Letters | In helping Hong Kong’s low-income households, watch unintended effects

Readers discuss the link between affordable housing and employment, the safety of illegal building works at Redhill Peninsula, and why Hong Kong needs more young people in the public sector

Hong Kong housing

Letters

Published: 11:30am, 24 Oct 2023

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In addressing the issue of affordable housing for low-income families in Hong Kong, some government measures may have unintended consequences. Recent research shows the measures could have reduced incentive for members of low-income households to participate in the labour force and increased their dependence on welfare.

According to a research report published by the Legislative Council, the average monthly public housing benefits increased significantly, from HK$240 in 2006 to HK$1,060 in 2021. In the same period, the median monthly rent for private housing also increased, from HK$5,500 to HK$12,000, according to census data. However, as only the low-income families living in public rental units get housing benefits, this means that those families ineligible or waiting for public housing have had to endure private rent increases and higher rent-to-income ratios.

Meanwhile, the report suggests that government measures may have led to lower workforce participation among low-income households, as they may choose to rely on benefits rather than seek employment.

The report reckons that the growth in non-labour income among low-income households has been primarily driven by government benefits, rather than wage growth. These findings merit policy attention.

To address these issues, the government may need to consider implementing policies that encourage members of low-income households to participate in the workforce, such as by providing job training and education, increasing the minimum wage, and improving access to childcare and healthcare.

While Hong Kong has had some success in providing affordable housing for low-income families, it is important for policymakers to consider the potential unintended consequences of certain measures and take steps to address them. By encouraging low-income households to participate in the labour force and improving their access to education and healthcare, the government can promote social mobility and reduce poverty in Hong Kong.

Professor Haitian Lu and Dr Sirui Han, Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Illegal structures at Redhill Peninsula are not necessarily unsafe

With regard to the illegal structures at Redhill Peninsula, it appears that while some slopes that the buildings front onto have failed, the buildings remain quite intact. What is causing an uproar is the extent of illegal building works thus exposed. At the end of September, it was reported that 70 out of 85 buildings inspected in this estate were suspected of having illegal structures. Popular thinking is that the illegal works will compromise building and slope safety, and that the government appears to favour the wealthy residents.

Nevertheless, neither the buildings nor their supporting slopes have failed so far. Such failure would happen if engineers had ignored the basic principle of soil mechanics that applies to floating foundations – a principle that would apply to the many basements and swimming pools found among the illegal structures.

At present, one very important aspect of the situation to be considered is whether it is really necessary to remove all these illegal structures. If yes, what type of works will need to be considered?

Although it would seem the simplest solution is to restore the area to its original profile, such an approach has two distinct disadvantages. Firstly, re-compaction on sloping ground would be very involved. Secondly, the overall safety could be reduced.

Instead, to avoid excessive works that don’t serve practical purposes, the optimum solution would be to keep most of the illegal structures and carry out only minor remedial works if necessary.

As there appears to be no water coming out from behind the structures, what seems to have happened is failure of the natural slope. This must be repaired to avoid further erosion.

Certainly, the total cost of all such remedial works should be covered by the owners, authorised persons and contractors. Moreover, all these parties should be penalised for carrying out the illegal works, with fines that must be large enough to deter anyone from committing similar offences in future.

Dr Wong Hong-yau, Happy Valley

More young people needed in the public sector

Hong Kong is working to regain its place on the international stage – but this cannot be truly accomplished without the support and trust of young people. Telling the Hong Kong story requires participation from all walks of life.

Some Hongkongers are dissatisfied with the status quo. We used to be the most international city in Asia. We used to be a shining star in the business world. We used to be cited alongside New York and London.

Over the past few years, although some advantages have been undermined, we have seen the rising power of the philanthropic sector and tech industry. Yet, the public sector continues to play a paramount role in unleashing Hong Kong’s potential.

Here, I am reminded of the Taylor Swift song “Only the Young”. It seems that only the old in Hong Kong are being represented in the public sector. In recent years, we don’t seem to be having enough intergenerational dialogue to foster understanding and collaboration.

S. Ching Choi, Peng Chau