10.09.12
Rent challenged in Scottish surgeries
Scotland’s GP practices are being urged to challenge the Notional Rent scheme as they struggle with the increase in population.
Chartered surveyors firm GP Surveyors is encouraging Scottish surgeries to challenge the Notional Rent scheme, amid a desperate need for investment due to a substantial population increase.
Over the past three years Scotland has seen a considerable increase in Notional Rent, with an average of 20.95% in comparison to the rest of the UK’s 10%. Cautious approaches to value have been deemed responsible for previous under-funding, along with location specific valuations.
It is reported that many practices are opting out of pursuing revaluation, as surgeries with large patient lists are concerned about further investment and expansion, and are therefore avoiding an increase.
A Notional Rent increase of 84.1% was secured at Rutherglen Health Centre, Glasgow, with the original rent of £13,200 rising to £24,300 per annum. The increase of income can enable significant renovation and extension of the surgeries, GP Surveyors suggested.
Rutherglen Health Centre’s Dr Campbell commented: “I had thought that our rent didn’t quite reflect the standard and location of our surgery however I never imagined that we were being underfunded by such a phenomenal amount!”
Paul Conlan, managing surveyor at GP Surveyors, stated: “Yes, surgeries in Scotland need investment. However, doctors and practice managers should start by establishing whether their existing funding is below where it should be and then taking steps to negotiate a better deal.”
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