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The Long Term Housing Strategy Steering Committee (SC) held the first meeting today (October 15). Members discussed the committee's terms of reference and the timetable of their work, and were briefed on the housing-related statistical information submitted by the Transport and Housing Bureau.
Members agreed that the SC would meet roughly every six weeks in the future and more frequent if necessary to enable the issuance of the consultation document of the long-term housing strategy around middle of next year. Upon completion of the three-month public consultation period, the report on public consultation will be published by the end of next year.
"The SC will review the changing housing needs and priorities of the community, including those in specific groups such as young people, the elderly, poorly-housed households and first-time home buyers, and recommend measures to address these housing needs," the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Professor Anthony Cheung Bing-leung said.
"It will also look at forecast of housing demand for both public and private sectors, advise on the current policies and practices, and make recommendations as appropriate to ensure that the policies and practices contribute effectively to the policy objectives and priorities of the Chief Executive," Professor Cheung said.
At the meeting, Professor Cheung advised members to feel free to express their views and suggestions on the aspect of housing supply during discussions on housing needs of different groups and ways to respond and address different needs. Demand and supply are inter-related. As for land supply issues arising from the discussions , they will be followed up according to existing land planning regime.
The terms of reference of the SC also includes advising on the current planning and land use, as well as public and private housing policies and practices, and recommending changes, where appropriate.
Ends/Monday, October 15, 2012
Issued at HKT 23:38
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