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The public housing scheme for junior civil servants was first introduced in 1963 under which they can apply for a housing unit outside the general public housing waiting list. A total of 37,666 officers and their families have benefited from the scheme since its inception.
The quota of the scheme varied over the years depending on the production of flats by the Housing Authority and the level of demand.
Quota allocation is divided into two categories. The General Quota is for the Master Pay Scale (MPS) and the Model Scale 1 (MOD 1) staff while the Special Quota is for Junior Police Officers (JPO) and rank and file officers in the disciplined services, who occupy departmental quarters and are within ten years of their minimum retirement age.
"Distribution of the quota between the various categories is subject to discussion with the Staff Sides," Mr Sze said.
The distribution since 1991-92 has been 660 for MPS; 440 for MOD 1; 400 for JPO and 200 for other rank and file.
The eligibility criteria for application are: officers on or below point 21 on the MPS (monthly salary at $22,035); and on or below point 28 on the Police Pay Scale (monthly salary at $28,015); all rank and file officers in the disciplined services (maximum point $23,180) and all Model Scale 1 staff (maximum point $9 225).
"Length of service determines priority in allocation. This scheme does not in any way affect the eligibility of those officers who wish to apply through the general public housing waiting list. Indeed for those eligible this is an additional option," he said.
The circular inviting eligible civil servants to apply for places in the Civil Service Public Housing Quota is expected to be issued shortly, with the allocation of units to start as soon as possible thereafter.
End/Wednesday, October 18, 1995
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