Gov’t to set up new regulator for public housing works

It will oversee maintenance and renovation works in public rental housing estates.

The government will establish a new Public Housing Building Control Section (PBC) within the next month to oversee large-scale maintenance and renovation works across public housing estates and subsidised sale housing courts.

The Housing Bureau will replace the existing Independent Checking Unit with the new section under a project-based regulatory regime, following recommendations from the independent committee investigating the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po.

The PBC will oversee maintenance and renovation works in public rental housing estates, subsidised sale housing courts and facilities sold or divested by the Housing Authority.

Its remit will also cover new public housing developments and relevant works in existing, non-divested estates.

Deputy Financial Secretary and Acting Secretary for Housing Michael Wong said the new model would strengthen co-ordination and risk management for large-scale projects, particularly those involving high-risk maintenance works.

For major renovation projects regulated under the Buildings Ordinance, the PBC will establish dedicated project teams to manage works-related matters and appoint liaison officers to assist the relevant owners' corporations.

The Government will also establish the Building Maintenance Support & Services Council (BMSSC) by the end of 2026 to provide property owners with end-to-end maintenance support.

Development Secretary Bernadette Linn said the council would charge standard fees on a cost-recovery basis, with preliminary estimates running to several thousand dollars per household.

The Government has allocated $100m in this year's Budget as start-up capital to cover the BMSSC's initial staffing and operating costs.

A further $200m has been earmarked for fee concessions to owners who need financial assistance.