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EPD takes action on concrete plants

The Environmental Protection Department said it does not tolerate concrete batching plants operating without a licence and will make every effort to stop any illegal operations.   The department made the statement in response to media reports yesterday of a concrete batching plant at 20 Tung Yuen Street in Yau Tong continuing to operate without holding a valid Specified Process Licence (SPL).   The department has been closely monitoring the operation of two plants, both owned by China Concrete. The other plant is at 22 Tung Yuen Street in Yau Tong.   Regarding the plant at 20 Tung Yuen Street, the Air Pollution Control Appeal Board dismissed an appeal lodged by China Concrete against the department’s refusal of its application for renewal of an SPL for the plant on November 22.   Under the Air Pollution Control (Specified Processes) Regulations, the plant’s SPL ceased to be valid with immediate effect and the department issued a letter requesting that all works be halte

Stamp duty bill gazetted

The Stamp Duty (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2023 was gazetted today to implement a measure to trawl for talent as announced in the 2022 Policy Address.   It proposes a refund mechanism under the Buyer's Stamp Duty (BSD) and New Residential Stamp Duty (NRSD) regimes for non-Hong Kong permanent residents who have entered Hong Kong under designated talent admission schemes.   Eligible incoming talent who acquired a residential property in Hong Kong on or after October 19, 2022 and subsequently become a Hong Kong permanent resident, can apply for a refund of the BSD and NRSD paid for that property which was his/her only residential property (save for replacing property) at the time of purchase and he/she still holds on the date of the refund application.   The Ad Valorem Stamp Duty at Scale 2 rates will still be payable such that the overall stamp duty charged will be on par with that levied on first-time home buyers who are permanent residents.   The aforesaid bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council on April 19 for first and second readings. The Inland Revenue Department will accept refund applications after the approval and gazettal of the new legislation.   The Government said the proposed refund mechanism can attract incoming talent to stay in Hong Kong for long-term development by substantially reducing their cost of property purchase.
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