and the South.

Alun has also been travelling far and wide for meetings with a variety of private clients and project surveys but is also finding the time to play in a charity golf day with E³ Consulting hosting a team, together with Property Tax Surveyor Todd Arnison in early October.

The fundraiser at Dudsbury Golf Club in Ferndown is being organised by Aaron Barker of Bournemouth-based Gordon Barker estate agents in aid of the MYTIME charity for young carers.

MYTIME is a Dorset based charity working across the county to level the playing field for young carers by providing them with the support, friendship and opportunities that every child deserves.

With an estimated 700,000 in the UK, a young carer is someone under 18 that helps to look after a family member with a disability, illness, mental health condition or drug or alcohol problem.

Todd is also set to hit the fairways for another golf day in October, this time with the Southampton Property Association at Stoneham Golf Club.

E³ Director Nicky said: “We’ve been firing on all cylinders over the summer and will be stepping up a gear going into the autumn.

“The Budget will be interesting to say the very least but one thing is for sure, the tax system is not going to get any simpler or easier to navigate – contrary to the Government’s claims!

“It will be more important than ever to manage risk and have robust measures in place to ensure you comply with tax legislation, are up to date about any changes and can optimise any reliefs or allowances available.”

Nicky added: “We’re looking forward to the traditionally busy ‘tax season’ over the coming months through to the end of January 2022 but please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any queries or for assistance at any time if we can help on any property taxation matters.

“My main plea to all is please don’t leave things to the last minute, as the earlier we get involved, the more scope there is to improve the situation and avoid expensive errors!”

Contact Nicky on 0345 230 6450 or email nicky.oliver@e3consulting.co.uk.