IBRF - Inter Bank Rating Forum

It is a client and ratepayers forum with members working together for mutual benefit.

To represent the interests of its members in business rates matters.

Formed in the early 1990's, it has a membership of some 30 of the major Banks, Building Societies and other concerns providing financial services in the UK and overseas.

Members generally hold and occupy diverse portfolios of properties and interests including high street retail, offices, warehouses, training centres, call centres, show grounds, ATM's etc.

The total annual business rates bill of the IBRF membership is approximately £450m, which represents in the order of 3% of the Government take on business rates.

Influence - lobbying and persuading Government and other bodies on business rates matters.

Co-ordination - establishing and maintaining an effective dialogue amongst its members and advisors with professional bodies, trade associations and other relevant organisations.

Communication - promoting and encouraging effective communication between members, Government agencies, and with other groups sharing similar interests.

Responding to Government consultation papers relating to business rates matters;

As an information source and discussion platform on business rates issues of concern to members;

Proactively promoting modernisation of the rates system;

Influencing relevant bodies to simplify and standardise rates payment and related processes;

Ensuring a co-ordinated approach amongst members and their advisors on matters of mutual interest arising from time to time e.g. A2 Users, ATM's etc; and

Maintenance of a register of advisors acting for members.

The forum is led by a Chairman who is elected annually by its members and is supported by members who carry responsibility for a range of functions. Members are elected to lead specific projects and tasks.

Membership is open to those holding a senior role in a Bank, Building Society or other organisation providing financial services.