New renovation body may offer bigger subsidies for ageing Hong Kong districts

Hong Kong's new renovation monitoring body, the Building Maintenance Support and Services Council, aims to offer larger subsidies to homeowners in aging districts or with high elderly populations, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po. The council, established following recommendations from an independent committee report on the tragic Tai Po fire that killed 168 people, aims to curb malpractice in the renovation industry.

The council will offer inspection services, handle tendering and assessments for contractors, and evaluate project quality. Financial Secretary Chan stated that subsidies would be based on the scope of work, with fees estimated at several thousand Hong Kong dollars per household. However, the authorities would provide subsidies to those in need, particularly in areas with high elderly populations and older districts with aging buildings.

The council will receive funding of HK$300 million (US$38.24 million), including HK$100 million in start-up capital and HK$200 million in subsidies for homeowners. About 650 applications were received for inspection consultants, supervision consultants, and contractors, with the contractor list receiving the most at 350 applications.

The government plans to recruit around 100 staff for the council by mid-next year. Additionally, the disgraced Independent Checking Unit responsible for oversight of the Wang Fuk Court renovation will be replaced by a new Public Housing Building Control Section, aiming to improve oversight and accountability in future renovation projects.