Investigation into Delays in Reallocation of Hong Kong Public Rental Flats
Hong Kong’s government watchdog has initiated an investigation into the significant delays in the recovery and reallocation of public rental housing flats. This move comes in response to a case where refurbishing works took four times longer than anticipated, raising concerns about the efficiency of the process.
The Ombudsman announced on Thursday that they would be looking into the Housing Authority and Housing Society’s procedures for recovering public rental units. This investigation aligns with the government’s objective of increasing the supply of housing in Hong Kong. By expediting the recovery process, more families on the waiting list for public housing stand to benefit, according to a statement released by the watchdog.
The Housing Authority and Housing Society are responsible for recovering and redistributing public flats vacated by their former tenants. Last year, over 80% of the 23,600 flats allocated by the Housing Authority were recovered units, highlighting the crucial role of this process in addressing the housing needs of the population.
Jack Chan, the head of the Ombudsman, emphasized the importance of timely recovery and refurbishment of public rental housing flats. He stated, “If flats are recovered and refurbished promptly for reallocation to families on the waiting list as soon as possible, it would not only reduce their waiting time but also improve their overall well-being and satisfaction.”
The Housing Authority’s target for refurbishing a vacant public rental housing flat is set at 44 days. However, there have been instances where the process has exceeded 100 days, with one case lasting a staggering 197 days. Such delays can significantly impact the speed at which families in need can access suitable housing.
Approximately 30% of Hong Kong’s population resides in public rental housing, reflecting the city’s reputation for having one of the world’s most unaffordable housing markets. Many low-income residents are forced to live in substandard conditions, such as subdivided units in aging tenement buildings, due to the exorbitant property prices.
Chief Executive John Lee has made addressing the housing crisis a top priority of his administration. He has pledged to reduce the wait time for families in the public housing queue and increase overall housing supply, including the introduction of a transitional housing scheme to support those living in inadequate conditions.
As of the end of June, the average waiting time for public housing flats stood at 5.5 years, according to the Housing Authority. The Ombudsman’s investigation coincides with efforts to crack down on the alleged abuse of public housing units by affluent tenants whose income or assets surpass the eligibility criteria.
Authorities have announced measures to assess the value of tenants’ assets, including vehicles and property holdings in Hong Kong, mainland China, or overseas. This initiative aims to ensure fair allocation of limited public housing resources and prevent exploitation of the system.
With the heightened focus on combating tenancy abuse, the number of tenants appealing the termination of their tenancy agreements has increased. As appeals can halt the recovery of public housing units, the Ombudsman intends to explore ways to streamline the appeals process and enhance workflow efficiency.
In conclusion, the investigation into delays in the reallocation of Hong Kong’s public rental flats underscores the urgent need to address housing challenges faced by the city’s residents. By improving the efficiency of the recovery and refurbishment process, more families can access safe and affordable housing in a timely manner, contributing to overall social well-being and stability.