Operating Environment
	Strategic Objectives

In the light of the repositioned housing policy, the HA has been adjusting its roles and functions in recent years. The core function of the HA has been redirected to the provision of PRH to those who cannot afford to rent accommodations in the private market. The HA also assists the Government to maintain the average waiting time (AWT) for PRH at around three years.

The following factors would have a bearing on the HA's operating environment-

	Movement of private rental and inflation rate
	Income level and distribution
	Pace of economic growth and unemployment situation
	Performance of the property market and interest rate

	Rising concern over environmental sustainability and living environment
	Impact of demographic changes, and new population and household projections arising from 2006 Population By-census on future PRH production requirement
	Legislative Council election as an important socio-political event that would arouse more public interest in social issues including public housing related matters
	Number of PRH tenants receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance
	Public expectation of quality and responsive services

	Sale of surplus Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats
	Land supply and development density of PRH projects
	Need for rational allocation of public housing resources
	Implementation of the new rent adjustment mechanism
	Number of new Waiting List applications
	Long-term financial sustainability of the HA
	Building management and maintenance issues

Having regard to the HA's latest work priorities and initiatives, we have developed the following strategic objectives-

	To facilitate the cost-effective provision of quality PRH
	To maximise the rational allocation and eliminate abuse of housing resources with a view to enhancing the turnover of PRH
	To work in partnership with customers and other stakeholders to enhance service quality
	To put the surplus HOS flats for sale in an orderly manner
	To manage and maintain our assets with a view to maximising their economic life and contribution
	To make effective use of private sector resources
	To make the fullest use of human and financial resources and information technology (IT) to meet corporate goals
	To contribute actively and positively towards sustainable development
	To be innovative in enhancing operational efficiency
	To promote the core values of the HA among staff members

To achieve these strategic objectives, we have drawn up 80 key activities for 2008/09. Details are set out in Chapter 4.