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"The maximum grant allocated to each RCH can be up to 60 per cent of the approved costs of the improvement works," he added.

The spokesman said grants could be used to carry out improvement works such as fire services installation, electrical installation, gas installation, rectification of unauthorised building works, improvement to fire exits and exit routes, installation of non-slippery tiles and railings and protective barriers as well as other works considered necessary by the Director of Social Welfare.

RCHS should meet the following eligibility criteria before their applications will be considered:

The SFHES and PHES should have come into existence and commenced operation at the existing premises before April 1, 1995;

operators of SFHES and PHES should have intention to improve their RCHs for meeting the licensing standards and should continue operation for at least two more years;

the premises where the SFHES and PHEs are situated must be self-owned properties or have a valid tenancy agreement of not less than two years at the time of application;

Operators of SFHES and PHEs should submit evidence to show that the existence of the RCHS has obtained the endorsement of the Ownership Corporation of the building concerned or it is in compliance with the lease conditions and Deed of Mutual Covenant;

the fee charged by the RCHs should be at a rate not more than the current cost recognised by the Bought Place Scheme for Private Homes for the Elderly; and

the services provided by the RCHS should be to the satisfaction of the Director of Social Welfare.

Applications for grant from the scheme should be forwarded to SWD's Licensing Office of Residential Care Homes for the Elderly at Room 2354, 23rd floor, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai.

"Although there is no deadline for applying, applications will be closed once allocation of the $50 million set aside for this purpose is fully committed," the spokesman said.

Enquiries can be made on tel 2961 7211 or 2834 7414.

End/Sunday, July 9, 1995