********************************************************
The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Paul Tang, visited the Rating and Valuation Department this afternoon (October 31) to learn more about the work of the department and to take the opportunity to meet staff.
This is one of the departmental visits being undertaken by Mr Tang since assuming the post of the Secretary for the Civil Service. Accompanying him during the visits is the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Raymond Wong.
Briefed by the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation, Mrs Mimi Brown, and the directorate staff, Mr Tang was glad to learn that the department has continued to provide efficient professional assessment of properties for rates and Government rent and property market statistics.
During his tour of the Rating Division, Mr Tang noted that, in addition to processing a large amount of assessment cases, the department launched in 2009 a Property Information Online platform, which offers convenient and quick online access to essential property information.
Members of the public may enquire online about the saleable area and age of domestic properties as well as their latest rates and Government rent information. In view of the public's rising need for online services, the platform has been upgraded constantly to improve the flow of information and market transparency.
Mr Tang also toured the Computer Division, which operates on a 24-hour basis; the Administration Division responsible for handling public enquiries; and the Accounting and Billing Division, which manages 2.5 million rates and government rent accounts.
He was pleased to see that the divisions' joint efforts have helped maintain the department's quality services even in the busy month of October, one of the months in which quarterly rates and Government rent are due for payment.
While meeting staff representatives of various grades at a tea reception, Mr Tang was glad to hear that all staff of the department have been working in a five-day week since mid-2006 for a healthy work-life balance. He treasured the opportunity for face-to-face dialogue with staff and listened to their views on related issues. Mr Tang appreciated colleagues' efforts and encouraged them to maintain their pursuit of efficient and quality service.
Ends/Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:50
NNNN
