XN000022-1996-02-14 — Page 41

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(b) The allowance is intended to assist District Board members to set up and maintain ward offices to enable them to discharge their duties in relation to District Board business more effectively. The amount of $4,500 was worked out on the basis of a survey conducted in 1995 which established that the rent for an office of 30 square metres ranged from $5,000 for offices in public housing estates to $9,000 for those in commercial buildings. An average rental of $7,000 was thus considered a reasonable ceiling. Given that a rental element equivalent to $2,500 is already included in the existing honorarium for District Board members, this new office rental allowance has been set at $4,500 per month.

(c) The amount is considered reasonable. Subject to the approval of Finance Committee, the allowance will be revised annually.

(d) We intend that recipients of the new allowance will be able to use it against rental costs as well as other office maintenance costs including rates, management charges and utilities expenses. District Board members may also pool their allowance to run joint offices. We consider this approach to be one which will give District Board members maximum flexibility in determining how they choose to spend their office rental allowance.

(e) The allowance will be accountable and tax-exempted. District Board members will have to provide supporting documentation when claiming reimbursement. This procedure will be simple and straightforward.

End

Traffic flow after Western Harbour Crossing opening

Following is a question by Dr the Hon Huang Chen-ya and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport Mr Haider Barma, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

The Western Harbour Crossing (WHC) is scheduled to be completed and open to traffic in 1997. The increased traffic flow arising from the opening of the WHC will bring a heavy burden on the narrow roads in the Central and Western District. In view of this, will the Government inform this Council: