MP JOINS CRITICISM OF PROPOSED VALUATION OFFICE CLOSURE

Newport East MP Jess Morden has joined in the criticism of the potential closure of the Valuation Office in Newport and its relocation to Cardiff in 2009 (see below - Nov 19). She stated: "It is imperative that Newport retains this office which should be available locally to users in the area. I'd like to see the treasury looking creatively about how we could co-locate services for example with the HMRC Tax Office in Newport. With the galloping pace of regeneration and the influx of new businesses in this city, such services will prove to be invaluable in the near future. The proposals are subject to a period of formal consultation within the Agency lasting four months, and we will continue to make strong representations against this