NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Council Tax Reduction Scheme more equitable to support those in need

    Source: City of Salford

    Salford City Council’s Council proposals to make significant changes to its Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme are now approved and come into effect on 1 April 2025.

    Council Tax Reduction (CTR) is the way that councils help households on low incomes to pay their council tax bill. Residents were consulted on the proposals for the new scheme which will play a vital role in alleviating financial pressures for vulnerable households.

    The new, fairer and more flexible income-banded scheme in place for 2025/26 only assesses on income available to pay general bills. It uses Universal Credit notifications from the Department for Work and Pensions as the main way to determine household eligibility for CTR. 

    This change reduces the burden on the claimant, minimising the risk of them missing out on support and aligns with the move of most benefits to Universal Credit.

    Lead Member for Finance, Support Services and Regeneration, Jack Youd, said: “We’re proud to have created a more equitable scheme which targets support to those in need, in line with our priority to tackle poverty and inequality. 

    “Our new scheme uses the Universal Credit breakdown to identify those with the lowest income available for general expenses and bills so the assessment of eligibility is fair across all claims and household types. 

    “Providing different income bands for different household make-ups recognises differences in expense levels as well as capacities and limitations for earning and accessing more income. This creates more stability in the amount of support a household will receive.

    “By simplifying the eligibility and assessment criteria and enabling the claim to be driven by the Universal Credit claim, we can provide more certainty to recipients. 

    It also helps us get on the front foot with early intervention and prevention of debt in line with the council’s anti-poverty strategy.”

    Visit www.salford.gov.uk/counciltaxreduction for more information about the new scheme.

    Share this

    Date published
    Wednesday 26 February 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: More than 94 thousand people have moved from dilapidated housing in the Central Federal District since 2019

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Work to reduce the emergency housing stock is being carried out in all federal districts of Russia. In the regions of the Central Federal District, since 2019, when the implementation of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” began, houses unfit for habitation with an area of 1.6 million square meters have been resettled. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “Resettlement of people from dilapidated housing, improving their quality of life is the task that the President of the country set for the construction complex of Russia. Deterioration of houses is a constant and, unfortunately, irreversible process. Therefore, work continues to solve this problem through joint efforts of the federal center and regions. For example, in the Central Federal District since 2019, more than 94 thousand citizens have been resettled from dilapidated houses. The unsuitable housing stock has decreased by 1.6 million square meters. Since 2025, these tasks are being addressed within the framework of the new national project “Infrastructure for Life”, – said the Deputy Prime Minister.

    According to Marat Khusnullin, in the Central Federal District the largest number of citizens who moved from dilapidated houses are in the Moscow region (26 thousand people), Vladimir region (9.14 thousand people), Tula region (7.6 thousand people) and Lipetsk region (7.3 thousand people).

    The General Director of the Territorial Development Fund, Ilshat Shagiakhmetov, recalled that the regions also launched their own mechanisms, which accelerated the implementation of the resettlement program.

    “Among the first subjects to complete the task of resettling citizens from emergency housing recognized as such before January 2017 are Voronezh, Ivanovo, Smolensk and Tula regions. Last year, they already began resettling houses recognized as unsuitable after 2017. Together, they resettled 36.2 thousand square meters of such housing. In January of this year, Kursk Region also completed the program of resettling citizens from emergency housing identified before 2017,” said Ilshat Shagiakhmetov.

    The program for resettling citizens from emergency housing stock is supervised by the Russian Ministry of Construction. Its operator is the Territorial Development Fund.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jefferson County Man Sentenced for Cocaine Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jamie Green, age 47, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General intercepted a package containing more than two pounds of cocaine mailed from Los Angeles, California, to Green’s address in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Investigators arrested Green at his home. He has prior convictions for drugs, aggravated assault by a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and firearms convictions.

    Green will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    Investigative agencies include the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the West Virginia State Police, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

    U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government responds in full to Grenfell Tower Inquiry, setting out tough new reforms to fix building safety and strengthen accountability 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government responds in full to Grenfell Tower Inquiry, setting out tough new reforms to fix building safety and strengthen accountability 

    In the full response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report today (26 February), the government has accepted the findings and sets out its plans to act on all 58 recommendations.

    • Sweeping construction, building and fire safety reforms set out as government accepts findings and takes action on all 58 recommendations in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report   

    • Tough new rules on construction product safety, backed by a strengthened regulator to stamp out bad practice and drive higher standards 

    • Debarment investigations to be launched for seven organisations named in the report using tough new procurement powers 

    • Stronger, more enhanced protections for social tenants, including by empowering them to challenge landlords and demand safe, high-quality housing 

    Tough new reforms to ensure all homes are safe, secure and built to the highest standards will benefit millions of people across the country as the government takes decisive action to tackle the failures that led to the devastating Grenfell Tower tragedy – which resulted in the loss of lives of 72 innocent people. 

    In the full response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report today (26 February), the government has accepted the findings and sets out its plans to act on all 58 recommendations, driving a sweeping transformation to enhance building and fire safety standards.   

    Under the proposals, industry will be held to account for failure, with new regulatory measures to prevent a tragedy like the events at Grenfell Tower from ever happening again.   

    The Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:   

    The Grenfell Tower tragedy claimed 72 innocent lives in a disaster that should never have happened. The final report exposed in stark and devastating detail the shocking industry behaviour and wider failures that led to the fire, and the deep injustices endured by the bereaved, survivors, and residents. 

    We are acting on all of the Inquiry’s findings, and today set out our full response, detailing the tough action we are taking to drive change and reform the system to ensure no community will ever have to face a tragedy like Grenfell ever again.   

    That means greater accountability, stronger regulation, and putting residents at the heart of decision-making. We must deliver the fundamental change required. We owe that to the Grenfell community, to the country, and to the memory of those who lost their lives.

    The Grenfell Inquiry’s final report exposed a system that ignored safety risks and failed to listen to residents. The report laid bare ‘systemic dishonesty’ in the industry, failures in the construction sector and by successive governments, and poor regulation in the run up to the disaster. 

    The government has apologised on behalf of the British state for its part in these failings and introduced significant changes to fix the worst issues exposed by the tragedy.   

    Reforms set out today include:

    • A new single construction regulator to ensure those responsible for building safety are held to account.   

    • Tougher oversight of those responsible for testing and certifying, manufacturing and using construction products with serious consequences for those who break the rules. 

    • A legal duty of candour through a new Hillsborough Law, compelling public authorities to disclose the truth, ensuring transparency in major incidents, and holding those responsible for failures to account.  

    • Stronger, clearer, and enforceable legal rights for residents, making landlords responsible for acting on safety concerns. 

    • Empowering social housing residents to challenge landlords and demand safe, high-quality housing, by expanding the Four Million Homes training programme. Make it easier for tenants to report safety concerns and secure landlord action by taking forward the Make Things Right campaign. 

    • Ensuring lasting transparency and accountability by creating a publicly accessible record of all public inquiry recommendations. 

    As well as changes in regulation, in December 2024, the government launched its Remediation Acceleration Plan which sets out tough new measures to get buildings fixed quicker and ensure rogue freeholders are held to account.   

    Building Safety Minister Alex Norris said:   

    The Grenfell Tower fire was a preventable tragedy, and the failings it exposed demanded fundamental change. 

    Our response today to the Inquiry’s findings sets out a comprehensive plan to reform the construction sector, strengthen oversight and make sure that residents are the priority when deciding on building safety issues. 

    We will continue working closely with industry, local authorities and the Grenfell community to make sure these reforms deliver real, lasting change and rebuild trust.

    Supplier Accountability  

    Today the government set out the next steps of its review to identify where the Inquiry’s report found failings by specific named organisations in relation to the Grenfell fire. 
     
    New powers under the Procurement Act will be used to investigate seven of the organisations criticised in the report. If certain grounds are met, their names will be added to a published debarment list which must be taken into account by contracting authorities when awarding new contracts.  

    A legacy of justice for the Grenfell community   

    The government remains fully committed to supporting the bereaved families, survivors and residents long-term, as well as to working with the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission to ensure a fitting and lasting memorial, determined by the community. This will serve as a permanent tribute to honour those lives lost and those whose lives were changed forever.   

    The transformation set out today is not only about fixing the failures of the past but about ensuring a safer future for generations to come. The highest safety standards will be embedded into the 1.5 million homes the government is committed to delivering this Parliament, ensuring that every new home meets robust safety requirements.  

    The government response makes clear there is still much more to do and is committed to taking decisive action in response to every recommendation.    

    Notes to editors:

    • The government’s progress towards implementing Inquiry recommendations will be published every quarter from mid-2025. We will also provide an annual update to Parliament to ensure wider scrutiny of the pace and direction of work.  

    • We will deliver reform using a phased approach over the course of this Parliament, bringing together the recommendations directed at government and wider reform as coherent packages. The first phase (2025 to 2026) will focus on making sure that we effectively deliver our current programme of regulatory reform and change. The second phase (2026 to 2028) will focus on having fully developed proposals to deliver recommendations and wider reform, including via legislation. From 2028 onwards, the Government will focus on implementing these reforms.   

    • We will keep the new system under review to evaluate its effectiveness and ensure it is delivering the intended improvements to residents’ lives. We will make sure that we are taking on residents’ feedback as part of this.  

    • This response marks the start of a new relationship between government and industry that is based on transparency, clarity, collective responsibility and external scrutiny. We will hold actors in the system to account, effectively enforce standards, steward the highest standards of culture and behaviour and facilitate transparent conversations. However, we also expect industry to take responsibility to instil this change.  

    • Safe housing is not a privilege but a fundamental right, and these reforms will ensure that right is upheld in every community. A green paper is also being launched today which includes detailed proposals for system wide reform of the construction products regime.  

    • Debarment investigations into the organisations are set out in today’s Written Ministerial Statement.  

    • The government will continue to support for the Metropolitan Police’s independent investigation, ensuring that those responsible for the failures leading to the tragedy are held to account. 

    Other measures include:

    • Raising standards by consulting on a new College of Fire and Rescue later in 2025 to improve training and professionalism of firefighters. 

    • Stopping unqualified individuals from making critical fire safety decisions, by legally requiring fire risk assessors to have their competence certified. 

    • Continuing implementation of new Residential PEEPs policy to improve the fire safety and evacuation of disabled and vulnerable residents in high-rise and higher-risk residential buildings, engaging with relevant stakeholders on the implementation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pipeline companies deliver most of the U.S. electric power sector’s natural gas

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    February 26, 2025

    According to our Natural Gas Annual Respondent Query System, 1,653 natural gas delivery companies delivered natural gas to end-use customers in 2023 in the United States. A delivery company is defined as any entity that delivers natural gas directly to end users. Natural gas deliveries by pipeline companies to the electric power sector made up the largest share of deliveries to end-use consumers, accounting for 33% of all natural gas delivered to end-use consumers in 2023.

    Pipeline companies generally deliver large volumes of natural gas to high-volume end users, accounting for most of the deliveries to industrial facilities and electric power plants. The electric power sector and industrial sector are the largest and second-largest consuming sectors, respectively. Pipeline companies delivered 75%, or 27.1 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d), of the natural gas used to generate electric power in the United States, and 51%, or 11.9 Bcf/d, of the natural gas used in the industrial sector in 2023.

    Conversely, local distribution companies (LDCs) are the primary providers of natural gas to homes and businesses, delivering 94% (20.3 Bcf/d) of end-use natural gas to the residential and commercial sectors. LDCs often operate networks of small pipelines that connect to homes and businesses; however, they are distinct from pipeline companies, which operate wide-diameter, high-pressure pipelines that transport large volumes of natural gas to predominantly industrial and electric facilities. Natural gas distributors operated by municipalities, referred to here as municipals, are the most common type of natural gas distributor in the United States, but they deliver relatively small volumes of end-use natural gas, accounting for only 4% of all end use.

    Natural gas consumption to generate U.S. electric power has increased significantly in recent years. Warmer weather has increased the demand for electricity for space cooling in the summer, increasing natural gas use by electricity providers. Low natural gas prices and improving efficiency from combined-cycle plants have also contributed to increased natural gas-fired power generation. As natural gas consumption in the electric power sector has increased, natural gas deliveries via pipeline companies to electric power plants have also increased, rising by 17% (3.9 Bcf/d) since 2018 and accounting for 75% of the total increase in deliveries to the electric power sector between 2018 and 2023. Pipeline companies do not typically sell natural gas to end users, but instead they deliver the natural gas on behalf of the end user in exchange for a transportation fee.

