ENG-1987 — Page 202

HOUSING

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151 000. In addition, there were 19 100 applications on the Single Persons Waiting List which was established in January 1985. The income limit for single persons is $2,900.

The authority provides a priority scheme under which elderly couples or single elderly persons applying in groups of two or more will be allocated public housing within two years. So far, 4 700 flats have been allocated to this category. In 1982, the authority approved an incentive scheme under which families with elderly parents are allocated housing one year ahead of their normal waiting time. So far 3 600 families have benefited from this scheme. In 1986, the authority introduced a Sheltered Housing Scheme with warden services for the able-bodied elderly. This scheme was launched during the year at Heng On Estate in Ma On Shan, where 138 units were allocated to applicants attain- ing 60 years of age who were eligible under the compulsory rehousing categories, and to qualified elderly applicants from the Single Persons Waiting List and the Elderly Persons Priority Scheme.

Rent Policy for Public Housing

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Rents for domestic premises in public housing estates have been maintained at low levels despite increasing operating and maintenance costs. This has been possible because of heavy government subsidies in the form of free land and low-interest loans.

Upon a recommendation of the Domestic Rent Policy Review Committee in December 1986, domestic rents for new public housing estates are set at not more than 15 per cent of the median rent-income ratio of the prospective tenants. Rents are at present set at $21.9 per square metre for the newest urban estates, with downward adjustments for others to reflect the difference in estate values. These rent levels represent about one-third of current market rents.

Rents are reviewed on a biennial basis and adjusted to take account of increases in rates, maintenance and other costs, estate values in terms of location, facilities and services provided, as well as tenants' ability to pay. On average, public housing tenants are paying seven per cent of their income as rent. Owing to the very low rents in old estates where maintenance and improvement costs are high, there is an overall deficit in the Housing Authority's estate working account for domestic properties.

Some 659 premises in estates are let for the provision of welfare services. These include children and youth centres, nurseries, social and community service centres, libraries, study rooms, sheltered workshops, and hostels and centres for the mentally or physically handicapped. There are also hostels for the elderly which are let to voluntary agencies and sheltered housing built and managed by the authority. During the year, 44 welfare lettings were made. In order to maintain a balanced community in public housing estates, a total of 488 premises have been let for educational purposes, such as kindergartens, primary and secondary schools. In most cases, kaifong and residents' associations and mutual aid committees are provided with office accommodation in the estates. Offices are also let to District Board and OMELCO members; Urban and Regional Councillors, various government departments and doctors to operate medical clinics.

Management

Senior staff of the Housing Department continued to foster close contact with district boards and mutual aid committees, as well as local interest groups by participating in their meetings and community activities. In addition, they made regular visits to the estates to obtain a better understanding of local matters. Estate staff maintained close contact with tenants through door-to-door visits. Housing managers also met mutual aid committee