Monday, February 18, 1974
This was intended to ensure that those agencies which wore
participating directly in the 5-year Plan would not be hindered in their
operations.
"The finances of subvented welfare organizations are of immediate
concern to the Social Welfare Department since these organizations are,
by definition, providing services of clear use to the community and thus
are supported by public funds," Mr. Topley pointed out.
He said their allocations will not be reduced by the provision
of the ront subsidy which is an additional element extending the total
subvention amount.
However, since the increases were announced it appears that
there are some 87 other operations carried on in public housing estates
of a welfare, religious, medical or educational nature which will also
attract higher rents than before.
The organizations responsible for these operations had applied
to the former authorities for accommodation in public housing estates at
a nominal rent and, after enquiries to appropriate government departments,
these requests were granted.
"The information available to the Social Welfare Department and,
no doubt, to other relevant government departments, about these organizations
and their operations is limited, particularly in respect of their current
status," Mr. Topley said,
"Moreover, funds are available only in respect of welfare organizations
which are at present subvented. In view of the need to assess the current
status of all these organizations and their operations, the Housing Authority
has agreed to waive the higher rents on these premises until April 1, 1975. It is
hoped that this will provide adequate time to readive the current situation."
The decision .............