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Fee rises 'will not burden the public'

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Jimmy Cheung

The public would not face any extra burden arising from a forthcoming batch of fee increases the Secretary for Treasury said.

Denise Yue Chung-yee gave the assurance as she appealed for support for the move. She wrote to lawmakers last Thursday explaining the fees due for a vote on Wednesday.

The latest fee increases cover the installation of water metres for new buildings, testing of water metres and water connection to houses built by male villagers in the New Territories.

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Liberal Party leader James Tien Pei-chun and unionist Lau Chin-shek, who have successfully vetoed other charges, will unite again to block the proposed rises.

Ms Yue said the 10 to 15 per cent rise in the three categories would not affect people's livelihood and businesses. She said the fees had been capped since July 1996.

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With the increases ranging from $7 to $350, the amount would be minimal compared to the construction cost of the property.

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