Following the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Hong Kong government has announced a range of support measures to ease the financial burden of residents, including waivers on identity document fees, healthcare costs, columbarium services, taxes, rent, rates, water and sewage charges, electricity tariffs, and gas bills. These waivers are designed to assist residents and the families of the deceased during this difficult time.
This article was generated using SAMS, an AI technology by Timothy Loh LLP.
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In response to the recent fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong has directed all government departments to provide flexible handling of government fees and bills for the residents affected.
The Immigration Department has waived service charges for residents to replace their identity documents as a result of the fire.
The Hospital Authority has committed to providing full fee waivers for all necessary healthcare services and rehabilitation for injured individuals.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has agreed to waive fees for columbarium and related services, in line with the emergency measures in place.
The Government has announced that it will waive the unsettled balance of tax payable for the year of assessment 2024/25 and the provisional tax payable for the year of assessment 2025/26 for affected property owners and residents.
Moreover, the Government has agreed to pay the Government rent on behalf of the affected property owners and residents and will waive the rates for domestic tenements that became inhabitable due to the fire.
Residents of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po will see their water and sewage charges for July to November 2025 waived as a result of the fire.
CLP Power Hong Kong Limited has decided to waive the electricity tariffs for November and will arrange deposit refunds promptly.
Telecommunications operators have collectively offered fee waivers, free rental of smart phones, and free pre-paid SIM cards to affected customers.
Sinopec (Hong Kong) Gas Company Limited has provided a full waiver of liquefied petroleum gas bills for November for all affected customers.
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