The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, visited the Rating and Valuation Department (RVD) today (March 20) to learn more about the work of the department and meet with its management and staff of various grades to exchange views on matters of concern.

     Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Law met with the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation, Mr Choi Lap-yiu, and the directorate staff to get an update on the department's work including the assessment of properties for rates and Government rent, the management of related accounting and billing functions and the compilation of property market statistics.

     Mr Law later visited the Accounting and Billing Division, which is responsible for billing and management of rates and Government rent accounts, as well as handling departmental accounting work. He said he was pleased to learn that the RVD has been proactively implementing electronic services including online billing, account enquiry and payment, thus providing convenient and environmentally friendly services to the public.

     Mr Law then proceeded to the Enquiries, Receipt and Despatch Section to better understand colleagues' work in handling public enquiries and providing logistics support services. He also visited the Rural Properties and Tenancy Services Division, where he was briefed by colleagues on how they handle rating, Government rent and related matters concerning village-type houses and rural properties.

     Before concluding his visit, Mr Law met with staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on matters that concern them. He expressed his appreciation for colleagues' efforts and encouraged them to continue to make dedicated efforts in providing quality and professional services to the public.

Ends/Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Issued at HKT 17:43

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