The Transport & Housing Bureau has released a consultation framework for collecting views on subsidising home ownership. The consultation exercise will run until September 17.

Speaking after meeting Housing Authority members today, Secretary for Transport & Housing Eva Cheng said people are welcome to express their views on three key areas. They are:

* should home ownership be subsidised?

* who should be helped? and,

* what help should be offered?

"Housing Authority members have reminded us the economic cycle has considerably shortened because of a lot of uncertainties in the world economy. That would lead to a lot of fluctuation in our housing market. If we go for a certain measure or method, it needs to be sustainable."

She said no Government method would be able to make a u-turn on certain economic cycles which are based on things like interest rates which are out of the Government's hands.

Consultation channels

The consultation exercise will engage stakeholders and the public through various channels. Views and suggestions collected will be forwarded to the Chief Executive for his consideration.

Click here for details. People should send their views by mail to the bureau at 16/F Murray Building, Garden Road, Central; by fax to 2761 6822; or by sending an email. They can also post their views on the bureau's eForum.

A range of activities will be organised to allow stakeholders and the public to express their views, including public forums and focus group discussions.