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Provision of official residence
Following is a question by the Hon Eric Li Ka-cheung and a reply by the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr W K Lam, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Reply:
Will the Government inform this Council:
a)
b)
Mr President,
Whether any specific guidelines have been formulated and, if so, by which public officer and when, regarding the provision of official residence for public officers, and whether, in determining the provision of official residence for public officers, consideration has been given to the constitutional status, authority and job nature of these public officers as well as the existing facilities available for their use; and
Whether the Government will conduct reviews regularly in order to determine if the provision of official residence will be extended to other public officers of equal status to those who are presently provided with official residence; if not, why not?
Official residences are only provided to top officials in the Government, taking into account their status in the Government hierarchy and such relevant factors as representational obligations, authority and nature of job. Provision of official residence is made on a highly selective basis as it includes free utilities (water, gas and electricity), non-accountable entertainment allowance and provision of domestic servants. Each application is considered on its individual merits.
In approving the designation of an official residence, it is necessary to consult the Standing Commission on Directorate Salaries and Conditions of Service before a submission is made to the Finance Committee for approval of the financial implications.
We are satisfied that the present number of official residences is adequate in respect to the existing government hierarchy. The small number of such residences and the very critical scrutiny given to any proposals to create a new residence means that this is not a subject amenable to review.
End