Challenge to cut in CLP's rates

THE Government is challenging the Lands Tribunal's decision to cut the rateable value of China Light and Power's Castle Peak power station from $2.95 billion to $2,02 billion.

It was the biggest monetary appeal against a rating valuation to go before the tribunal when it was heard in January.

The Commissioner of Rating and Valuation valued the properties at $3.25 billion but the CLP valued them at $1.37 billion for the year 1990-1991.

During the hearing, the commission reduced the valuation to $2.95 billion, but after hearing experts for both parties, the Lands Tribunal ruled that the value should be reduced to $2 billion.

CLP asked the tribunal to review the decision, but at a hearing in August, the Commissioner succeeded in increasing the valuation by $20 million.

Yesterday the Commissioner submitted to the Court of Appeal that the tribunal had erred in law in reaching its conclusion.