XN000022-1995-06-07 — Page 81

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it will require the HKHS to formulate a policy on the splitting of tenancies on compassionate grounds similar to that of the Housing Authority so as to enable divorced couples to live separately?

Answer:

Mr President,

(a)

(b)

(c)

The Compassionate Rehousing Scheme, administered by the Housing Authority, caters for people in the territory with an urgent need for housing as a result of special medical or social problems. Public rental housing may be offered, subject to the assessment by and recommendation of the Social Welfare Department. The scope of the scheme was extended in 1991 to cover the urgent housing needs of those seeking divorce. Like people living in other types of accommodation, divorced tenants living in rental flats of the Housing Society may also apply for compassionate rehousing under this scheme.

The Housing Society normally allows the divorced party who has been granted custody of the children to continue to occupy the flat previously occupied by both spouses. If the party concerned is not the principal tenant of the flat, the Housing Society will persuade the principal tenant to give up the tenancy. If persuasion fails, the Housing Society may serve a notice to quit. Non-compliance will be dealt with in the District Court. Because of its small number of rental flats and the low turnover rate, the Housing Society does not have adequate resources to grant extra flats to divorced tenants. Those with housing difficulties are advised to contact the Social Welfare Department with a view to applying for assistance under the Compassionate Rehousing Scheme.

Since the Compassionate Rehousing Scheme already meets the purpose, it is not necessary to require the Housing Society to set up a new scheme for divorced tenants.

End/Wednesday, June 7, 1995