Increased fees for country park activities such as fundraising and public speaking are being considered under a government review of charges.
Officials have proposed increasing the cost of a permit for fundraising in country parks from $467 to $500. The cost of displaying signs in the parks is also set to rise by seven per cent from $237 to $255. Permits to hold public meetings or making speeches will increase from $467 to $500.
Increases have also been proposed for manufacturing permits for electric products, and for safety certificates.
The registration fee for electrical product manufacturers would be raised from $5,400 to $5,900. The fee for endorsement of periodic test certificates would rise from $650 to $695.
However, the Government has also proposed a drop in the fees of five items, ranging from $5 to $135. These mainly cover electrical contractors' registrations.
Explaining the package to the Legco sub-committee on fees and charges, Principal Assistant Secretary for Environment and Food Donald Tong Chi-keung said the fees should reflect the costs of issuing the licences and permits.
Mr Tong said the increases were in line with government policy since the economy had revived and the fees concerned would not affect people's livelihood.