    LDCs deliver most of the natural gas consumed in the U.S. residential and commercial sectors. However, nearly half of their deliveries (47%, or 15.2 Bcf/d) go to the industrial and electric power sectors. LDCs are typically regulated by state public utility commissions, which ensure that the LDCs maintain reliability of service and stable prices for customers. LDCs receive natural gas from a pipeline near their service area and then transport it through their own network to end users.

    LDCs with interstate pipelines, the least common type of distributor, deliver the most natural gas to end users per facility, at an average of 0.5 Bcf/d per facility. An LDC with interstate pipelines can have a large distribution area that sometimes spans several states and may serve millions of customers in a region.

    Municipals typically serve one specific city or town and, as a result, deliver comparatively small volumes of natural gas to end users, averaging less than 3 Bcf/d of deliveries in 2023. Despite delivering relatively small volumes of natural gas, municipals accounted for more than half of all delivery companies, numbering 886 in 2023.

    More information on company-level data on natural gas distributors is available in EIA’s Natural Gas Annual Respondent Query System.

    Principal contributors: Mike Kopalek, Grace Wheaton

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Influence of Technology, Science Shapes Latest Show at Contemporary Art Galleries

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    While it’s true John Simon Jr. has a daily drawing practice, one he describes as meditative not just for clarity but also creativity, the artist might be best known for the digital art he’s produced, pieces sold in cyberspace and displayed on LED screens instead of canvas in places like the Whitney and Guggenheim.

    Among the first pieces of art sold as NFTs came from Simon, the 1997 work he titled “Every Icon,” because, as the squares in a grid of 32 by 32 change from black to white in a pattern shift that will take trillions of years to cycle through, the full image eventually will form the outline of any and all familiar pictures.

    Simon also is known for other pieces like “ComplexCity,” a series of digital works in which the street grid, traffic pattern, and height of skyscrapers continually shape shift, a representation of the constant change of a city.

    But Simon might not be as well known for his undergraduate degree in geology, his master’s in earth and planetary science, and an MFA in computer art.

    Artist John F. Simon Jr.’s “Traffic Jam” is part of “ComplexCity,” a digital work that explores contemporary urbanism through animated visual outputs containing abstract elevators, clogged intersections, and other interactive and dynamic forms. It hangs as part of the exhibition, “Data Infused,” at the Contemporary Art Galleries in UConn’s Fine Arts Complex. (Contributed photo)

    The place between art and science, that’s where early in his career Simon says he thought he’d be – “where art and science would kind of meld, where you’d see some sculpture, a painting, and things that are kind of like art done with a scientific concept that’s output in an artistic way.

    “But that was never deeply satisfying enough for me,” he says, “and I felt eventually that the categorization of science and art, this kind of academic categorization, was made to separate the two. My approach [now] is creativity.”

    And that’s something both scientists and artists must have in abundant supply.

    “If we look back to the Renaissance period especially, science and art weren’t as separate as they are now,” says Wendy Wischer, visiting director of UConn’s Contemporary Art Galleries, where a reimagined version of Simon’s “ComplexCity” is on display as part of the exhibition, “Data Infused.”

    “Artists and scientists do the same thing,” she says, summarizing a sentiment from writer K.C. Cole. “They start by observation and then recognize patterns that are often overlooked by others. That kind of imagination, seeking out of patterns, connecting threads of what may initially seem like separate entities is one of the things that artists and scientists do all the time.”

    “Data Infused” is Wischer’s first curation at the Galleries, after coming to UConn in the fall. In it, she’s included works from artists like Simon who’ve each studied subjects including computer science, architecture, graphic design, and artificial intelligence, all of which have influenced their creative outputs.

    Take Nettrice Gaskins, for instance, whose piece “Afro-Generative Tableaux Variations” uses AI to remix the colorful swirls that dance around the side profile of a Black woman who remains stationary in the center.

    “Variations,” Wischer explains, shows how AI moves through the variations of color and shape to help an artist, or an observer as in this case, assess the infinite options. Gaskins made the piece specifically for this show to give people a look at how AI aids in art making.

    Richard Garet used bits of sound in his two pieces, “Perceptual; Star” and “Perceptual; Glowing Wedge,” to create images of pulsing colors, then stripped away the auditory component, leaving only the moving image.

    The act of using what many would call scientific data for such artistic inspiration is what links the pieces, Wischer says, along with the fact that all the artists, as with Simon, maintain a traditional art practice that includes drawing and painting despite producing work that hinges on technology.

    That’s something, she says, that UConn graduate students asked for when she surveyed them about what they’d like to see in the gallery. AI, data visualization, and Afrofuturism topped the list. They also wanted to see novel ways artists make art and viewers consume it, such as those pieces sold as NFTs, or non-fungible tokens that live on the blockchain.

    “Scientists are great at data visualization. But their role is to be removed from any kind of emotional or personal attachment,” Wischer says about the art-science connection. “Artists can come in and ask questions without having an answer. Art can provoke emotions. It can link personal experience with the scientific in a way that makes it more digestible.”

    Ira Greenburg – whose “CyberStructures” depicts a bird’s eye view of a computer’s architecture, its chips and cards and CPU rising and falling like the towers and low-rises of a city – not only writes the computer code needed to generate his work but uses AI to influence it as he processes the thousands of iterations technology provides.

    Wischer says all the artists in the show are at the forefront of using technology like AI in the development of their work. It’s one reason she hopes people from other departments at UConn outside Art and Art History visit the show.

    “I’m hoping there’s something for everyone and that it evokes a curiosity to learn more,” she says. “Whether someone is attracted to the digital and they find something new in the physical, or someone who is attracted to the physical finds something in the digital, one of my goals was to bring together these various communities.”

    And she means that literally.

    She’s arranged a series of artist talks to be held throughout the semester, starting with Simon in late January who drew about two dozen people to the Galleries for the show’s opening.

    Garet will visit Feb. 27, Gaskins on March 13, and Courtney Starrett and Susan Reiser wrap the series on April 3. The full exhibition closes April 25.

    Artist Ira Greenburg used creative coding and artificial intelligence to create “Cyberstructures,” a piece that considers computer architecture as a landscape. It hangs as part of the exhibition, “Data Infused,” at the Contemporary Art Galleries in UConn’s Fine Arts Complex. (Contributed photo)

    “I see the Contemporary Art Galleries as a place to bring together different ideas and be a little more experimental than it has in the past,” Wischer says. “This exhibition is a very traditional, polished exhibition. But we might have a rotating schedule that allows for a variety of experimentation that moves away from just a traditional gallery space.”

    That may include becoming home for the annual BFA show or serving as a place for graduate students to practice their own curation skills. It might be possible to host a show that coordinates with a specific class or have a visiting artist use the space as their workshop, in a sort of messy exhibition that gets revealed over time, she suggests.

    Though not all future shows will emphasize the use of technology as strongly as “Data Infused,” this semester the focus is on its influence.

    “We know that data doesn’t move people. Facts don’t move people, but there are other ways that people can be moved. Artwork is a way that somebody can enter at a more personal level and discover why this is important to them or the meaning behind it,” Wischer says.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Willis partners with Crowd Safety to augment support for Crisis Management clients

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis, a WTW business, (Nasdaq: WTW), today announced a partnership with Crowd Safety, a team of recognized experts in the strategic, tactical, and operational elements of crowd safety management and event security, of various high-profile events.

    Crowd Safety brings to Willis a resolute team of consultants with strong backgrounds in crisis management, providing crowd safety management and security to events with crowds as large as 100,000+ people. Their platform of resources and services continually evolves to stay current with new events, strategies, and tactics, to stay ahead of the evolving challenges,

    With credible experience focusing on crowd safety and emerging threats, the Crowd Safety team is committed to guiding clients in navigating the safety and security risks associated with large crowds, a specialized benefit Willis can now offer clients.

    Steve Allen, CEO of Crowd Safety, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Willis to complement the support services provided to Crisis Management clients. Our unique expertise around crowd safety management, and associated security concerns, will provide clients with a specialized add-on that augments the assistance Willis provides to clients.”

    Fergus Critchley, Head of Crisis Management in North America, added, “I am eager to begin discussing the specialized safety and security strategies from Crowd Safety with our clients. We have many clients in the entertainment space with significant crowd security concerns, and the proven large-crowd safety measures from Crowd Safety demonstrate a swift, methodical approach to those concerns; and complements the skillset of our in-house security risk advisory team, Alert:24. I look forward to collaborating with the Crowd Safety team in supporting the safety and security needs of our clients.”

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk, and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce, and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.

    About Crowd Safety

    Crowd Safety provides clients with subject matter experts for crowd safety management, unbiased external crowd safety audits and approved Showstop® Procedure training solutions, accrued from decades of strategic, tactical, and operational experience, across national and international territories. 

    The guiding principle of Crowd Safety is to mitigate foreseeable risk and undesirable occurrences, serving to enhance the safety of spectators and audiences alike within the sports & entertainment industry. To learn more, visit https://crowdsafety.org/

    Media Contact

    Douglas Menelly
    Douglas.Menelly@wtwco.com | +1 (516) 972-0380

    Arnelle Sullivan
    Arnelle.Sullivan@wtwco.com | +1 (718) 208-0474

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: iAnthus Expands Presence in Florida with New GrowHealthy Dispensary in Jacksonville

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK and TORONTO, Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. (“iAnthus” or the “Company”) (CSE: IAN, OTCQB: ITHUF), which owns, operates and partners with regulated cannabis operations across the United States, has announced the opening of its first GrowHealthy dispensary in Jacksonville, Florida, it’s 21st statewide.

    “This opening has been a long time in the making, and it was an incredible experience to welcome Jacksonville patients into our new store,” said Kelly Heinichen, Vice President of Retail Operations at iAnthus. “We’re excited to build strong relationships with the local community and provide the exceptional service, high quality medical products, and flower genetic diversity that patients have come to expect from GrowHealthy.”

    Designed with patient experience in mind, the new Jacksonville dispensary features tethered bud displays, allowing patients to visually examine products without needing an associate’s assistance. Customers can also use magnifying glasses to inspect plant trichomes – an essential factor in medicinal cannabis – to identify the flower best suited to their needs. The grand opening of the store was held on February 21 and saw strong patient turnout and enthusiastic engagement with these features.

    “Medicinal cannabis is an essential tool for almost one million Floridians managing conditions such as chronic pain and sleep disturbances,” said Richard Proud, CEO of iAnthus. “Expanding access to safe, tested cannabis products is at the heart of GrowHealthy’s mission, and we’re proud to now serve the Jacksonville community. This is another milestone for the Company and aligns with our ‘smart growth’ and ‘strong margins’ strategy by expanding in a core market like Florida.”

    The Growhealthy dispensary is located at 12041 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida.

    About iAnthus

    iAnthus owns and operates licensed cannabis cultivation, processing and dispensary facilities throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.iAnthus.com.

    Forward Looking Statements
    Statements in this news release contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management, are not guarantees of performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in Company’s reports that it files from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Canadian securities regulators which you should review including, but not limited to, the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. When used in this news release, words such as “will,” could,” plan,” estimate,” expect,” intend,” may,” potential,” believe, “should” and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company’s financial performance, business development and results of operations.

    These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future events, and the Company cannot assure you that the events or circumstances discussed or reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. If such forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. You should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by the Company or any other person that it will achieve its objectives and plans in any specified timeframe, or at all. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

    Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the SEC has reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A House Like Mine: Council launches new resource for homeowners and landlords to improve energy efficiency of homes

    Source: City of Oxford

    A new resource has launched this week for homeowners and landlords who want to learn how to improve the energy efficiency of their home.  

    The ‘A House Like Mine’ project, is a new partnership between Oxford City Council, Low Carbon Hub, and Cosy Homes Oxfordshire that aims to showcase how home-owners and landlords can improve the energy efficiency of their home – helping to make it warmer, healthier, cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly – whatever their budget.  

    The project features 12 real-life homes from across Oxford which received a Whole House Plan detailing the steps they could take to improve the energy performance of their homes. The case studies includes how homeowners could prioritise work on their homes and the potential impact on their energy performance rating. 

    About the case studies 

    The 12 case studies feature eight homeowners and four landlords across a range of property types – from Victorian terraces to modern flats – which aim to show the different ways that people could improve the energy efficiency of their homes: 

    The guide covers a range of different property types, including:  

    1. Pre-1900s mid-terrace, Kingston Road, Oxford
    2. 1950s semi-detached, Marston, Oxford
    3. 1900s detached, Botley, Oxford
    4. 1950s steel-framed ‘Howard House’, Rose Hill, Oxford
    5. 1920s semi-detached, Rose Hill, Oxford
    6. 1930s semi-detached, Rose Hill, Oxford
    7. 1940s semi-detached, St. Clements, Oxford
    8. Pre-1900s mid-terrace, Osney Island, Oxford
    9. Pre-1900s end-terrace, Jericho, Oxford  
    10. 1950s end-terrace, Blackbird Leys, Oxford
    11. 1900s mid-terrace, Littlemore, Oxford 
    12. 1990s top-floor flat, Temple Cowley, Oxford  

    How to use the resources 

    The case studies take a ‘fabric first’ approach, prioritising improvements to the house to reduce heat loss. This means starting with upgrades like insulation – whether that’s cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, or internal wall insulation – to create a solid foundation for further improvements. 

