ENG-2002 — Page 251

HOUSING

Authority (HKHA)2, the Housing Department (HD)3 and the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS)4 in the delivery of public housing programmes and to consider the best institutional framework for public housing. A report on the Review was released in June 2002. It recommended that a streamlined housing organisation with a single spokesman for housing matters and a single line of responsibility running from policy formulation through to implementation should be established.

As recommended by the RIFPH report, the former Housing Bureau and the former Housing Department merged on July 1, 2002 to form the new Housing Department. The reconstituted Housing Department integrates the policy and operational responsibilities in the provision of public housing, the procurement of services from the private sector, the assessment of eligibility for various forms of public housing assistance and the provision of housing loans and allowances. It continues to provide secretariat and executive support to the HKHA and its committees to enable them to discharge their duties effectively.

In addition, under the Accountability System for Principal Officials implemented on July 1, the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands has become the Principal Official responsible for overall housing matters. He is underpinned by the Permanent Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands (Housing), who also heads the Housing Department. An amendment to the Housing Ordinance was introduced into the Legislative Council in December 2002 to enable the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands to be appointed Chairman of the HKHA.

Under the new framework, the HKHA will in the longer term reduce its executive functions and evolve towards an advisory role in both public and private housing

matters.

Repositioning of Housing Policy

In November, the Secretary for Housing, Planning and Lands delivered a Statement on Housing Policy. It clarified the Government's housing objectives and strategies, along with a series of measures that support achievement of those objectives. The housing policy announced under the statement is premised on three broad principles. Firstly, the focus of the Government's subsidised housing policy should be on the provision of assistance to low-income families that cannot afford private rental accommodation. Secondly, the Government should minimise its intervention in the private property market. Thirdly, the Government should maintain a fair and stable operating environment for the private property market by ensuring adequate land supply and provision of efficient supporting infrastructure.

Public Rental Housing

Under the new policy framework, the provision of assistance to those in genuine need continues to lie at the heart of the Government's housing policy. The Government

2 The HKHA, established in 1973, is a statutory body responsible for implementing the majority of Hong Kong's public housing programmes. It plans and builds public housing for rent and sale to low income people. It manages public rental housing estates, interim housing, transit centres, flatted factories and ancillary commercial and community facilities. It also administers the Rent Allowance for Elderly Scheme and provides interest-free loans to assist low-income families to buy their homes.

3 The HD is the executive arm of the HKHA.

4 The HKHS is an independent, not-for-profit organisation established in 1948. It plans and builds quality

housing for rent or sale to specific target groups at affordable rents or prices.

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