25 June 2014 - “Significant progress” has been achieved on tackling the city’s housing shortage and fighting poverty, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said yesterday as he announced the release of an annual report covering his second year as the city's leader. SCMP reported that some political parties said the report is too glossy, appearing to be of quality but lacking substance.
The 41-page report, published on the website of the Chief Executive’s Office, outlined the administration’s work in nine parts, including the economy, poverty alleviation, housing, administration and constitutional affairs. Click here to read a summary of the report.
It mentioned that as of April 2014, overall property prices have increased only slightly since February last year (by 0.1 per cent per month on average). This is attributed to the series of stamp duty measures introduced by the . Flat prices were also indicated to have fallen by about 0.6 per cent in the first quarter this year.
A professor from Polytechnic University commented that this was a half-truth. “People still couldn’t afford a home because prices increased by about 7 per cent last year.” It is also said housing shortages remained acute and the report appears to be hiding the evils while promoting the good. “