    The project emphasises that homeowners are not required to install all the measures at once. Instead, they are encouraged to take a step-by-step approach – starting with smaller measures or room by room. 

    A House Like Mine was funded by the MCS Foundation, Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, and Lucy Group, and delivered with support from the Zero Carbon Oxford Partnership (ZCOP).  

    Housing emissions in Oxford 

    The Zero Carbon Oxford Roadmap found around 60% of Oxford’s carbon emissions come from buildings, with residential buildings accounting for 29% of total emissions. 

    Oxford has the goal of becoming a net zero carbon city by 2040 and decarbonising buildings is key to this.  

    Comment 

    “A House Like Mine aims to help everyone in Oxford get access to the information and support they need to live in a healthy and energy efficient home. This project highlights how many ways there are to make your home more energy efficient, whatever your house type, personal circumstance, or budget.” 

    Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council

    “A House Like Mine is centred around encouraging people to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. By creating case studies with real people and real houses, we are showing what energy improvements could be possible in a range of house types across Oxford. We want people to see these stories, recognise ‘a house like mine’ and be inspired to act.” 

    Barbara Hammond, CEO, Low Carbon Hub

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CCC report must sound alarm bells for Labour Government

    Source: Scottish Greens

    26 Feb 2025 Climate

    Labour must work for people and planet.

    More in Climate

    The UK’s independent climate change advisor, known as the Climate Change Committee (CCC), has published their Seventh Carbon Budget. The report lays out how the UK Government must take urgent action to meet their legal carbon reduction targets.

    Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie said:

    “Tackling the climate crisis is the greatest national priority that all governments must be working towards. But for too long, we’ve seen successive Prime Ministers fail to turn their warm words on climate into real action.

    “Inaction has cost us already. 2024 was the warmest year on record, and we’ve seen natural disasters around the world and in the UK at an increasing rate. For the UK government to consider approving new oil and gas drilling or expanding airports would be simply climate vandalism.

    “The advice sets out the huge benefits which will come from climate action, greatly cutting the cost of living for households, and that these benefits can be won at lower cost than previous estimates – a fraction of what Keir Starmer committed to military spending yesterday.

    “The CCC is clear that these benefits will only come if action is taken now to reduce carbon emissions in all sectors, including heat, agriculture and especially in transport, which remains one of the biggest polluters in the UK. 

    “Rail travel in the UK is amongst the most expensive in Europe, and our infrastructure is still damaged from the brutal Beeching cuts in the 60s. It doesn’t have to be like this.

    “With real investment in public transport, we can make it cheaper and accessible to all whilst protecting out planet. With new rail routes, reliable buses and integrated ticketing, we could end the reliance on private cars. This investment in public transport infrastructure would benefit us for decades to come.

    “The SNP must also take heed. Specific advice for the Scottish Government will come next, but it’s already clear that their energy strategy, their Heat in Buildings Bill, and their plan for cutting road traffic are all missing in action.

    “It’s time for both Labour and the SNP to stand up and take real action to tackle the climate crisis, stop new oil and gas, reject absurd proposals for airport expansions and invest in our future.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sarbananda Sonowal unveils ₹4,800 crore plan to transform Assam’s Inland Waterways at Advantage Assam 2.0

    Source: Government of India

    Sarbananda Sonowal unveils ₹4,800 crore plan to transform Assam’s Inland Waterways at Advantage Assam 2.0

    “₹1,500 crore for Green Vessel Transition in Assam by 2030 under ‘Harit Nauka Scheme’”: Sarbananda Sonowal

    “World Class Water Metro Service in Guwahati and Dhubri with an investment of ₹315 crore”: Sarbananda Sonowal

    “Centre earmarks ₹120 crore for Regional Centre of Excellence in Dibrugarh”: Sarbananda Sonowal

    “Centre to develop riverine lighthouses along Brahmaputra with ₹100 crore investment:” Sarbananda Sonowal

    Posted On: 26 FEB 2025 4:46PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal announced an investment of more than ₹4,800 crore to transform the inland waterways sector of Assam at the Advantage Assam 2.0 in Guwahati, today. The investment is to enable the immense potential that the complex and dynamic waterways system of the state has to offer to propel the growth and development of the region towards realising the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat, Shri Sonowal asserted at the session on Assam’s Roads, Railway and Riverine Tourism on the second day of the investment summit.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said, “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the country is cruising ahead towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat. Assam along with the Northeast plays an integral part in propelling this journey to realise the vision of Modi ji. Inland Waterways plays a crucial role in this scheme of things as the visionary Modi ji planned its revival since 2014 from near obscurity and neglect of the past. With its rich inter web of riverine system in the region, especially in Assam with Brahmaputra (NW2) and Barak (NW16), the inland waterways aims at rejuvenating its ageless role as the main conduit of trade and commerce. Globally considered as futuristic, the inland waterways provides an opportunity to opt for a more economic, efficient and environment friendly mode of transporting cargo and passengers. With the launch of schemes like ‘Jalvahak’, the Modi government has been incentivising the businesses to switch to inland waterways, thereby, improving the economies of scale, decongesting the railways and roadways and enabling a conducive ecosystem that is vital for pivotal role Assam is set to play towards India’s ascendency to become world’s biggest and an Atmanirbhar economy by 2047.”

    At the summit, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal announced allocation of ₹1,500 crore for a planned transition into Green Vessels by 2030 under the ‘Harit Nauka’ scheme. An amount of more than ₹1,500 crore has been earmarked to facilitate cruise tourism and enhance cargo handling capacity by 2027-28 in NW2 and NW16. This includes construction of jetties with on shore facilities at Silghat, Bishwanath ghat, Neamati Ghat and Guijan along with construction of a new building for Regional Office, MSDC, Guest house and office space for ITAT at Fancy Bazar in Guwahati. An amount of ₹375 crore is pegged for development of Phase II of Ship Repair Facility at Pandu. In order to maintain fairway, the government has entrusted Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) to ensure assured draft of 2.5 meters from Bangladesh Border to Pandu in NW-2 till 2026-27. An amount of ₹191 crore has been earmarked for this, Shri Sonowal stated.

     

    Adding further, he said, “Advantage Assam has always served as a catalyst for the region’s economic revival, providing businesses with a strategic platform to expand their trade and investment opportunities. With the immense support that Assam has received from our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we remain firmly committed to the holistic development of the economy of Assam and the Northeast. Among the various ongoing projects to enable inland waterways of Assam, we are also planning to transform the conventional vessels into Green Vessels under Harit Nauka scheme. This affirms the commitment of our government towards sustainable development, a milestone set by our dynamic leader Narendra Modi ji. Given the immense potential of riverine tourism in the state, we are developing an ecosystem including infrastructure and fairway for smooth, regular and viable operations. You may be happy to know that the Dredging Corporation of India (DCI), with its rich experience of dredging at the sea, has been entrusted with dredging the NW2, for the first time on any river in India.”

    The Union Minister also announced the development of Water Metro Service in Guwahati and Dhubri for an estimated investment of ₹315 crore. Based on the success of Kochi Metro Service, the feasibility study is being conducted for this. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also announced deployment of two Electric Catamarans being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). A world class cruise terminal will also be built in Guwahati with an estimated investment of ₹100 crore. 

    In Dibrugarh, an estimated ₹120 crore has been earmarked for development of Regional Centre of Excellence (RCOE). Adding further to the capital development along the NW2, Riverine Lighthouses will be built at FIVE places — Bogibeel, Biswanath, Nimati, Pandu and Silghat — at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore. In addition, a sum of ₹150 crore has been earmarked for fairway development with LAD of 2.5 meters between Pandu and Bogibeel. TWO Cutter Section Dredger units will also be purchased for Brahmaputra (NW2).

     

    The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency for the riverine transportation including national waterways under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), is implementing projects worth ₹1,010 crore along river Brahmaputra (NW2) and river Barak (NW16) in Assam. Among the major projects, the ship repair facility is being built at Panda with an investment of ₹208 crore while an alternate road from Pandu to NH27 is being built at an investment of ₹180 crore. New Inland Waterways Terminal (IWT) at Bogibeel as well as at Jogighopa —- with more than ₹66 crore and ₹82 crore of investment —- are being developed on Brahmaputra to ‘enable possibilities meet opportunities’, Shri Sonowal added.

    An investment of more than ₹646 crore has been earmarked to construct riverine infrastructure across Brahmaputra under the Sagarmala Scheme, the flagship programme of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. For Barak River, the Union Minister announced procurement of Survey Vessel, procurement of THREE Amphibian Dredgers, construction of Crane Pontoon and Gangway for proving Floating Terminal facilities in Karimganj, construction of Steel Pontoon and Gangway for providing Floating Terminal facilities at Badarpur among other projects.

    At this session, the Union Minister was joined by the Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma; Minister of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary, Fishery and PWRD, Govt of Assam, Krishnendu Paul; Chairman of IWAI, Vijay Kumar; High Commissioner of Singapore, His Excellency Simon Wong among other officials and corporate leaders from infra, railways and marine sector.

     

    ***

    G.D.Hallikeri / Henry

    (Release ID: 2106438) Visitor Counter : 32

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Noem Announces Agency Will Enforce Laws That Penalize Aliens in the Country Illegally

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Secretary Noem Announces Agency Will Enforce Laws That Penalize Aliens in the Country Illegally

    lass=”text-align-center”>DHS Will Use Every Available Tool to Compel Illegal Aliens to Self-Deport 
    WASHINGTON – Today, Secretary Kristi Noem announced the Department of Homeland Security will fully enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act, which created multiple tools to track illegal aliens and compel them to leave the country voluntarily. These tools include criminal penalties for certain aliens who:   

    Willfully fail to depart the United States. 
    Fail to register with the federal government and be fingerprinted. 
    Fail to apprise the federal government of changes to their address. 

    An alien’s failure to depart the U.S. is a crime that could result in significant financial penalty. An alien’s failure to register is a crime that could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both. For decades, this law has been ignored—not anymore.  
    Compelling mass self-deportation is a safer path for aliens and law enforcement, and saves U.S. taxpayer dollars, in addition to conserving valuable Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resources needed to keep Americans safe.  
    Statement Attributable to a DHS Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin 
    “President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream. 
    “The Trump administration will enforce all our immigration laws—we will not pick and choose which laws we will enforce.  We must know who is in our country for the safety and security of our homeland and all Americans.”  
    Aliens can register here.  
    This announcement comes on the heels of a nationwide and international ad campaign warning illegal aliens to self-deport and stay out.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Names Stephen Koerner as Acting Director of Johnson Space Center

    Source: NASA

    NASA has selected Stephen Koerner as acting director of Johnson Space Center. Koerner previously served as Johnson’s deputy director.
    “It is an honor to accept my new role as acting director for Johnson,” Koerner said. “Our employees are key to our nation’s human spaceflight goals. I am continually impressed with what our workforce accomplishes and am proud to be named the leader of such an incredible team dedicated to mission excellence.”
    Koerner previously served as deputy director of NASA Johnson beginning in July 2021, overseeing strategic workforce planning, serving as Designated Agency Safety Health Officer (DASHO), and supporting the Johnson Center Director in mission reviews. Before his appointment to deputy director, Koerner served as director of the Flight Operations Directorate (FOD) for two years. In that role, he was responsible for selecting and protecting astronauts, and for the planning, training, and execution of human space flight and aviation missions. He managed an annual budget of $367 million, 600 civil servants and military personnel, and 2300 contractor personnel.  He oversaw the Astronaut Office, the Flight Director Office, the Mission Control Center, human spaceflight training facilities, and Johnson’s Aviation Operations Division. During this tenure he was also responsible for FOD’s flight readiness of the first commercial human spaceflight mission, ushering in a new era of domestic launch capability and the return of American astronauts launching from American soil. 
    Prior to assuming his position as director of Flight Operations, Koerner served in several senior executive roles, including:

    Johnson Space Center Associate Director from 2018 to 2019
    Johnson Space Center Chief Financial Officer (CFO) from 2017 to 2018
    Deputy Director of Flight Operations from 2014 to 2017
    Deputy Director Mission Operations from 2007 to 2014

