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Long Term Housing Strategy
Mr President, I shall shortly be embarking on a review of our Long Term Housing Strategy. I am pleased that several Members have welcomed this. Let me say a few words about the scope of the review. We will consider all major aspects of housing policy, and will determine the way in which we manage the enormous resources required to provide decent and affordable housing for the community. To give some key examples:
(a) we will project housing production targets forward for the next 10 years to
2005-2006, taking into account our latest projections of housing demand;
(b) we will examine carefully the appropriate split between flat production in
the private, public rental and subsidised home ownership sectors;
(c) we will review public housing policies regarding eligibility, subsidy,
redevelopment and clearance; and
(d) we will identify gaps in provision.
We have already set up an inter-departmental working group in the Housing Branch to conduct research and produce background materials and papers. To give the review direction and focus, a high-level steering group will shortly be formed, chaired by myself, and including people from the public and private sectors in their personal capacities. Very shortly, I shall invite Members of this Council to meet with me and to give their views on possible future direction. Views from interested groups will also be welcome. We will then consider all these views during our review before compiling a report for public consultation. Mr. President, this review will take time to complete, but it is an important exercise. We must get it right. I look forward to lively and constructive debate on all the issues involved over the months ahead.
Thank you Mr President.
End/Thursday, November 2, 1995