ENG-1989 — Page 221

HOUSING

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housing allocation and duplication checks to be carried out effectively and produces useful statistical information.

During the year, 15 800 flats, mainly in Tuen Mun, Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan, Junk Bay and Tai Po, were allocated to successful Waiting List applicants. Waiting time varied from eight years for estates in Sha Tin to three years for those in Tuen Mun.

Applications for public rental housing through the authority's Waiting List were con- sidered in the order of registration and in accordance with the choice of districts in- dicated by applicants. Accommodation was offered to those who, on investigation, were found eligible in respect of their family income and residence in Hong Kong. The income limits range from $4,400 for a family of two to $9,400 for a family of 10 or more. The number of 'live' applications at the end of the year stood at 135 000. In addition, there were 25 000 applications on the Single Persons Waiting List which was established in January 1985. The income limit for single persons is $3,000.

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, 6300 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, 4 400 families have benefited from this scheme. In 1986, the authority introduced a sheltered housing scheme with a warden service for able-bodied elderly people. In 1989, the scheme's second sheltered - housing project was opened at Tai Wo Estate in Tai Po, where 138 units were allocated to applicants attaining 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

With the help of heavy government subsidies in the form of free land and low-interest loans, rents for domestic premises in public housing estates have been maintained at low levels, despite increasing operating and maintenance costs.

On the recommendation of the Domestic Rent Policy Review Committee in December 1986, domestic rents for new public housing estates are set so as not to exceed a median rent/income ratio of 15 per cent. Rents at present stand at $24.2 per square metre for the newest urban estates, but are adjusted downwards for others of lower 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 780 premises in estates and HOS courts are let for the provision of welfare and community services. They are charged at a concessionary rent of $19 per square metre per month, exclusive of rates. In addition, offices are let at full market rents to District Board and OMELCO members, and Urban and Regional Councillors.

Management

As an integral part of the management process, the Chairman of the Housing Authority regularly pays goodwill visits to housing estates and HOS courts, meeting community