    Koerner joined Johnson full-time in 1992. He has extensive operations experience including serving as an environmental systems space shuttle flight controller, where he supported 41 space shuttle flights in Mission Control. Since that time, he has served in a series of progressively more responsible positions, including lead for two International Space Station flight control groups, chief of the space station’s Data Systems Flight Control Branch, chief of the Mission Operations Directorate’s Management Integration Office, and as the Mission Operation Directorate’s manager for International Space Station operations.
    Additional special assignments throughout his career include:

    Project manager for Johnson’s Crew Exploration Vehicle Avionics Integration Lab (June 2007 –June 2008)
    Member of NASA’s Human Exploration Framework Team (April 2010 –October 2010)
    Member of NASA’s Standing Review Board that provided an independent assessment at life cycle review milestones for the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Program, the Space Launch System Program and the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program (October 2011 – August 2014)
    Lead of NASA’s Mission Operations Capability Team (October 2015 –April 2017)

    “Steve has an accomplished career serving human spaceflight. His vision and dedication to the Johnson workforce makes him the perfect person to lead the Johnson team forward as acting director,” said Vanessa Wyche, NASA acting associate administrator. “Steve is an asset to the center and the agency—as both a proven technical expert and a leader.”
    Throughout his career, Koerner has been recognized for outstanding technical achievements and leadership, receiving two Superior Accomplishment Awards, the Outstanding Leadership Medal, the Johnson Space Center Director’s Commendation Award, two group achievement awards, the Exceptional Service Medal, and the Presidential Rank Award.
    Koerner is a native of Stow, Ohio. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Akron in Ohio, and a master’s degree in business administration from LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom issues statement on federal investments in Sites Reservoir

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 25, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom today issued a statement in response to the Trump administration’s announcement that it had released more than $315 million of obligated money to create new water storage at the future Sites Reservoir and at the existing San Luis Reservoir. 

    SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Newsom celebrated the release of funding by the Trump Administration for the state’s Sites Reservoir Project and the existing San Luis Reservoir

    “We are grateful for this shared priority with the Trump Administration as we move forward together to build critical infrastructure to improve water storage.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The Sites Reservoir will capture water during wet seasons and store it for use during drier seasons – holding up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water, enough to supply over 4.5 million homes for a year. It has received a total of $46.75 million in early funding from the state. In all, Sites is eligible for $875.4 million of Proposition 1 funding. The total project cost is estimated at $4 billion. Governor Newsom streamlined the project late last year, defeating a CEQA legal challenge and preserving that victory on appeal. Today’s funding was awarded during the Biden administration and released by President Trump today. More information about the project can be found at build.ca.gov.

    Recent news

    Feb 25, 2025

    News What you need to know: More than 9,000 properties were cleared of hazardous materials in less than 30 days – marking the fastest-ever hazardous debris removal effort in the nation. LOS ANGELES – In less than 30 days, federal and state crews have substantially…

    Feb 25, 2025

    News 23 new sites now available for development What you need to know: Governor Newsom is expanding access to the state’s program to create new housing on underutilized state property by streamlining the effort. Today the Governor launched a revamped Excess Sites…

    Feb 24, 2025

    News Releases $920 million in additional homelessness funding   What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced stronger accountability measures to hold local governments accountable if they fail to make progress in addressing homelessness. The Governor also…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Los Angeles wildfire hazardous debris cleanup reaches substantial completion in record time

    Source: US State of California 2

    Feb 25, 2025

    What you need to know: More than 9,000 properties were cleared of hazardous materials in less than 30 days – marking the fastest-ever hazardous debris removal effort in the nation.

    LOS ANGELES – In less than 30 days, federal and state crews have substantially completed wildfire hazardous debris cleanup for the Eaton and Palisades fires, as part of broader efforts to help Los Angeles firestorm survivors recover and rebuild at a record pace. 

    U.S. EPA crews, working alongside state Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) personnel and the U.S. Department of Defense, have reached 99% completion, with around 100 harder-to-access properties remaining. Crews have assessed and cleaned up thousands of residential parcels – clearing more than 9,000 properties of hazardous materials. 

    Phase 1 prioritizes the removal of household hazardous waste, which was necessary to begin Phase 2 clearing of structural debris. Governor Gavin Newsom joined federal, state and local leaders to launch that important second phase of work and mark the swift progress of cleanup efforts.   

    Thanks to the hard work and dedication of hundreds of federal and state crews, the first phase of debris cleanup is coming to a close and we can turn our focus fully to structural debris removal. Under the leadership of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, crews cleaned hazardous waste from thousands of properties in less than 30 days, a record pace never seen before at this scale.

    We’re working hand-in-hand with President Trump and his administration to clear debris as fast as possible to get Angelenos back to their properties to start rebuilding.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    By the numbers

    Historic recovery and rebuilding efforts — faster than ever before

    • Cutting red tape to help rebuild Los Angeles faster and stronger. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act. The Governor also issued an executive order further cutting red tape by reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with the Governor’s executive orders. Additionally, he signed an executive order to cut more red tape and continue streamlining rebuilding, recovery, and relief for survivors. The Governor also issued an executive order removing bureaucratic barriers, extending deadlines, and providing critical regulatory relief to help fire survivors rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly.
    • Providing tax and mortgage relief to those impacted by the fires. California postponed the individual tax filing deadline to October 15 for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Additionally, the state extended the January 31, 2025, sales and use tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County taxpayers until April 30 — providing critical tax relief for businesses. Governor Newsom suspended penalties and interest on late property tax payments for a year, effectively extending the state property tax deadline. The Governor also worked with state– and federally-chartered banks that have committed to providing mortgage relief for survivors in certain zip codes. For additional relief, Governor Newsom is sponsoring new legislation to allow homeowners who receive insurance payments for lost or damaged property to receive the interest accrued rather than lenders. The Governor is also proposing to create an over $125 million mortgage relief program to assist homeowners whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged by recent natural disasters, placing them at risk of foreclosure.  
    • Fast-tracking temporary housing and protecting tenants. To help provide necessary shelter for those immediately impacted by the firestorms, the Governor issued an executive order to make it easier to streamline construction of accessory dwelling units, allow for more temporary trailers and other housing, and suspend fees for mobile home parks. Governor Newsom also issued an executive order that prohibits landlords in Los Angeles County from evicting tenants for sharing their rental with survivors displaced by the Los Angeles-area firestorms.
    • Mobilizing debris removal and cleanup. With an eye toward recovery, the Governor directed fast action on debris removal work and mitigating the potential for mudslides and flooding in areas burned. He also signed an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as a key step in getting people back to their properties safely. The Governor also issued an executive order to help mitigate risk of mudslides and flooding and protect communities by hastening efforts to remove debris, bolster flood defenses, and stabilize hillsides in affected areas. Governor Newsom joined federal and local partners to begin work on structural debris removal — just 35 days after the start of the fires, a record-breaking pace for cleanup. 
    • Safeguarding survivors from price gouging. Governor Newsom expanded restrictions to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on rent, hotel and motel costs, and building materials or construction. Report violations to the Office of the Attorney General here.
    • Directing immediate state relief. The Governor signed legislation providing over $2.5 billion to immediately support ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles. California quickly launched CA.gov/LAfires as a single hub of information and resources to support those impacted and bolsters in-person Disaster Recovery Centers. That website features a dashboard tracking recovery efforts and a recovery services finder to help connect survivors with help. The Governor also launched LA Rises, a unified recovery initiative that brings together private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts. Governor Newsom announced that individuals and families directly impacted by the recent fires living in certain zip codes may be eligible to receive Disaster CalFresh food benefits.
    • Getting kids back in the classroom and supporting childcare providers. Governor Newsom signed an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms. Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to ensure that childcare providers are aware of their potential eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance and have the support needed to apply.
    • Protecting victims from real estate speculators. The Governor issued an executive order to protect firestorm victims from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited cash offers to purchase their property.

    Helping businesses and workers get back on their feet. The Governor issued an executive order to support small businesses and workers, by providing relief to help businesses recover quickly by deferring annual licensing fees and waiving other requirements that may impose barriers to recovery.

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Feb 25, 2025

    News 23 new sites now available for development What you need to know: Governor Newsom is expanding access to the state’s program to create new housing on underutilized state property by streamlining the effort. Today the Governor launched a revamped Excess Sites…

    Feb 24, 2025

    News Releases $920 million in additional homelessness funding   What you need to know: Governor Newsom today announced stronger accountability measures to hold local governments accountable if they fail to make progress in addressing homelessness. The Governor also…

    Feb 23, 2025

    News Pilot program to help LA recover and rebuild together What you need to know: Governor Newsom will debut a first-in-the-nation deliberative democracy program to help community members directly influence and inform the ongoing Los Angeles firestorm rebuilding and…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: DHA Acting Assistant Director, AD-HCA visits NAMRU San Antonio

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (Feb. 25, 2025) – Rear Adm. Matthew Case, the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) acting assistant director, Health Administration (AD-HCA) visited with leadership and staff of Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio.

    The purpose of the visit was to better understand NAMRU San Antonio ‘s mission, capabilities, and impact to Navy Medicine.

    Case, who additional serves as the director of the Navy Medical Service Corps, toured NAMRU San Antonio facilities at the Battlefield Health and Trauma (BHT) Research Institute and Tri-Service Research Laboratory.

    While touring BHT, Case was briefed research on bacterial reduction efficacy of a portable ozone sterilizer, tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) treatments in extreme cold, bone fracture fixation technology for craniomaxillofacial (CMF) fractures, development of a novel antivenom against specific snakebites, and an in-house design of an amalgam separator for dental chairs.

    Case is the fifth Navy Corps director to visit NAMRU San Antonio within the past two years. Rear Admirals Guido Valdes (Medical Corps), Walter Brafford (Dental Corps), Robert Hawkins (Nurse Corps), and Force Master Chief PatrickPaul C. Mangaran (Hospital Corps) have visited the unit since January 2023.

    NAMRU San Antonio is one of eight research laboratories within Navy Medicine Research and Development.

    Its mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: DT Midstream Reports Record 2024 Results; Raises Dividend and 2025 Adjusted EBITDA Guidance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Full year 2024 Adjusted EBITDA of $969 million
    • Increased dividend by 12%
    • Increased 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance
    • Announced new agreements to serve utility-scale power generation projects

    DETROIT, Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DT Midstream, Inc. (NYSE: DTM) today announced fourth quarter 2024 reported net income of $73 million, or $0.73 per diluted share. For the fourth quarter of 2024, Operating Earnings were $94 million, or $0.94 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $235 million.

    Full year 2024 reported net income was $354 million, or $3.60 per diluted share. For full year 2024, Operating Earnings were $375 million, or $3.81 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA for the year was $969 million.

    Reconciliations of Operating Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP measures) to reported net income are included at the end of this news release.

    “As a result of a great team effort, we delivered record results in 2024, exceeding our increased guidance. I want to thank each employee for their contribution,” said David Slater, President and CEO. “We successfully closed on the largest acquisition in our history last year and completed key organic growth projects ahead of schedule and on budget. We are very well positioned to serve growing demand across our footprint and continue our track record of premium, high-quality growth.”

    Slater noted the following significant business updates:

    • Increased 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance range to $1.095 to $1.155 billion, an 18% increase over 2024 original guidance
    • Increased dividend by 12% from fourth quarter 2024 to $0.82 per share, to be paid on April 15, 2025 to stockholders of record on March 17, 2025
    • Executed agreements for two new projects that will serve utility-scale power generation
    • Provided 2026 Adjusted EBITDA early outlook range of $1.155 to $1.225 billion, representing 6% annual growth from 2025

    “Our strong financial results for 2024, along with our increased organic project backlog, expanded asset footprint, and flexible balance sheet give us high confidence in meeting our goals for this year and beyond,” said Jeff Jewell, Executive Vice President and CFO.

    The company has scheduled a conference call to discuss results for 9:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. CT) today. Investors, the news media and the public may listen to a live internet broadcast of the call at this link. The participant toll-free telephone dial-in number in the U.S. and Canada is 888.596.4144, and the toll number is 646.968.2525; the passcode is 9645886. International access numbers are available here. The webcast will be archived on the DT Midstream website at investor.dtmidstream.com.

    About DT Midstream

    DT Midstream (NYSE: DTM) is an owner, operator and developer of natural gas interstate and intrastate pipelines, storage and gathering systems, compression, treatment and surface facilities. The company transports clean natural gas for utilities, power plants, marketers, large industrial customers and energy producers across the Southern, Northeastern and Midwestern United States and Canada. The Detroit-based company offers a comprehensive, wellhead-to-market array of services, including natural gas transportation, storage and gathering. DT Midstream is transitioning towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, including a plan of achieving 30% of its carbon emissions reduction by 2030. For more information, please visit the DT Midstream website at www.dtmidstream.com.

