XN000022-1974-03-26 — Page 9

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Tuesday, March 26, 1974

RENT TRIBUNAL REVIEWS CERTIFICATES OF INCREASE IN RENT

The independent Rent Tribunal has, since its formation, held

five meetings to review certificates of increase/no increase in rent

issued by the Rating and Valuation Department.

Of the 51 certificates reviewed so far, 46 were confirmed by

the Tribunal. In three cases the amount certified was increased, One

of the remaining two was reduced and the other one was cancelled altogether.

Disclosing this today, a spokesman for the Rating and Valuation

Department said out of the 7,280 certificates issued only 189 applications

for review had been received.

He said that further Tribunal meetings were being arranged for

the near future in order to deal with the cases still outstanding.

The spokesman pointed out: "For each review case the department

prepares a full case history together with details and plans of the concerned

premises and information as to how the certified increase had been determined."

"Although there is no provision for representations in person by

landlords or tenants," he said, "any comments received are brought to the

attention of the Tribunal."

The spokesman further pointed out that it was open to the Tribunal

to question the professional officer who determined the application, call

for additional evidence and, if they so wish, visit the premises.

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