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HOUSING
Applicants for public rental housing through the waiting list are considered in the order of registration and in accordance with the choice of districts indicated by applicants. Accommodation is offered to those who, on investigation, are found eligible in respect of their family income and residence in Hong Kong. The income limits range from $6,700 for a family of two to $18,000 for a family of 10 or more. The number of applications at the end of the year stood at 153 000. In addition, there were 27 000 applications on the Single Persons Waiting List established in January 1985. The income limit for single persons is $3,800.
A priority scheme is provided under which elderly couples or single elderly persons applying in groups of two or more will be allocated public housing within two years. So far, 9 500 flats have been allocated to this category.
There is also an incentive scheme by which families with elderly persons are allocated housing two years ahead of their normal waiting time. So far, 6 400 families have benefited from this scheme.
In 1986, the authority introduced a sheltered housing scheme with a warden service for able-bodied elderly persons.
In 1992, new sheltered housing projects were opened at Tak Tin Estate in East Kowloon, Fung Tak Estate in Central Kowloon and Wan Tau Tong Estate in Tai Po for applicants attaining 60 years of age who were eligible under the compulsory rehousing categories, and to qualified elderly applicants from the Single Persons Waiting List and the Elderly Persons Priority Scheme.
Housing for Elderly
Since 1987, housing units have been provided as a supplementary housing resource for able-bodied elderly persons who are self-reliant and independent. A warden service to deal with emergency situations is also provided.
Cases in which a higher level of health care is required are referred to the Social Welfare Department for transfer to more suitable housing.
Sitting Tenants
An earlier scheme introduced in 1991 having failed to meet with sufficient response, plans are underway to present a revised scheme for the sale of flats to sitting tenants, probably in 1993.
Under the original scheme, tenants in a number of selected rental blocks were offered the chance to buy the flats they occupied, provided that 50 per cent of tenants in each block opted to do so.
It is likely that the relaunch of the scheme will have modifications to ensure its success.
Housing Subsidy Policy
The Housing Subsidy Policy, in effect since 1987, has been generally supported by the public. Criticisms by some groups were reviewed by an ad hoc committee whose recommendations were released for public consultation in September. A final report will be prepared for decision by the Housing Authority early next year.
Under this policy, tenants who have lived in public housing for 10 or more years and whose incomes exceed the Subsidy Income Limit (twice the Waiting List Income Limit) are required to pay double net rent plus rates.