The Government wants public consensus on land supply before it takes action on the matter.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam told the Legislative Council today there is no community consensus on land supply yet and noted it could take time to reach.

The Task Force on Land Supply launched a five-month public consultation in April on options to boost land supply.

She noted housing is the biggest livelihood issue facing Hong Kong people, which must be fundamentally tackled by increasing land supply. However, community consensus is needed before the Government can take action.

When asked about the affordability of Home Ownership Scheme flats, Mrs Lam said she has promised to take on the issue as some people have had difficulty buying homes through the scheme.

The study on the feasibility of introducing a tax on vacant first-hand private residential properties has reached the final stage and the Government will make an announcement on the matter this month, she added.