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The UGC's recommendation is based on the fact the PolyU, CityU and HKBU legally acquired the status and title of universities in November 1994.
Although LC has yet to attain university status, in order to maintain relativities with academic staff on university salary scales at other institutions, UGC recommends that the proposed revised remuneration of the head of LC should be backdated to the same date.
"As it is not generally government policy to backdate the implementation of salary reviews in the Civil Service, this policy should apply equally to subvented organisations," the spokesman explained. "Subject to the approval of the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council of the proposed salary levels, the upward adjustment of salaries should therefore be from a current date."
The Government would seek the approval of the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council next month of the proposed salary levels and implementation arrangements.
The consultancy study reviewed the current salary levels of the heads of UGC- funded institutions, having regard to two factors:
the broad comparability of the total remuneration packages of the heads with those of grades of similar level of responsibilities in the Civil Service; and
the comparability with remuneration packages of heads of leading universities in which English is used as a medium of instruction in the Asia Pacific region, the United Kingdom and the United States.
End
Lantau taxi fare increases approved
The Governor-in-Council today (Tuesday) approved a 10 per cent fare increase for Lantau taxis with effect from July 19.
Under the new fare scale, the flagfall charge for the first two kilometres will be increased by $1 to $11, while the fare for every subsequent 0.2 kilometre and the waiting time charge per minute will be increased by 10 cents to $1.10. The baggage surcharge will be increased by $1 to $5, and the telephone booking surcharge will remain unchanged at $5.