    Why DT Midstream Uses Operating Earnings, Adjusted EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow

    Use of Operating Earnings Information – Operating Earnings exclude non-recurring items, certain mark-to-market adjustments and discontinued operations. DT Midstream management believes that Operating Earnings provide a more meaningful representation of the company’s earnings from ongoing operations and uses Operating Earnings as the primary performance measurement for external communications with analysts and investors. Internally, DT Midstream uses Operating Earnings to measure performance against budget and to report to the Board of Directors.

    Adjusted EBITDA is defined as GAAP net income attributable to DT Midstream before expenses for interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and loss from financing activities, further adjusted to include the proportional share of net income from equity method investees (excluding interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization), and to exclude certain items the company considers non-routine. DT Midstream believes Adjusted EBITDA is useful to the company and external users of DT Midstream’s financial statements in understanding operating results and the ongoing performance of the underlying business because it allows management and investors to have a better understanding of actual operating performance unaffected by the impact of interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-routine charges noted in the table below. We believe the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA is meaningful to investors because it is frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties in the midstream industry to evaluate a company’s operating performance without regard to items excluded from the calculation of such measure, which can vary substantially from company to company depending on accounting methods, book value of assets, capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired, among other factors. DT Midstream uses Adjusted EBITDA to assess the company’s performance by reportable segment and as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting.

    Distributable Cash Flow (DCF) is calculated by deducting earnings from equity method investees, depreciation and amortization attributable to noncontrolling interests, cash interest expense, maintenance capital investment (as defined below), and cash taxes from, and adding interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, certain items we consider non-routine and dividends and distributions from equity method investees to, Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream. Maintenance capital investment is defined as the total capital expenditures used to maintain or preserve assets or fulfill contractual obligations that do not generate incremental earnings. We believe DCF is a meaningful performance measurement because it is useful to us and external users of our financial statements in estimating the ability of our assets to generate cash earnings after servicing our debt, paying cash taxes and making maintenance capital investments, which could be used for discretionary purposes such as common stock dividends, retirement of debt or expansion capital expenditures.

    In this release, DT Midstream provides 2025 and 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance. The reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA as projected for full-year 2025 and 2026 is not provided. DT Midstream does not forecast net income as it cannot, without unreasonable efforts, estimate or predict with certainty the components of net income. These components, net of tax, may include, but are not limited to, impairments of assets and other charges, divestiture costs, acquisition costs, or changes in accounting principles. All of these components could significantly impact such financial measures. At this time, DT Midstream is not able to estimate the aggregate impact, if any, of these items on future period reported earnings. Accordingly, DT Midstream is not able to provide a corresponding GAAP equivalent for Adjusted EBITDA.

    Forward-looking Statements

    This release contains statements which, to the extent they are not statements of historical or present fact, constitute “forward-looking statements” under the securities laws. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management’s current expectations or plans for our future operating and financial performance, business prospects, outcomes of regulatory proceedings, market conditions, and other matters, based on what we believe to be reasonable assumptions and on information currently available to us.

    Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “expectations,” “plans,” “strategy,” “prospects,” “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “anticipate,” “will,” “should,” “see,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “confident” and other words of similar meaning. The absence of such words, expressions or statements, however, does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. In particular, express or implied statements relating to future earnings, cash flow, results of operations, uses of cash, tax rates and other measures of financial performance, future actions, conditions or events, potential future plans, strategies or transactions of DT Midstream, and other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements.

    Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and conditions, but rather are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties that may cause actual future results to be materially different from those contemplated, projected, estimated, or budgeted. Many factors may impact forward-looking statements of DT Midstream including, but not limited to, the following: changes in general economic conditions, including increases in interest rates and associated Federal Reserve policies, a potential economic recession, and the impact of inflation on our business; industry changes, including the impact of consolidations, alternative energy sources, technological advances, infrastructure constraints and changes in competition; changes in global trade policies and tariffs; global supply chain disruptions; actions taken by third-party operators, producers, processors, transporters and gatherers; changes in expected production from Expand Energy and other third parties in our areas of operation; demand for natural gas gathering, transmission, storage, transportation and water services; the availability and price of natural gas to the consumer compared to the price of alternative and competing fuels; our ability to successfully and timely implement our business plan; our ability to complete organic growth projects on time and on budget; our ability to finance, complete, or successfully integrate acquisitions; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition and our ability to manage the risks of the Midwest Pipeline Acquisition; the price and availability of debt and equity financing; restrictions in our existing and any future credit facilities and indentures; the effectiveness of our information technology and operational technology systems and practices to detect and defend against evolving cyber attacks on United States critical infrastructure; changing laws regarding cybersecurity and data privacy, and any cybersecurity threat or event; operating hazards, environmental risks, and other risks incidental to gathering, storing and transporting natural gas; geologic and reservoir risks and considerations; natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, casualty losses and other matters beyond our control; the impact of outbreaks of illnesses, epidemics and pandemics, and any related economic effects; the impacts of geopolitical events, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East; labor relations and markets, including the ability to attract, hire and retain key employee and contract personnel; large customer defaults; changes in tax status, as well as changes in tax rates and regulations; the effects and associated cost of compliance with existing and future laws and governmental regulations, such as the Inflation Reduction Act; changes in environmental laws, regulations or enforcement policies, including laws and regulations relating to pipeline safety, climate change and greenhouse gas emissions; changes in laws and regulations or enforcement policies, including those relating to construction and operation of new interstate gas pipelines, ratemaking to which our pipelines may be subject, or other non-environmental laws and regulations; ability to develop low carbon business opportunities and deploy greenhouse gas reducing technologies; changes in insurance markets impacting costs and the level and types of coverage available; the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices; the success of our risk management strategies; the suspension, reduction or termination of our customers’ obligations under our commercial agreements; disruptions due to equipment interruption or failure at our facilities, or third-party facilities on which our business is dependent; the effects of future litigation; and the risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and our reports and registration statements filed from time to time with the SEC.

    The above list of factors is not exhaustive. New factors emerge from time to time. We cannot predict what factors may arise or how such factors may cause actual results to vary materially from those stated in forward-looking statements, see the discussion under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on Form 10-K and any other reports filed with the SEC. Given the uncertainties and risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, you should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

    Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. We are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any obligation to, update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or otherwise.

                                       
    DT Midstream, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Reported to Operating Earnings (non-GAAP, unaudited)
          Three Months Ended
          December 31,   September 30,
            2024     2024
          Reported Earnings   Pre-tax Adjustments   Income Taxes (1)   Operating Earnings   Reported Earnings   Pre-tax Adjustments   Income Taxes (1)   Operating Earnings
          (millions)
      Midwest Pipeline Acquisition Tax Impact     $ —   $ 22   A         $ —   $ —    
      Louisiana Tax Impact       —     (4 ) B           —     —    
      Bridge Facility       4 C   (1 )             —     —    
      Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream $ 73   $ 4   $ 17     $ 94   $ 88   $ —   $ —   $ 88
                                       
          Year Ended
          December 31,   December 31,
            2024     2023
          Reported Earnings   Pre-tax Adjustments   Income Taxes (1)   Operating Earnings   Reported Earnings   Pre-tax Adjustments   Income Taxes (1)   Operating Earnings
          (millions)
      Midwest Pipeline Acquisition Tax Impact     $ —   $ 22   A         $ —   $ —    
      Louisiana Tax Impact       —     (2 ) B           —     —    
      Bridge Facility       4 C   (1 )             —     —    
      Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream $ 354   $ 4   $ 17     $ 375   $ 384   $ —   $ —   $ 384
                                       
    (1) Excluding tax related adjustments, the amount of income taxes was calculated based on a combined federal and state income tax rate, considering the applicable jurisdictions of the respective segments and deductibility of specific operating adjustments
    Adjustments Key                              
    A State tax rate increase impact to deferred income tax expense due to Midwest Pipeline Acquisition
    B State tax rate reduction impact to deferred income tax expense due to enacted tax legislation
    C Bridge Facility interest expense related to funding Midwest Pipeline Acquisition
                                       
                                       
     
    DT Midstream, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Reported to Operating Earnings per diluted share (1)(non-GAAP, unaudited)
                                       
          Three Months Ended
          December 31,   September 30,
            2024     2024
          Reported Earnings   Pre-tax Adjustments   Income Taxes (2)   Operating Earnings   Reported Earnings   Pre-tax Adjustments   Income Taxes (2)   Operating Earnings
          (per share)
      Midwest Pipeline Acquisition Tax Impact     $ —   $ 0.22   A         $ —   $ —    
      Louisiana Tax Impact           (0.04 ) B           —     —    
      Bridge Facility       0.04 C   (0.01 )             —     —    
      Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream $ 0.73   $ 0.04   $ 0.17     $ 0.94   $ 0.90   $ —   $ —   $ 0.90
                                       
                                       
          Year Ended
          December 31,   December 31,
            2024     2023
          Reported Earnings   Pre-tax Adjustments   Income Taxes (2)   Operating Earnings   Reported Earnings   Pre-tax Adjustments   Income Taxes (2)   Operating Earnings
          (per share)
      Midwest Pipeline Acquisition Tax Impact     $ —   $ 0.22   A         $ —   $ —    
      Louisiana Tax Impact       —     —   B           —     —    
      Bridge Facility       0.04 C   (0.01 )             —     —    
      Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream $ 3.60   $ 0.04   $ 0.17     $ 3.81   $ 3.94   $ —   $ —   $ 3.94
                                       
    (1) Per share amounts are divided by Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding — Diluted, as noted on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (2) Excluding tax related adjustments, the amount of income taxes was calculated based on a combined federal and state income tax rate, considering the applicable jurisdictions of the respective segments and deductibility of specific operating adjustments
    Adjustments Key
    		                              
    A State tax rate increase impact to deferred income tax expense due to Midwest Pipeline Acquisition
    B State tax rate reduction impact to deferred income tax expense due to enacted tax legislation
    C Bridge Facility interest expense related to funding Midwest Pipeline Acquisition
                                       
                                       
     
    DT Midstream, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream to Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP, unaudited)
                     
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,
          2024       2024       2024       2023  
    Consolidated (millions)
    Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream $ 73     $ 88     $ 354     $ 384  
    Plus: Interest expense   36       38       153       150  
    Plus: Income tax expense   43       30       137       104  
    Plus: Depreciation and amortization   53       53       209       182  
    Plus: Loss from financing activities   1       4       5       —  
    Plus: EBITDA from equity method investees (1)   72       70       284       286  
    Less: Interest income   (5 )     (1 )     (7 )     (1 )
    Less: Earnings from equity method investees   (37 )     (40 )     (162 )     (177 )
    Less: Depreciation and amortization attributable to noncontrolling interests   (1 )     (1 )     (4 )     (4 )
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 235     $ 241     $ 969     $ 924  
                     
    (1) Includes share of our equity method investees’ earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, which we refer to as “EBITDA.” A reconciliation of earnings from equity method investees to EBITDA from equity method investees follows:
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,
          2024       2024       2024       2023  
        (millions)
      Earnings from equity method investees $ 37     $ 40     $ 162     $ 177  
      Plus: Depreciation and amortization attributable to equity method investees   21       20       82       82  
      Plus: Interest expense attributable to equity method investees   14       10       40       27  
      EBITDA from equity method investees $ 72     $ 70     $ 284     $ 286  
                     
                     
                     
     
    DT Midstream, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream to Adjusted EBITDA
    Pipeline Segment (non-GAAP, unaudited)
                     
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,
          2024       2024       2024       2023  
    Pipeline (millions)
    Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream $ 60     $ 71     $ 276     $ 278  
    Plus: Interest expense   10       12       47       55  
    Plus: Income tax expense   35       24       107       75  
    Plus: Depreciation and amortization   19       18       74       69  
    Plus: Loss from financing activities   1       2       3       —  
    Plus: EBITDA from equity method investees (1)   72       70       284       286  
    Less: Interest income   (3 )     —       (4 )     (1 )
    Less: Earnings from equity method investees   (37 )     (40 )     (162 )     (177 )
    Less: Depreciation and amortization attributable to noncontrolling interests   (1 )     (1 )     (4 )     (4 )
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 156     $ 156     $ 621     $ 581  
                     
