0003230
G.F. 323
CONFIDENTIAL
responsible for building and managing blocks of low-income flats. In addition, the Housing Authority, at cost, manages all Government low-cost housing and, for a fee, new housing schemes for local employees of Government. The Council's March 1969 Report suggested that all forms of public housing should be placed under one department controlled by the Urban Council with the Director of the Department a member of the Council. However the size, complexity and Colony-wide nature of the housing problem seem to be arguments in favour of severing the Council's present connection with housing matters rather than extending it. In other words, any interest the Councillors might have in housing matters in the future should centre round the Housing Authority rather than the Urban Council. A decision will have to be made soon on the future co-ordination and control of public housing and, in the meantime it is not possible to consider any increase in the Council's present responsibilities in this field. 30 29.
To preserve the status quo in the Housing Authority until such time as a decision is taken on the co-ordination of public housing, it will be necessary to amend the Housing Ordinance (Chapter 283) to provide that the officials who are now members by virtue of their Urban Council membership will continue to be members of the Housing Authority after their membership of the Urban Council has ceased.
Geographical boundaries
II So 31
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It is proposed that the Urban Council should continue to operate within the same geographical limits as at present.
Date of Implementation
3231.
Substantial legislative action will be required and new financial procedures will have to be devised before the proposed arrangements can be implemented. It is considered that the earliest possible date of introduction is likely to be 1st April 1973.
CONCLUSION
3832.
These proposals are not as radical as have been advocated by some, but go further than others feel desirable. These differences of view are not surprising in a matter as difficult and controversial as this.
3453. Nevertheless, they amount to a very considerable
char
ange in the nature of the Council and one which will have quite far-reaching effects. The aim has been to separate the Council from its present entanglement with the Central Government and give it clearly-defined powers and responsibilities of its own, particularly those relating to finance, insofar as the constitutional position allows. This should enable the Council in very large degree to formulate and carry through policies of its own devising in such manner as it thinks best.
2534.
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Once the Council is firmly established on this new basis, further consideration can be given to its future development including, possibly, the gradual devolution of
/some
CONFIDENTIAL
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