1.1 In 1987, the Government announced its Long Term Housing Strategy (LTHS) for the period up to March 2001. During the past ten years, a great deal has been achieved under that strategy to improve the living conditions of the community. We now need to plan forward to meet our housing needs into the next century. In setting a course for the period up to March 2006, we must take stock of what we have already achieved and what we expect to achieve by 2001. But above all, we must seek to respond to the changing needs and expectations of the community in a way which ensures the efficient, effective and fair use of public resources.
1.2 In the 1995 Policy Address, the Governor announced the Government's intention to review the LTHS. We have now completed the review. This document sets out our conclusions and recommendations for public consultation.
1.3 Chapter 2 sets out our underlying housing policy goals and the basic policies we have followed to achieve them. Chapters 3 to 6 summarise our achievements so far under each of these basic policies, and point to the challenges and problems which we will face in the coming decade if we are to maintain and improve on our past record in the face of changing circumstances, under the following headings -
| (a) | increasing flat supply (Chapter 3); |
| (b) | maximising the contribution of the private sector (Chapter 4); |
| (c) | encouraging wider home ownership (Chapter 5); and |
| (d) | providing public rental housing for those in genuine need (Chapter 6). |
1.4 In each of these four subject chapters we propose a way forward with specific recommendations where appropriate. Chapter 7 assesses the broad implications of the proposed measures, if implemented, for different groups in the community. Chapter 8 indicates the arrangements for public consultation.
1.5 The success of any new strategy will depend very much on careful planning for implementation, proper supervision and regular review. For this reason, we have announced in our Policy Commitments in October last year our intention to set up a LTHS Advisory Committee. This body will monitor and, where necessary, advise the Secretary for Housing on adjustments to the LTHS. It will also help the Secretary for Housing to monitor changes in forecast housing demand and flat supply. We intend to establish the committee after final decisions on the current review have been taken and promulgated.