It is not uncommon for owners to disagree about what allocation of UE’s would be equitable. After all for every winner there are usually many more losers who end up paying a greater percentage of levies.
This is why s.183(8)a) allows an individual owner to make an application to change the UE’s. You can be assured that an ageived owner will only pay for the expenses to go through the process if they are sure that the UE’s really are significantly unfair.
Aquarian – I suggest that you SM engaged a valuer who had no idea of the process for changing UE’s or your SM did not explain the purpose of the valuation (or the OC agreed on a cheap quote from someone not experienced in these matters). An application will get nowhere unless the valuation is specifically fit for purpose. Whether it is an OC making the application or an individual the key is to use a valuer who is experienced in these matters. In my experience both Value 8 & Building Insurance Valuations are very knowledgable in UE disputes. I am sure there are others equally good.
As for the independence of a valuer surely the only way someone will be independent is if they were appointed by a court or adjudicator? (IMO)