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(a) of the breakdown of the number of 'green form' or 'white form' Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flat owners who surrendered their flats to the Housing Authority in each of the past three years, and whether there is an upward trend in such

cases:

(b) of the reasons why these HOS flat owners surrendered their flats; and

(c) whether the Government has considered providing assistance to those HOS flat owners who have surrendered their flats because of financial difficulties but who are facing a housing problem?

Answer:

Mr President,

The number of Home Ownership Scheme flats and Private Sector Participation Scheme flats bought back by the Housing Authority from owners in recent years, under the resale restrictions stipulated in the Housing Ordinance, is set out below:

1992-93

1993-94

1994-95

1995-96

(April - September)

238

286

214

190

No separate statistics are kept on whether these flats were originally purchased by Green Form or White Form applicants.

There is no evidence of a general upward trend. The number of flats bought back each year represents a very small percentage (under 0.5%) of total stock.

Flat owners are not obliged to give reasons for the sale of flats. The major reasons given are financial difficulties, emigration, divorce and changes in family circumstances.

Any such owners who face immediate housing difficulties because of financial problems may apply for compassionate rehousing. Their applications will be assessed by the Social Welfare Department to establish whether there is a genuine and immediate housing need, before recommendations are made to the Housing Department for appropriate rehousing arrangements.

End/Wednesday, November 29, 1995