    (1) Includes share of our equity method investees’ earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, which we refer to as “EBITDA.” A reconciliation of earnings from equity method investees to EBITDA from equity method investees follows:
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,
          2024       2024       2024       2023  
        (millions)
      Earnings from equity method investees $ 37     $ 40     $ 162     $ 177  
      Plus: Depreciation and amortization attributable to equity method investees   21       20       82       82  
      Plus: Interest expense attributable to equity method investees   14     $ 10       40       27  
      EBITDA from equity method investees $ 72     $ 70     $ 284     $ 286  
                     
                     
     
    DT Midstream, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream to Adjusted EBITDA
    Gathering Segment (non-GAAP, unaudited)
                     
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
        December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,
          2024       2024       2024       2023
      Gathering (millions)
      Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream $ 13     $ 17     $ 78     $ 106
      Plus: Interest expense   26       26       106       95
      Plus: Income tax expense   8       6       30       29
      Plus: Depreciation and amortization   34       35       135       113
      Plus: Loss from financing activities   —       2       2       —
      Less: Interest income   (2 )     (1 )     (3 )     —
      Adjusted EBITDA $ 79     $ 85     $ 348     $ 343
                     
                     
                     
    DT Midstream, Inc.
    Reconciliation of Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream to Distributable Cash Flow (non-GAAP, unaudited)
                       
          Three Months Ended   Year Ended
          December 31,   September 30,   December 31,   December 31,
            2024       2024       2024       2023  
      Consolidated (millions)
      Net Income Attributable to DT Midstream $ 73     $ 88     $ 354     $ 384  
      Plus: Interest expense   36       38       153       150  
      Plus: Income tax expense   43       30       137       104  
      Plus: Depreciation and amortization   53       53       209       182  
      Plus: Loss from financing activities   1       4       5       —  
      Plus: Adjustments for non-routine items (1)   —       (416 )     (416 )     (371 )
      Less: Earnings from equity method investees   (37 )     (40 )     (162 )     (177 )
      Less: Depreciation and amortization attributable to noncontrolling interests   (1 )     (1 )     (4 )     (4 )
      Plus: Dividends and distributions from equity method investees   43       465       633       623  
      Less: Cash interest expense   (60 )     (6 )     (140 )     (140 )
      Less: Cash taxes   (5 )     (4 )     (12 )     (22 )
      Less: Maintenance capital investment (2)   (13 )     (4 )     (30 )     (29 )
      Distributable Cash Flow $ 133     $ 207     $ 727     $ 700  
                       
    (1) Distributable Cash Flow calculation excludes certain items we consider non-routine. For the year ended December 31, 2024, adjustments for non-routine items included the $416 million Millennium financing distribution. For the year ended December 31, 2023, adjustments for non-routine items included the $371 million NEXUS financing distribution.
    (2) Maintenance capital investment is defined as the total capital expenditures used to maintain or preserve assets or fulfill contractual obligations that do not generate incremental earnings.
                       
                       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How the council is still helping residents with cost of living

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The council has invested £15 million helping residents over the last few years with the cost of living using the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF). Another £5.2 million has been allocated by the Government for twelve months from April.

    Latest data shows over the last 6 months, since the current Government extended the HSF funding from October to end of March, just over £300,000 has been used to help residents specifically with food. This is way ahead of the next largest amount distributed on day to day essentials for households, such as bedding and furniture, of just over £200,000.

    Essentials linked to energy and water came next at around £60,000 of funding allocated.

    Households with children were overwhelmingly the largest group who accessed cost of living support with nearly 3 quarters of a million households helped in that category.

    Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins said:

    ‘We’re as committed as ever to helping our residents cope with the cost of living, which is still stretching household budgets to the limit.

    ‘Please come and talk to us if you need help. I don’t want anyone to be in dire straits and struggling in silence. We have experts on hand who can work with you to find the best solutions whatever the situation. Just talk to us.’

    There is now a Food Alliance in the city where the council is working with a wide range of partners to help people access good food at affordable prices. The community shop network is also continuing to grow with new stores opening soon.

    There’s also the council’s Pocket to Plate initiative – sign up now to get the latest weekly recipes from Wolverhampton’s own tiktok sensation Mitch Lane and community chefs Prince and Simon. Just follow @pockettoplate on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.

    And another new project City Homemakers is coming soon, which will help people make small improvements to their homes without spending a fortune.

    It will encompass a number of ways residents can prevent waste, re-use, recycle and improve their homes even during these difficult financial times.

    Residents can find out more about all support available for cost of living on our dedicated webpages.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Budget: Accelerating Development through Reform and Innovation

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Budget: Accelerating Development through Reform and Innovation
    Budget: Accelerating Development through Reform and Innovation
    **************************************************************

         The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, unveiled today (February 26) his 2025-26 Budget. He noted that while geopolitical situation might bring risks, technology reform and artificial intelligence (AI) development are remoulding the global landscape, leading to the emergence of new industries, new forms of business, new products and new services. He stressed that Hong Kong must seize the opportunity to make the most out of this critical window to speed up development, establishing the new before abolishing the old. He also emphasised that transformation and innovation will lead the way into the future, and the Government is poised to fast-track the high-quality development of Hong Kong’s economy.      The Budget presents a series of measures aimed at accelerating the cultivation of new quality productive forces. On innovation and technology (I&T), the Government will promote Hong Kong into an international exchange and co-operation hub for the AI industry. Through frontier research and real-world application, the Government will endeavour to develop AI as a core industry and empower traditional industries in their upgrading and transformation. To spearhead and support Hong Kong’s innovative research and development as well as industrial application of AI, the Government will establish the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute and launch the Pilot Manufacturing and Production Line Upgrade Support Scheme (Manufacturing+). On finance, the Government will continue to take forward reforms to the listing regime, host the Hong Kong Global Financial and Industry Summit, and formulate a plan this year on promoting gold market development.      To seize the opportunities brought about by the rapid advancement of innovation and technology, the Budget highlights the need to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis, which is an investment in Hong Kong’s future. The Government will continue to accord priority to providing resources for this initiative, which primarily includes providing large tracts of I&T land at the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, together with San Tin Technopole; adopting an innovative mindset in piloting “large-scale land disposal”; developing a data facility cluster at Sandy Ridge; as well as identifying suitable sites in the Northern Metropolis for the construction of conference and exhibition facilities.     On the promotion of tourism, funding will be allocated to pursue the concept of “tourism is everywhere” and implement the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0. A study will be conducted on the development of the waterfront and former sites to the south of the Hung Hom Station into a new harbourfront landmark, including a yacht club.     Regarding land supply, Mr Chan announced that the Government will not roll out any commercial site for sale in the coming year in view of the high vacancy rates of offices in recent years to allow the market to absorb the existing supply. The Government will also consider rezoning some of the commercial sites into residential use and allowing greater flexibility of land use. To tie in with the relevant work, the deadline for completing in-situ land exchange for commercial sites in the town centre of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area will be extended.     Mr Chan proposed a reinforced version of the fiscal consolidation programme to focus on strictly controlling government expenditure, supplemented by increasing revenue, to restore fiscal balance in the Operating Account, in a planned and progressive manner, within the current term of the Government. For 2025-26, the executive authorities, the legislature, the judiciary and members of the District Councils, including members of the civil service, take a pay freeze. The Government will step up the Productivity Enhancement Programme; compared with 2023-24, the recurrent expenditure in 2027-28 will record a cumulative reduction by 7 per cent and deliver a saving of $27.3 billion. By April 2027, about 10 000 posts of the civil service establishment are expected to be deleted within this term of Government. The Government will also deliver more efficient public services to citizens through leveraging technology, streamlining processes and driving the digital transformation of public services. In the Budget, it is proposed to adjust two transport subsidy schemes, namely putting forward the “$2 flat rate cum 80 per cent discount” in the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities ($2 Scheme), and raising the threshold for receiving the subsidy under the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme from $400 to $500, with the prevailing subsidy cap at $400 per month remaining unchanged. He will uphold the “user pays” and the “affordable users pay” principles as far as practicable while increasing revenue, including increasing the air passenger departure tax, and reviewing the tolls of government tunnels and trunk roads. The Government will suitably expand the size of bond issuance on the premise of maintaining healthy public finances and use the funds raised on infrastructure works in a proper and flexible manner to invest in Hong Kong’s future and create value for society.     Mr Chan concluded that he has full confidence in and high expectations for the future of Hong Kong, because Hong Kong people are intelligent, creative and tireless in contributing to the economic development. More importantly, he is confident due to the staunch and unwavering support received from the country and Hong Kong people’s profound insight into the major development trends of the future, as well as the city’s enviable and advantageous position.     For more details on the 2025-26 Budget, click here.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 26, 2025Issued at HKT 17:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Modular Integrated Construction method

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ5: Modular Integrated Construction method
    LCQ5: Modular Integrated Construction method
    ********************************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Eunice Yung and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (February 26): Question:      ​There are views pointing out that in recent years, the Government has been actively promoting the construction of buildings by adopting the Modular Integrated Construction method (MiC), but the buildings constructed by adopting MiC vary in quality (e.g. more serious water leakage or seepage), and there are more design constraints (e.g. thicker walls and standardised flat layouts). In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) whether it has compiled statistics on the following information on buildings constructed by adopting MiC: (i) the number of buildings (set out by types of buildings); (ii) the respective numbers of buildings and units provided under transitional housing, public rental housing, Home Ownership Scheme and private developments constructed by adopting MiC in each of the past five years; and (iii) the number of complaints about building quality problems received by the Government in the past five years and, among them, the respective numbers of cases which were successfully handled and could not be handled, with a breakdown by the contents of the complaints (including (a) water leakage, (b) ‍water seepage and (c) others); (2) of the following information on buildings constructed by adopting MiC and involved alteration of layouts in the past five years: (i) the number of applications for change of layout plans received by the Government, as well as the number of applications approved and the reasons for unsuccessful applications; and (ii) the number of cases in which the Government found that the buildings concerned involved unauthorised alterations to the layouts, and the details of the follow-up actions taken; (3) as there are views that more buildings problems have occurred in buildings constructed by adopting MiC, whether the Government has conducted studies in this regard and whether it has plans to further enhance regulation so as to improve the quality of such buildings; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (4) whether the Government has plans to further promote the adoption of MiC; if so, how the Government will ameliorate the problems related to building quality and design arising from the adoption of MiC, and how it will encourage the industry to adopt MiC; if not, of the reasons for that? Reply: President,      ​Hong Kong construction industry has been facing challenges, including declining productivity, relatively high construction costs, and site safety issues. In recent years, the industry has been encouraged to adopt innovative construction technologies, new construction materials, and new construction methodologies to address these challenges comprehensively. Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) is one of the key initiatives  promoted by the Development Bureau (DEVB) since 2017. MiC is based on the “factory assembly followed by on-site installation” concept, which transfers the traditional on-site construction processes to factories. Freestanding MiC modules, including structure, interior fitting-outs and mechanical and electrical installations, are pre-fabricated off-site in factories and then transported to the site for assembly into buildings.      My reply in response to various parts of the question raised by the Hon Eunice Yung is as follows: (1) Completed MiC Projects in the past five years (2020-2024) (excluding emergency anti-epidemic facilities established in past years): 

    MiC Project
    Completed Projects (MiC Units)

    A. Public Works Programme

    4 (approx. 120)

    Elderly Care Homes

    1 (approx. 290)

    5 (approx. 4 300)

    Government Offices

    1 (approx. 20)

    B. Public Housing

    Transitional Housing

    32 (approx. 15 900)

    Elderly Housing

    1 (approx. 60)

    Subsidised Sale Housing

    1 (approx. 300)

