A special investigation team will be set up next month to tackle abuse of public housing resources, like misuse of flats and factory units, and rent and loan fraud.

Director of Housing Leung Chin-man said full support will be given to the 120-strong team for conducting investigations into suspected cases. The team will be further expanded if necessary.

Reporting to the director, the team will safeguard public housing resources in two major areas, one of which relates to public rental housing and home loan applications.

"We also need to guard against false declarations made by those who are already on board, including public housing tenants and loan recipients, and other irresponsible misuse of flats," Mr Leung said.

He warned that those violating tenancy agreements will have their tenancies terminated, while public housing or loan applicants giving false statements might face legal action.

On reports of exploitation of cleaning workers in housing estates, Mr Leung condemned the unscrupulous act of property services companies and their service contractors.

A detailed investigation will be carried out. Fraud and criminal acts will be reported to the Police, while cases violating labour regulations will be dealt jointly with the Labour Department.

The Housing Department is committed to stepping up enforcement of contractual requirements for cleansing services in public housing estates, Mr Leung said, adding that new guidelines will be issued to estate staff requiring them to increase the number of surprise inspections to be conducted.

He also urged cleaning workers to report any malpractices to the department, and assured that the information provided will be confidential.