The Housing Department said today it will consider areas for improvement to ensure more effective deployment of public rental housing (PRH) resources.

The department made the announcement in response to a report by the Ombudsman, following an investigation by the latter into arrangements for Housing for Senior Citizens (HSC) and converted one-person (C1P) units.

The department noted that the Express Flat Allocation Scheme (EFAS) offers another avenue to PRH applicants to expedite allocation. In 2022, 390 HSC Type 2 and Type 3 design units were successfully let.

It said it had also taken the initiative recently to co-operate with social welfare organisations in arranging guided tours for members of the public of HSC Type 2 and Type 3 design units and had received positive feedback following the visits. Such tours will continue to be arranged to strengthen PRH applicants’ understanding of those units and facilities and thereby enhance occupancy rates.

The department added that starting from June 2022 it had formed teams to visit all tenants living in HSC Type 1 and C1P units and introduce them to various voluntary transfer options.

It stressed that it will continue to collaborate with social welfare organisations in actively persuading and encouraging tenants to apply for transfers.