The Transport & Housing Bureau says the Quota & Points System for Non-Elderly One-Person Applicants is essential to ensure the rational allocation of public rental housing to people in genuine need.

In a Legislative Council paper today the bureau said since the system's implementation, the number of newly registered non-elderly one-person applicants fell from 2,733 in the fourth quarter of 2005 to 1,017 in the fourth quarter of 2007.

However, the demand from non-elderly one-person applicants for public rental housing remains strong. As at December 2007, among the over 110,000 waiting-list applicants, 38,600 are non-elderly one-person applicants, accounting for 35% of the total, among which 40% are aged 30 or below.

The bureau said the figure shows it is necessary to continue to implement the quota system to ensure the rational allocation of precious housing resources.

Adequate housing

Noting it is concerned about the housing needs of low-income people, the bureau said it has made every effort to ensure an adequate supply of public rental flats.

The Housing Authority has relaxed the residence rule and the restriction on applications for urban flats. The Express Flat Allocation Scheme and compassionate rehousing arrangements have also benefited many applicants and their families.