As an established search provider Searches UK have always charged VAT on their Regulated (Personal) Local Authority Searches despite this often creating a commercial advantage for regional councils offering Council (Official) Local Authority Searches without VAT.
After a recent announcement from the CIPFA VAT committee who advised that Local Authorities should begin charging VAT on Council (Official) Local Authority Searches from 1st February 2016, most councils will have to look to incorporate this into their current ordering processes.
Regulated (Personal) Local Authority Searches are produced by Searches UK’s expert search agents who visit the council to review the records for each property and use their local knowledge to produce the report. All searches are covered by £2 million information accuracy insurance plus an additional £2 million in personal indemnity (PI) cover for greater peace of mind about receiving accurate and reliable data from Searches UK.
Lisa Summerton, Sales & Marketing Director, at Searches UK said:
“We’re pleased to hear about these changes for councils processing local authority searches as we are now able to operate on a more level playing field. Regulated (Personal) Local Authority searches processed by Searches UK are of the highest standard and our search agents are able to provide more frequent updates about the status of our client’s orders. We look forward to these changes being implemented throughout all councils.”
To maintain the highest level of service and to guarantee that the information provided by Searches UK is accurate and reliable, each quarter 10% of all search reports processed by Searches UK undergo a quality check.
Searches UK are confident that solicitors and licenced conveyancers processing their search orders through them will receive an excellent service coupled with a friendly and dedicated team who are conveniently accessible for any queries their clients may have.
Their portfolio of conveyancing searches include local authority, environmental, flood, planning, mining and ground stability searches which can be ordered through their intuitive online ordering system, over the phone or via email.
For more information about any of the products and services from Searches UK visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Google+. Alternatively call them directly on 0800 043 1815 or email them at info@searchesuk.co.uk to speak to one of their dedicated team today.
This article was submitted to be published by Searches UK as part of their advertising agreement with Today’s Conveyancer. The views expressed in this article are those of the submitter and not those of Today’s Conveyancer.
