The “Steering Committee on the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po”, at its first meeting today, agreed to launch a new special grant under the fund to provide $100,000 to each of the flat owners at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, who chaired the meeting, said: “Since its establishment, the support fund has implemented various support measures to assist residents in addressing their urgent needs and rebuilding their lives, providing long-term and sustained support.

“The new flat owner grant will provide immediate assistance to owners of the affected flats, including those who rented out their properties.”

Donations received so far by the support fund have reached about $3.1 billion. Combined with the $300 million in startup capital from the Government, this takes the fund to a total of around $3.4 billion.

Donors to the support fund can claim and be allowed tax deductions of such donations during the relevant assessment year.

To facilitate members of the public, donations made to the fund through bank transfer with an amount of $50,000 or below will be eligible for tax deductions without the requirement of official receipts. Donors are required to retain the relevant donation receipts for verification.

Detailed arrangements will be announced here on December 15.

The steering committee, convened by the Deputy Chief Secretary, is responsible for advising on matters such as the fund's operation as well as supervising and monitoring the establishment and implementation of support measures under the fund.