TNAG-1726-FCO40-2439-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 283

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this Council. quarterly reports will keep Government

informed of the Authority's actions and decisions, while the appointment of officials to the Authority and its

committees will ensure that Government's views are known

to the Authority.

بھر

Concern has also been expressed that the

reorganisation will affect rent levels. This is

unfounded. Need and affordability will remain the guiding

principles in the provision of, and charging for, public

housing. In this regard, the Authority will operate

within existing rent and pricing policies and will be required to seek the approval of the Governorfin/Council before making any changes to these or to the Long Term

Housing Strategy.

بھار

It has been suggested that the Authority should be allowed to repay the loans and equity it receives from

Government under the reorganisation and thereafter use

surpluses to reduce rents. This idea is not in the public interest. It implies that the authority should operate on

a cost-recovery basis, which could prejudice its future

ability to develop, maintain and redevelop estates. It would be a departure from Government's social commitment

to charge rent on the basis of affordability and also sever Government's financial commitment to the Authority

once the loans had been repaid.

بیز

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Je

In brief, Sir, the ill now before this Council

makes changes to the Housing Ordinance in respect of the

Authority's organisation and financial arrangements to

enable it to implement more effectively the Lond

Longer

Housing Strategy. The Bill does not otherwise affect the

existing relationship between the Authority and

Government, or change the basis on which housing will be

provided for the people of Hong Kong in future.

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12.

Sic, I move that the debate on this motion be

adjourned.