Training for district reps to mediate in building rows

Home and Youth Affairs Secretary Alice Mak announced on Saturday that the government will offer additional mediation training for district councillors. This initiative, announced in the latest Policy Address, aims to resolve building-management disputes more effectively. The Home Affairs Department plans to introduce a three-tier mechanism next year, with district councillors playing a crucial role in the first tier.

Under the proposed approach, district councillors would intervene early in building-management disputes, mediating between parties before professional mediators step in. If the dispute remains unresolved, the case would only proceed to the courts as a last resort. Mak provided an example, explaining that district councillors would not only refer complaints to property management offices but also facilitate meetings between the disputing parties.

Mak emphasized the importance of providing district councillors with proper training to take on these new responsibilities. Even if a dispute escalates to the second or third tier, district councillors would continue to provide follow-up assistance. Mak indicated no immediate plan to introduce mandatory measures for resolving building-management disputes, stating that societal consensus must first be reached. Further study is required before considering penalties.