Clare Lennard-Watts

Clare is Head of Rate Payment Management and Operations in Southampton incorporating the Client Monies function for our Business Rates team. She also works closely with the Valuation, Empty Rates Mitigation and Historic Audit teams to minimise rate liability for clients.

Clare ensures the smooth delivery of business rate payments for GL Hearn's clients who have selected the enhanced treasury service, for whom GL Hearn facilitates the transfer of over £1bn annually to local authorities. This holistic approach to the administration of Rate Payment Management is operated in accordance with RICS rules on Client Monies. Clare has undertaken training with RICS to ensure GL Hearn follows best practice when handling client monies and disseminates this to the Rate Payment and Client Monies teams

Clare’s career started in 2006 in local government, where she was part of the management team for the Revenues and Benefits service at Portsmouth City Council. She was appointed Assistant Manager for Local Taxation in July 2014 and responsible for the legislative and technical functions of the revenues team, with particular regard to rating and recovery. Clare also represented the local authority at both Magistrates Court hearings and valuation tribunals, which included compiling the evidence and case documents and reviewing the authority’s strategic response.

Clare was instrumental in the delivery of many change management programmes at Portsmouth City Council and the enhancing of the revenues service in terms of processes and procedures. Clare pioneered business rate legislation and best practice training at Portsmouth City Council, developing training manuals and documents and delivering sessions to revenues staff.

During her time at Portsmouth City Council, Clare achieved professional qualifications with the IRRV in both Level 3 Technician and Diploma.

 

 

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