    C. Private Housing
    1 (approx. 200)

    D. Others (Single-unit building)
    5 (approx. 5)

              Among the above completed MiC projects, according to records maintained by the relevant management parties, approximately one per cent of the units experienced cases of water leakage or water seepage. This percentage is lower than that of traditional construction methods, and there is no evidence to suggest that the water leakage or water seepage was related to the use of MiC. Most of these cases have been resolved, with only a few remaining under processing. (2) For MiC projects that are planned, under construction, or already completed as aforementioned, government departments have not received any applications for modifications to MiC partitions. (3) In terms of quality, MiC modules are assembled in factories using advanced automation and process management technologies. This allows manufacturers and supervisors to accurately and effectively monitor every detail of the assembly process, including material quality and deployment, assembly procedures, and product testing, ensuring that all completed MiC modules meet quality requirements.  Taking product testing as an example, each MiC module undergoes a series of tests related to structure, finishes, and electrical and mechanical installations before leaving the factory, including comprehensive water leakage and water seepage tests. If any quality issues arise, the causes can be easily and accurately identified and rectified. Additionally, each MiC module is equipped with an identification code to facilitate future maintenance. In terms of design, MiC is suitable for various layouts and building types, including housing, hostels, elderly care homes, schools, office buildings, data centres, and medical buildings. Large rooms such as classrooms and medical wards can be formed by combining multiple MiC modules. Currently, MiC construction technologies can minimise wall thickness and avoid double partition between modules, thereby enhancing the usability of indoor space. Besides its high quality and versatility, MiC also helps reduce on-site labour demand and shorten construction time, improving construction efficiency, reducing material waste, and enhancing site safety.      The University of Hong Kong conducted research on MiC pilot projects and found that the construction time for MiC is shortened by approximately 30 per cent to 50 per cent compared to traditional construction methods, on-site productivity increased by 100 per cent to 400 per cent, and construction costs are reduced by at least 10 per cent. In addition, the research confirmed that MiC outperforms traditional construction methods in terms of quality, environmental protection, and safety.      To enhance industry confidence in MiC quality, the DEVB has commissioned the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) to implement the MiC Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme, which started accepting applications in November last year. This scheme ensures that certified MiC manufacturers meet project requirements in management, production, and transportation, while also complying with relevant laws and regulations. (4) The Government leads by example through pilot projects and public works projects that adopt MiC, gaining experience and sharing it with the industry to promote wider use of MiC. To improve project design, the DEVB has established a MiC Dedicated Section that provides advice, technical support, and shares past project experiences during the MiC project design phase to optimise MiC design and fully leverage its advantages.      To encourage wider use of MiC by developers, the Government has introduced several measures, including a 10 per cent concession on MiC gross floor area and site coverage, a four per cent storey height concession for MiC floors, subsidies under the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund, and enhanced communication and collaboration with relevant departments to facilitate project approvals.      Additionally, the Hong Kong Construction Industry Council, Hong Kong Institute of Construction, and related associations are collaborating to enhance MiC site personnel training, including workers, supervisors, technicians, and project managers. They are also encouraging construction professionals to engage in more technological innovation and high-quality design to promote the development of the MiC industry.      In March of last year, the DEVB and the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province signed the Letter of Intent on Strengthening Guangdong-Hong Kong Cooperation in Construction and Related Engineering Sectors, deepening co-operation between Guangdong and Hong Kong in construction and engineering sectors. This includes developing MiC as a quality productive force to contribute to the high-quality national development. The goal is to make the Greater Bay Area a centre of MiC technology centre, turning MiC into a strategic industry that facilitates the exploration of overseas markets.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 26, 2025Issued at HKT 17:02

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ22: COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ22: COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
    LCQ22: COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
    *************************************

         Following is a question by Professor the Hon Chan Wing-kwong and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (February 26):Question:     To safeguard public health, the Government is implementing a territory-wide COVID-19 Vaccination Programme (the Vaccination Programme) free of charge for eligible persons. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:(1) of the respective numbers of received vaccination doses and vaccination rates under the Vaccination Programme in the past two years; among them, the respective numbers of received doses and vaccination rates for initial and booster doses;(2) of the respective numbers of received booster doses and booster vaccination rates in the past two years for various priority groups eligible for free booster vaccination, i.e. (i) older adults aged 50 or above (including those living in residential care homes), (ii) persons aged 18 to 49 years with underlying comorbidities, (iii) persons with immunocompromising conditions aged six months and above, (iv) pregnant women, and (v) healthcare workers;(3) of the financial expenditure incurred by the Government in implementing the Vaccination Programme in each of the past two years;(4) whether it knows the number of deaths due to COVID-19 infection in the past two years, and the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses received by the deceased prior to their death; and(5) since the restoration of normalcy after the pandemic, what measures the Government has put in place to promote COVID-19 vaccination among the public, particularly high-risk groups, in order to effectively prevent COVID-19?Reply:President,     With the ever evolvement of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the prevention and treatment capacities of the local healthcare system and society as a whole have been enhanced significantly.  COVID-19 has been managed as an upper respiratory tract illness by the Government since early 2023. Despite this, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that high-risk persons should receive COVID-19 booster doses at appropriate times to lower the risks of serious illness and death. With reference to the recommendations from the WHO as well as the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH), the Government is currently providing the JN.1 lineage COVID-19 vaccines for eligible individuals aged six months or above.     As the vast majority of the public had past COVID-19 infection, according to the recommendation of the JSC, the Government has simplified the arrangements for initial vaccination, which replaced the previous three-dose definition for initial vaccination, since August 19, 2024. Under the new arrangement, in general, persons aged five or above (regardless of their history of infection with COVID-19) are considered to have completed initial vaccination by receiving one dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Persons aged six months to four years who have been infected with COVID-19 are considered to have completed initial vaccination by receiving one dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. For those who have not been infected, they should receive two or three doses of vaccines in accordance with the recommendations of the vaccine manufacturers to be considered as having completed initial vaccination.  In addition, the JSC recommended that high-risk priority groups, including individuals aged 50 or above and those with chronic diseases, should receive a booster dose at least six months after the last dose or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later), regardless of the number of doses received previously, in order to enhance protection.     Between 2023 and 2024, the activity level of SARS-CoV-2 virus followed a cyclical pattern, with minor waves occurring every four to six months. For example, the virus became active in early January 2024 with a positive rate of 6.8 per cent among respiratory specimens, peaking at 16.8 per cent in early March before decreasing to lower levels in June. The subsequent wave peaked at 9.06 per cent from late July to early August before subsiding. As of the week ending on February 8, 2025, the positive rate for COVID-19 testing remained at a low level of 0.46 per cent.  Regarding the monitoring of variant strains, the JN.1 and its descendant lineages were the most prevalent variant strains.     The reply, in consultation with the DH and the Hospital Authority (HA), to the question regarding the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme raised by Professor the Hon Chan Wing-kwong is as follows:(1) As at January 31, 2025, a total of more than 21 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered under the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. In 2023 and 2024, about 586 000 and about 222 000 doses were administered respectively. The definition for initial vaccination was updated since August 19, 2024. Starting from August 19, 2024, about 61 000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered, including about 1 000 initial doses and about 60 000 booster doses. The estimated proportion of people that completed COVID-19 initial vaccination in Hong Kong is about 94 per cent.(2) According to the recommendation of the JSC, since April 20, 2023, citizens have to declare themselves as priority groups to continue receiving free boosters. Therefore, the DH only maintains records of the actual number of vaccinations for individuals who declared themselves as belonging to a priority group on or after April 20, 2023.     From April 20, 2023 to 2024, around 342 000 booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered for the self-reported priority groups. The vaccination figures broken down by the priority groups are as follows: 

    Self-reported priority group
    Number of booster doses administered

    Persons aged 50 or above and adult residents living in residential care homes
    332 000

    Healthcare workers
    6 000

    Persons aged 18 to 49 years with underlying comorbidities
    3 000

    Persons aged six months or above with immunocompromising conditions
    1 000

    Pregnant women
    Less than 400

    Total
    Around 342 000

    Note: Due to the lack of data on the population size of some priority groups, the vaccination rate cannot be calculated.(3) The expenditure figures of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 (as at January 31, 2025) were $230 million and $124 million respectively.(4) According to the data of the Deaths Registries, a total of 2 944 cases died of COVID-19 between January 2023 and December 2024, with over 98 per cent involving adults aged 50 or above, and among them, nearly 80 per cent had not received COVID-19 vaccination within six months prior to death. In addition, among those fatal cases with available information, nearly 90 per cent had history of known chronic diseases. The data showed that timely booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines for high-risk persons help lower the risk of severe illness and death.(5) Since the launch of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, the Government has set up an online booking system which is available around the clock. Members of the public may make a booking through the system for COVID-19 vaccination at Private Clinic COVID-19 Vaccination Stations, Children Community Vaccination Centre, designated general out-patient clinics under the HA, as well as designated Student Health Service Centres, Maternal and Child Health Centres or Elderly Health Centres under the DH. The Government also provides vaccination for adult residents of residential care homes (RCHs) for the elderly and RCHs for persons with disabilities through outreach services under the Residential Care Home Vaccination Programme.     The Centre for Health Protection has been disseminating health messages on prevention of communicable diseases and maintaining personal and environmental hygiene through various channels, such as TV and radio announcements in the public interest, social media, printed media, Health Education Infoline, media and radio interviews, advertisements on public transport, outdoor and digital media. The messages also cover the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. The Centre for Health Protection will continue to strengthen relevant publicity and health education through various channels. The DH has also encouraged and assisted the elderly in the community, especially elderly singletons, to receive necessary vaccines including COVID-19 vaccine via district networks, such as District Services and Community Care Teams. District Elderly Community Centres and Neighbourhood Elderly Centres under the Social Welfare Department, District Health Centres (DHCs) and DHC Expresses under the Health Bureau, as well as Elderly Health Centres under the DH, will also provide assistance to the elderly in need to make online bookings for COVID-19 vaccination.       In addition, the HA provides COVID-19 vaccination services at its 18 designated general out-patient clinics, 13 designated specialist out-patient clinics, the Children Community Vaccination Centre located at the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, as well as its staff vaccination depots. The HA also encourages eligible long-stay patients to receive COVID-19 vaccination to reduce the risk of severe cases and fatalities.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 26, 2025Issued at HKT 15:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ16: Developing family-friendly tourism

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Nixie Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (February 26):
     
    Question:
     
         It has been reported that the family-friendly tourism market has been developing gradually in recent years, and family travel has become a popular choice. There are views pointing out that while Hong Kong has various family-friendly tourism resources, such as theme parks, playgrounds, museums and country parks, the overall resources have not been consolidated, the planning of which is rather fragmented, and there is a lack of systematic ancillary facilities for family-friendly tourism. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it has plans to consolidate the family-friendly tourism resources in Hong Kong, introduce a clear and user-friendly map of family-friendly tourism resources to centrally display various types of facilities (e.g. theme parks, playgrounds, museums, country parks and outdoor activity venues), and provide one-stop information services for family tourists, with a view to helping parents plan their trips more conveniently; if so, of the mode to be adopted (e.g.‍ whether mobile applications or online platforms will be included), the implementation details and the timetable; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) whether it will further improve the family-friendly ancillary facilities (including family-friendly toilets, lactation rooms and child-safe facilities) in the family-friendly attractions, as well as the transport links between the attractions, so as to provide a convenient and comfortable experience for family tourists; and
     
    (3) as there are views that the potential of Hong Kong’s family-friendly tourism market has not yet been fully realised, how the Government will enhance the quality of existing facilities and introduce innovative family-friendly tourism products (e.g. organising more interactive exhibitions and parent-child activities combining education and entertainment, and providing more suitable indoor and outdoor children’s spaces); whether it will introduce preferential policies or subsidies in support of family-friendly tourism, so as to attract more family tourists to choose Hong Kong as their vacation destination?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         As an international city and a tourism hub with diverse culture, Hong Kong has world-class resources in the areas of culture, sports, tourism, ecology, etc. and has long been one of the most popular tourism destinations in the world attracting many family visitors every year. Hong Kong has the edge to further develop family tourism in terms of tourism products and facilities. Strengthening Hong Kong’s status as the premier tourism destination for family visitors is one of the strategies under the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 promulgated by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) last year.

         In respect of the questions raised by the Hon Nixie Lam, the consolidated reply is as follows:

         In terms of tourism products, there are various family-friendly itineraries and products available in the market, such as theme parks, family hiking trails, beaches in close proximity to the city, a variety of cultural and historical experience centres, museums. The Government has also been encouraging and facilitating the tourism industry to develop more family-friendly itineraries and products to showcase the unique characteristics of Hong Kong with a view to attracting more family visitors to Hong Kong. The two theme parks in Hong Kong, i.e. Ocean Park (OP) and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL), constantly provide family visitors with offers of discount tickets and hotel packages, and introduce a wide range of suitable activities to provide family visitors with unique travel experiences. The gifting of another two giant pandas, An An and Ke Ke, by the Central Government last year, together with Ying Ying, Le Le and their twin cubs, has made Hong Kong home to the largest number of giant pandas outside Mainland China at present. Our promotion of panda tourism as a priority is particularly appealing to family visitors. Besides, this year marks the 20th anniversary of HKDL, and there will be a year-long celebration which will be highly attractive to family visitors. Additionally, the Government encourages different organisations to launch diversified activities targeting at family visitors. For example, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) offers a variety of family-friendly facilities, including innovative play spaces for children and places to learn about plants and animals, which are highly sought after among parents and children. Examples include Hong Kong Park, Kowloon Park, Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Sham Shui Po Park, Cha Kwo Ling Promenade, Tuen Mun Park. The LCSD also organises The International Arts Carnival and “Summer Family Cine Fest” from July to August every year, as well as Fun@Museum Carnival and fun days during Muse Fest HK every November. Further to the Adventure Night @HKPM: Family Sleepover and various family workshops held in the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ respectively last year, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) will roll out a family arts event WestK FunFest 2025 from March to April this year.

