PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITEE REPORT (Implementation)

Mr John Ede asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing, with reference to paragraphs 12 to 17 of the Final Report from the Public Accounts Committee (Sessional Paper No. L.A. 14 of 1957), if he will state

(i) what action has been taken to collect arrears of Rural Board revenue;

(ii) at what figure the present arrears of rates now stand;

(iii) how many properties have been assessed or re-assessed since the publication of the Report, and

(iv) when can the rates and assessment rolls be expected to be brought up-to-date.

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Mr Speaker, Sir, as the hon. Member for Tanglin is aware, the difficulties in collecting arrears of assessment amounting at the end of 1956 to $1,500,000, in bringing the rates and assessment rolls up-to-date and in carrying out re-assessment in the rural areas, may be attributed largely to inadequacy of staff.

On the first question regarding the collection of arrears of revenue, additional staff for this purpose has now been recruited by the appointment of one bailiff in July, two in August, two this month, while another two bailiffs are expected to be recruited shortly. The Rural Board has commenced the issue of bills to house owners who are in arrears. These bills will be followed by notices of demand and, where necessary, by warrants of attachment later.

(ii) The figure of arrears as at 31st December, 1956, is $1,514,518. A total of $720,000 has now been collected, leaving a balance of approximately $800,000 in arrears.

(iii) With regard to assessment and re-assessment of properties, this work has been carried out by rates officers and assistant rates officers. An additional four assistant rates officers have been recruited since August and there remains one vacancy of rates officer to be filled. The newly recruited assistant rates officers have been undergoing training and two have since started on full duties, and it is expected that the rest will be in the field by January. They will be working to a prepared programme. In the meanwhile, 1,183 houses and 54 land lots have been assessed or re-assessed by the old staff, with an increase in annual values of $811,848, or an increase in rates revenue of $159,450.

(iv) In view of the difficulties already described, it is expected that another two years will be required before the rates and assessment rolls can be put up-to-date and the revaluation of all lands and properties made throughout the whole area.