THE Government announced last night that a special property tax subcommittee of the Cabinet has been formed to assess and evaluate concerns related to the new rate adjustments which became effective on Saturday, April 1.

The Jamaica Observer understands that with the setting up of the subcommittee two pieces of legislation related to the changes in the tax rates which were scheduled to be debated today in the House of Representatives will be postponed, pending tomorrow’s report from the committee.

In a release last night, Minister of Education, Youth and Information Senator Ruel Reid stated that:

“In light of the concerns from property owners regarding new property tax rates, Cabinet has appointed a special subcommittee to assess and evaluate the concerns.”

The minister’s release added that the subcommittee is to report to cabinet with its findings for its consideration by tomorrow, Wednesday, April 5.

However, there was no reference in that release to the two Bills related to the property tax order made in March by Minister of Finance and the Public Service Audley Shaw which were listed in the schedule of events for today’s sitting of the House of Representatives.

According to the schedule the two Bills are “An Act to Amend the Property Tax Act”, and “An Act to amend the Land Valuation Act”.

The Property Tax Amendment Act includes provision for: (1) expansion of methods and hours for service of documents under the Act; and, (2) incorporation into the Act of special powers for remission of property taxes in respect of destitute, elderly and disabled individuals and pensioners under the tax collection.

The Act to amend the Land Valuation Act is a companion measure to the Bill amending the Property Tax Act.

The Cabinet met until after eight o’clock last night on the issue, following which the statement from the information minister was released to the media.

The House of Representatives sits today at 2:00 pm.

— Balford Henry