HONG KONG PROVISIONAL URBAN COUNCIL
545
To freeze increases in licence fees might not bring about economic revival, but would at least lessen their burden. One could imagine that if a food shop closed down, the staff would be out of employment, thereby giving rise to more social problems. In increasing the charges, the Council would only gain less.
Apart from the licence fees, I consider that increases in the hire charges of our venues and facilities should also be frozen, because it is the basic right of the people of Hong Kong to enjoy the recreational and cultural facilities and activities provided by the Council. Even in an economic recession, such a basic right should be safeguarded and should not be affected. If increases in these charges were not frozen, the public's desire to use the recreational and cultural facilities would definitely be subdued. This would run contrary to our established spirit of advocating and promoting recreation and culture.
Of course, if increases in the various charges were frozen for this financial year, our revenue would be affected. In terms of the rates of increases endorsed last year, we would lose $80m in income for this financial year (if the motion was carried). Nevertheless, at a time like this, I consider that there is a need for the Council, together with the Government, to take the lead in weathering the difficulties with concerted efforts with the general public. I hope that the Finance Select Committee and Members will explore into ways to control expenditure and develop new sources of income in a bid to increase our revenue, so that the measure of freezing increases in charges would not bring about too great an impact on the Council's everyday operation.
Mr. Chairman, these were my remarks. I hope Members will support my motion.
MR. CHIANG SAI-CHEONG (in Cantonese): Mr. Chairman, I second the motion.
CHAIRMAN (in Cantonese):—And now, in accordance with Standing Order 21(12A), would the proposer of the amended motion, Mr. Wong Chung-ki, move his amendments and speak?
MR. ERIC Wong Chung-ki moved amendments to the original motion under Standing Order 21 (12A) as follows:-
RESOLVED that the Council freeze charges for one year, including licence fees, venue hire charges and market stall rentals, etc in order not to increase the burden of different businesses and trades and the living expenses of citizens; at the same time, the Council also urge the Central Government to allocate funds to make up for the deficits arising from the freezing of charges, in order to maintain the Council's services and the progress of capital works projects.
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