XN000022-1995-05-12 — Page 27

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"It is planned that the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation would take over the responsibility for rates billing and collection from the Treasury on 1 July 1995," the spokesman said.

Currently the Commissioner is responsible for the assessment of rateable values, and the Treasury, for the billing and collection of rates.

"This segregation of responsibility is inefficient and ratepayers are often unsure which department they should contact in case of enquiries", the spokesman said.

"The transfer of responsibility will optimise the resources of the Treasury and the Rating and Valuation Department and enable the Commissioner to provide a one- stop service for ratepayers.'

"

Another change scheduled for July 1 is the abolition of the half refund of rates presently allowed for vacant non- domestic premises. However vacant open land and vacancies resulting from court orders obtained by the Government will remain eligible for full refunds.

"Ratepayers are reminded that for the time being the existing procedures for vacancy refunds continue," the spokesman said.

"Ratepayers must serve a notice in writing not later than the 15th day of the month for which they intend to claim a refund."

"New non-domestic properties assessed to rates after the date of cancellation (probably July 1, 1995), but whose effective date of interim valuation is before that date, may still claim refunds for vacant periods before the abolition," the spokesman added.

Ratepayers of vacant properties in the department's register at the date of abolition will be individually notified of the changes. If members of the public wish to have more information, they can contact the department on 2805 7666.

End/Friday, May 12, 1995

Report by Standing Commission on Civil Service ready

The Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service, chaired by Sir Sidney Gordon, has published its progress report for 1994 (Report No. 31).