ENG-1994 — Page 254

HOUSING

to those who are found eligible in respect of their family income and residence in Hong Kong. The income limits range from $8,300 for a family of two, to $21,800 for a family of 10 or more. There were 150 000 applications at the end of the year. In addition, there were 21 500 applications on the single-person waiting list, established in January 1985. The income limit for single persons is $5,000.

The next largest group allocated flats were tenants affected by the comprehensive redevelopment programme (20 per cent), followed by families affected by development clearance (20 per cent).

The remainder of the flats went to junior civil servants, victims of fires and natural disasters, occupants of huts and other structures in dangerous locations, and compassionate cases recommended by the Social Welfare Department.

Computerisation of information on about 3.5 million applicants and tenants now enables housing allocation and duplication checks to be carried out effectively. It also produces useful statistical information.

Housing the Elderly

Elderly couples or single elderly persons applying in groups of two or more are allocated public housing within two years. During the year, 2 200 people were rehoused under this priority scheme, bringing to 1 190 the number of flats allocated under this category.

Since the introduction of the sheltered housing scheme in 1987, more than 2 200 housing units have been provided for able-bodied elderly persons aged 60 years or over who are self-reliant and independent. A warden service is also provided to deal with emergency situations.

Persons requiring a higher level of health care are referred to the Social Welfare Department for transfer to more suitable housing.

A Housing Authority ad hoc committee on housing for the elderly, set up in December 1993, completed an overall review of the provisions of housing for the elderly in June 1994. Its recommendations were later endorsed by the authority.

As a follow-up measure, new priority is being given to families applying for public housing with their elderly parents or dependent relatives, and waiting time for housing allocation is slashed by three years. So far, 8 300 families have benefited from this scheme. Apart from this, new housing for the elderly will be built on small urban sites by 1997. These will include high-rise composite buildings with enhanced safety and fire escape facilities. Housing for senior citizens will also be built on low-rise estate buildings such as car parks.

In the five-year period from 1995 to 1999, the authority will spend $3.8 billion on the provision of 38 000 flats suitable for small households, 80 per cent of which will be used to rehouse elderly people.

Home Ownership Scheme

In response to the rising aspirations of the people, the Housing Authority established the Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) in 1978, providing flats for sale at prices below market value to lower and middle-income families and public housing tenants.

Since then, about 209 000 flats have been sold to eligible families. This figure includes 66 000 flats produced under the complementary Private Sector Participation Scheme

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