Government staff will soon be consulted on proposed allowance changes, Secretary for the Civil Service Joseph Wong says.

Proposed changes for allowances that affect fewer civil servants, and those changes that are less complicated, will be ready for staff consultation in a month's time.

The allowances include leave passage, sea passage, sea baggage, hotel provision and hotel subsistence, the provision of furniture and domestic appliances and furniture and domestic appliances, removal and air-conditioning.

For change proposals which are likely to have a more extensive impact within the civil service, such as those concerning education and housing, staff will be consulted later in the year.

Staff opinion considered

Mr Wong said the Civil Service Bureau has taken into account staff views on the possible directions and scope of changes for individual allowances and will take forward the review in two phases.

The review on job-related allowances payable to civilian grades was completed last year.  As a result, certain allowances have ceased and areas of improvement identified for some others.

On proposals to rationalise the payment rules for acting allowance and to cut allowance rates, both staff and departmental management have been consulted and a decision will be made soon.

Changes fair, reasonable, lawful

Mr Wong reiterated that in carrying out the review, the Government is guided by the principles of lawfulness, reasonableness and fairness.

"In developing the detailed change proposals, we shall ensure they are consistent with the Basic Law and other legal considerations," Mr Wong said.

"As undertaken, we shall fully consult staff in the process. We shall also seek the views of the advisory bodies on civil service salaries and conditions of service. Before making a decision, we shall give due considerations to all relevant policy, legal and other factors, including impact on staff."