Secretary for Housing, Planning & Lands Michael Suen says the results of the public consultation on mandatory building inspection will be rolled out early next year.

"Without compromising building safety and our policy objectives, we are working out details of the mandatory building inspection scheme by conducting more in-depth consultation with key stakeholders and taking on board public comments," he said.

For a better and safer living environment, tackling building neglect must be given high priority, he said.

"From the building safety angle and the need to strike a proper balance between ensuring building safety and minimising owners' burden, we are now considering the feasibility of a longer inspection cycle, say, every 10 years, by reference to the date when the Buildings Department last issued the mandatory inspection notification to owners."

Quality assured

On community concern over the quantity and quality of service providers, the Government is considering allowing more professionals with sufficient qualifications and experience to conduct building inspections.

"This will give due recognition to professionals qualified for the inspection task and maximise the use of their expertise for the benefits of the community. I must emphasise the cardinal principle which we will uphold when pursuing this idea. We will not go after the quantity of building inspectors at the expense of quality. This is in line with public sentiment," Mr Suen said.

A separate register to uphold the professional standard of building inspectors is being considered. The Buildings Department will, in consultation with professional institutes and the industry, examine the qualifications and experience of those eligible for registering as building inspectors.

The department will also put in place measures to ensure the standard and quality of service providers, including promulgating detailed guidelines for the building inspection and rectification works.

More support

On owner assistance, Mr Suen said the Housing Society has agreed to boost its financial and technical support and assistance. Help will also be offered to owners in forming owners' corporations.

The Housing Society is also working on the setting up of a voluntary building classification scheme to give due recognition to buildings with proper maintenance and sound management.

To give incentives to buildings accredited with good ratings under the scheme, the Government will see if such buildings can be exempted from the mandatory scheme.