17.         In light of the public's grave concern over housing, the Government has introduced a series of short to medium-term measures, including introducing a Buyer's Stamp Duty and increasing the Special Stamp Duty rate, advocating "Hong Kong property for Hong Kong people", increasing land supply, allowing applicants with White Form status to purchase Home Ownership Scheme flats with unpaid premium, and building youth hostels. The new Long Term Housing Strategy Steering Committee has started to explore and formulate the long-term housing strategy.

18.         With regard to people's livelihood, we have re-established the Commission on Poverty. We have also undertaken a variety of initiatives, including introducing ahead of schedule a standard concessionary fare of $2 for the elderly and eligible people with disabilities to travel on buses. We have enhanced the Work Incentive Transport Subsidy Scheme. We have also increased the subsidy under the Elderly Health Care Voucher programme. The new Old Age Living Allowance scheme will be implemented. We have launched the Universal Accessibility Programme to retrofit lifts to footbridges in various districts. We have earmarked $200 million for improving several thousand hawker stalls across Hong Kong. We will also set up a new outdoor bazaar in Tin Shui Wai. These examples demonstrate the determination of the current-term Government, with the support of our civil servants, to meet public aspirations as promptly as possible.

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