The Government today (July 14) announced the setting up of the Home Purchase Allowance (HPA) Appeals Committee Panel.
HPA is an ex-gratia allowance payable to owners of domestic properties who are affected by land resumptions. The amount of HPA is the difference between the open market value of the resumed property and the value of a notional 7-year old flat in the locality of the resumed flat.
"The HPA Appeals Committee is a non-statutory body to consider appeals regarding the eligibility for the payment of HPA and the eligibility of disputed building areas or structures for the calculation of HPA," a Government spokesman said.
"Any person who is aggrieved by the decision of the Director of Lands in respect of the payment of HPA falling within this scope may lodge an appeal with the secretary to the HPA Appeals Committee within 60 days of the Director's written decision," he said.
A total of 10 members have been appointed to the Panel for a period of two years from July 14, 2003 to July 13, 2005. These members come from a cross section of the community. They include members of the surveying, planning, legal, social work, accounting, management, business and academic sectors.
Each appeal will be heard by a three-member Appeals Committee comprising the Chairman/Deputy Chairman and two other members from the Panel. The administrative guidelines and procedures governing the operation of the HPA Appeals Committee can be obtained at the office of the Housing, Planning and Lands Bureau on 9th floor, Murray Building, Garden Road, Hong Kong, and on its website (http://www.hplb.gov.hk). Enquiry may also be sent to : hpa_enquiry@hplb.gov.hk.
The membership list is as follows:
Chairman:
Mr Wong San, Samson
Deputy Chairman:
Professor Yeh Gar-on, Anthony
Members:
Mr Chan Jor-kin, Kenneth
Ms Ho Siu-fong, Betty
Miss Lam Chui-lin
Mr Lau Shek Yau, John
Mr Li Kwok-ying
Mr Ma Ho-fai
Miss Wan Lai-yau, Deborah
Miss Wong King-fong
End/Monday, July 14, 2003
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