The Housing Authority today endorsed its corporate plan for 2007-08, saying it will continue to ensure that public rental housing resources are rationally allocated.

The authority will help the Government to maintain the average waiting time for public housing estates at around three years.

It plans to put in place a rent-adjustment mechanism, which provides for both upward and downward adjustment in housing rental according to the changes in tenants' household income.

Proper disposal of surplus flats

The authority offered 3,056 surplus flats for sale in January 2007 and will put the remaining flats up for sale later.

On the construction front, it will optimise the development potential of public rental housing sites, designing and building them in a sustainable, cost-effective way.

The authority plans to implement the total maintenance scheme and the structural investigation programme in older estates. It will also take measures to reduce the vacancy rate and rent arrears for domestic units.

Furthermore, it is striving to improve the operational efficiency of its commercial facilities, enhancing the letting rate and tackling rent arrears.

It will also develop a suitable mode of providing retail and other ancillary facilities in newly completed estates to meet community needs.