XN000022-1972-12-29 — Page 17

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Friday, December 29, 1972

Referring to the proposal to refund only half the rates paid

on unoccupied premises, Mr. Fry said that a concession has been included

in the case of newly erected building which would not be assessed to

rates for an initial period of six months following completion, unless

they were occupied earlier.

"In addition," he said, "where land (without buildings) is

vacant or premises are unoccupied because of a Government order, it is

proposed to continue to refund rates in full."

Mr. Fry explained that in connection with the reconstitution

of the Urban Council, it had not yet been resolved what percentage of the

rates would initially be allotted to the Council.

Important Feature

Mr. Fry noted that an important feature in the Bill was the

introduction of what is known as "tone of the list" in respect of the

assessment of new premises.

"This means that when new premises are assessed to rates the

rateable value must be in line with, and not exceed, the general level of

values of comparable premises already assessed to rates and included in a

valuation list in force," he explained.

He added: "Thus, if rents continue to rise, the assessments of

new premises will not be above the existing general level, and new

ratepayers will not have to bear an undue proportion of the rate burden."

Under the Bill, people who do not agree with the assessments will

have two avenues of appeal.

/They can