         In terms of information dissemination, to facilitate itinerary planning by family visitors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has listed on its one-stop travel information platform, DiscoverHongKong.com, various points of interest that are suitable for family visitors, including the dedicated page, “Hong Kong attractions for families of all ages”, which consolidates various attractions suitable to family visitors like theme parks, Hong Kong Wetland Park (HKWP), on an interactive map; and featured articles recommending itineraries for family travel, providing transportation guide and offering recommendations on indoor family activities such as playgrounds, malls, workshops. The dedicated webpage also covers “12 museums for family days out in Hong Kong” and “Best family-friendly picnic spots in Hong Kong” to offer unique travel experiences to family visitors.

         In the meantime, the HKTB will continue to enhance its one-stop travel information platform to consolidate other important travel-related websites and applications (covering, for example, information relating to leisure and cultural facilities of the Government, hiking trails and camping), with a view to providing family visitors with more comprehensive, reliable, and up-to-date travel information and citywide offers. The HKTB will develop Live Travel Map and the Smart Itinerary Planner, which will provide visitors with real-time recommendations of nearby attractions, activities, offers, personalised itinerary suggestions that cater for their interests and preferences, and thereby providing them with unique travel experiences. These smart tourism initiatives are conducive to facilitating and enhancing the experiences of all visitors, including family visitors. 

         In terms of supporting facilities, the Government has all along been encouraging the hotel industry and various tourist attractions to continuously improve their supporting facilities, including family-friendly facilities such as hotel rooms with family elements and themed on giant pandas and kids. Some hotels are already equipped with family-friendly facilities such as playgrounds, kids clubs and toy rooms.

         Moreover, various tourist attractions are well-equipped with family-friendly facilities and services. For example, OP and Water World, HKDL, HKWP, different LCSD venues, the two museums in West Kowloon Cultural District, Ngong Ping Village, provide visitors with family-friendly facilities such as family toilets, changing rooms, nursery rooms. Some attractions also offer strollers and baby carriages rental service. Different attractions will continue to enhance their family-friendly facilities and services having regard to the preferences and needs of family visitors.

         The CSTB will, together with the HKTB, relevant bureaux and departments as well as the trade, continue to explore means to further promote the development of family tourism, develop and promote itineraries and products with unique Hong Kong characteristics, as well as provide suitable accommodation, supporting facilities and tailor-made travel experiences. We will target at not only family visitors but also MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) and business travellers attracting them to visit Hong Kong with their families, with a view to developing Hong Kong into a premier tourism destination for family visitors.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Addressing the problem of manpower shortage

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Jimmy Ng and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (February 26):
     
    Question:
     
         In the report on the 2023 Manpower Projection published by the Government in November last year, it was projected that the manpower shortage in Hong Kong would be widened to 180 000 by 2028. In particular, skilled technical workers, manual labourers and service industry workers would experience manpower shortage. It was projected that there would be a shortage of 147 000 to 162 000 workers in total by then. Some members of the industrial and commercial sectors are worried that the problem of manpower shortage will limit the development of relevant sectors, and they have urged the Government to introduce more targeted measures to address the problem. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the respective numbers of quotas used under the various sector-‍specific labour importation schemes so far; whether the authorities will study increasing the quotas for such schemes to address the problem of manpower shortage, as well as expanding the relevant schemes to cover more sectors with manpower shortage; if so, of the details;
     
    (2) as the Government launched the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) in September 2023 under which the general exclusion of the 26 job categories as well as unskilled or low-skilled posts from labour importation would be suspended for two years, of the number of labour importation applications approved under the ESLS so far and the number of workers involved, together with a breakdown by 26 job categories; whether the authorities will extend the ESLS or even regularise it; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (3) as it is learnt that applications under the ESLS and sector-specific labour importation schemes are in general required to be subject to a manning ratio of imported labour to full-time local staff (i.e. 1:2), but such a requirement may be waived under special circumstances, whether the authorities have waived the manning ratio requirement in respect of individual applications under such schemes in the past; if so, of the details; whether consideration will be given to relaxing the manning ratio requirement of such schemes; if so, of the details;
     
    (4) whether consideration will be given to relaxing the requirement that wages of workers imported under the ESLS and sector-specific labour importation schemes should not be lower than the prevailing median monthly wage of a comparable position in the market; if so, of the details;
     
    (5) as employers participating in the ESLS and sector-specific labour importation schemes are currently allowed to deduct up to 10 per cent of the wages of imported workers as the accommodation fee for the period that the imported workers occupy the accommodation provided by their employers, whether the authorities will consider raising the percentage; if so, of the details; and
     
    (6) whether it will introduce more new measures to address the problem of manpower shortage in the future; if so, of the details?

    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         To cope with the challenges brought by manpower shortage and on the premise of ensuring employment priority for local workers, the Government has enhanced the mechanism for importation of labour. On June 19, 2023, the Labour and Welfare Bureau introduced the Special Scheme to Import Care Workers for Residential Care Homes (Care Workers Scheme) for the residential care home (RCH) sector. On July 17, 2023, the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) respectively launched sector-specific labour importation schemes for the construction and transport sectors. In addition, the Labour Department (LD) has implemented the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) since September 4, 2023 to enhance the coverage and operation of the Supplementary Labour Scheme (SLS) including suspending the general exclusion of the 26 job categories as well as unskilled or low-skilled posts from labour importation for two years.
     
         In consultation with the DEVB and the TLB, our reply to the Hon Jimmy Ng’s questions is as follows:
     
    (1) Since the launch of the Care Workers Scheme and sector-specific labour importation schemes, a total of around 23 800 quotas for importation of workers were approved as at January 31, 2025. A breakdown by labour importation schemes is as follows:

    Labour Importation Scheme
    Quota ceiling
    Quotas approved

    Care Workers Scheme
    15 000
    Around 7 200 (Note 1)

    Labour Importation Scheme for the Construction Sector
    (Construction Sector Scheme)
    12 000
    9 109 (Note 2)

    Labour Importation Scheme for the Aviation Sector
    (Aviation Sector Scheme)
    6 300
    5 823

    Labour Importation Scheme for the Transport Sector – Public Light Bus (PLB)/ Coach Trade
    (Transport Sector Scheme)
    1 700
    (PLB: 900
    Coach trade: 800)
    1 700

    Note 1: Including the new quotas approved since the implementation of the Scheme in June 2023 and the quotas for renewal in respect of care workers previously imported through SLS.
    Note 2: Quota allocation is on a rolling basis, i.e. quotas will be released for new application after the completion of the relevant construction projects. As of end-2024, there were a total of 9 109 approved and active quotas under the Scheme.

         For the Care Workers Scheme, the Government reviewed the manpower situation of care workers in the RCH sector and in July 2024 announced that it would provide additional 8 000 quotas in the coming three years. Having regard to the overall demand for and supply of care workers in the RCH sector, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare will make timely adjustments to the number of overall quotas, as well as the number and pace of quotas allotted in each batch, with a view to responding flexibly and swiftly to changes in the manpower supply and demand in the RCH sector. Regarding the Construction Sector Scheme, on the premise of ensuring priority for local workers’ employment, the DEVB will carefully consider the allotment of the remaining quotas based on the labour market condition and construction project needs, and take note of the updates on manpower forecast to continuously monitor the use of quotas. In respect of the Aviation Sector Scheme, the TLB will make reference to a number of relevant factors such as the results of the latest airport manpower survey conducted by the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the implementation of the Scheme, stakeholders’ views, etc. to decide the future direction of the Scheme. Besides, TLB and the Transport Department are reviewing the implementation of the Transport Sector Scheme and assessing the manpower demand of the sector in the coming few years. We shall announce the way forward of the Schemes in good time subject to the review results.

    (2) From September 4, 2023 to January 31, 2025, 6 762 applications involving 47 474 quotas of imported workers were approved under ESLS. A breakdown of the number of quotas of imported workers approved by the 26 job categories, unskilled/ low-skilled posts and other posts is at Annex.
     
    The LD has been closely monitoring the implementation of ESLS and has commenced the review of ESLS. The LD will fully consider the views of stakeholders including employer associations and labour organisations in mapping out the way forward.
     
    (3) According to the general requirements of the sector-specific labour importation schemes and ESLS, employers shall fulfill a manning ratio of 2:1 for full-time local employees to imported workers. Under the Construction Sector Scheme, individual applications with special circumstances, such as applications involving special trades/ disciplines with very limited local supply (e.g. overhead linesman (high voltage)), will be exempted. For ESLS, exceptions include farm workers for which the standard of manpower requirement is specified by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. On the Care Workers Scheme, subvented RCHs and contract RCHs may for every two full-time local employees apply to import a maximum of one care worker only (i.e. a 2:1 ratio), and private RCHs and self-financing RCHs may for every full-time local employee apply to import a maximum of one care worker only (i.e. a 1:1 ratio). The Government has no plan to further relax relevant requirements.
     
    (4) to (6) To safeguard employment priority for local workers, applicant employers of respective labour importation schemes must undertake local open recruitment and give priority to employing suitable local workers to fill the vacancies at a salary not lower than the prevailing median monthly wage of a comparable position in the market. At the same time, employers approved to import workers are required to sign a Standard Employment Contract (SEC) with imported workers, and shall pay a salary not lower than the median monthly wage of a comparable position. Besides, in accordance with SEC, the employer may deduct the actual cost of accommodation in respect of a period that an imported worker occupies the accommodation from the wages payable to the worker for the corresponding period or 10 per cent of the amount of wages (excluding any overtime pay) payable to the worker for the corresponding period, whichever is the less.
     
         As explained in items (1) and (2) of the reply, the Government has been closely monitoring and reviewing the implementation of labour importation schemes. Relevant bureaux have been implementing appropriate measures in light of the situation to enhance the arrangement and operation of the Schemes. The LD has also commenced the review of ESLS. In addition, the Government will continue to adopt a multi-pronged strategy, including promoting training and retraining, providing appropriate employment support and driving technology adoption for productivity uplifting, to address the manpower shortage problem.
     
         The Government is also exploring the introduction of a new channel under the General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals to attract a specified number of young non-degree talents possessing relevant professional technical skills and experience to apply for entry into Hong Kong to join the skilled trades facing acute manpower shortage.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ13: After-school care and support services for students

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ13: After-school care and support services for students
    LCQ13: After-school care and support services for students
    **********************************************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Kenneth Leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (February 26): Question:      In order to enable students in need to stay at school outside school hours for care and learning support and allow their parents to take up jobs, the Government has proposed in the 2024 Policy Address to extend the School-‍based After-School Care Service Scheme to cover over 110 primary schools in the 18 districts across the territory. In parallel, the Education Bureau has set up the School-based After-school Learning and Support Programmes to support schools in providing after-school learning activities for needy students. Alongside in the community, after-school care services run by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) provide homework guidance, skill development and social activities for primary school children. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the respective numbers of (i) Primary One to Primary Six students and (ii) primary schools in various districts, as well as (I) ‍participating schools/centres (with the number of their service places) and (II) beneficiaries (with the utilisation rates) of (a) the School-based After-School Care Service Scheme, (b) the School-‍based After-school Learning and Support Programmes and (c) the after-school care services run by NGOs over the past two years (set out by District Council district in the following table);

    District Council district
    (i)
    (ii)
    (a)
    (b)
    (c)

    (I)
    (II)
    (I)
    (II)
    (I)
    (II)

    ……
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    Total
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

     (2) in respect of the three types of after-school care and support service/scheme/programme mentioned in (1)(a) to (c), of the following information for each of them over the past two years: (i) ‍the overall expenditure, (ii) the average amount of government funding received by each school/centre in respect of the relevant service/scheme/programme and (iii) the amount of subsidy per student; (3) in respect of the three types of after-school care and support service/scheme/programme mentioned in (1)(a) to (c), of the respective numbers of beneficiaries under each of them over the past two years who were from (i) single-parent families, (ii) families receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance and (iii) ‍families receiving full grant under the Student Financial Assistance Schemes for primary and secondary school students, as well as the respective percentages of students with special educational needs under each type of service/scheme/programme; (4) of the current number of after-school care service units mentioned in (1)(c) which offer pick-up and drop-off arrangements for students so that students can be sent to such units after school for care services; whether the authorities have provided resources to assist these service units in offering pick-up and drop-off arrangements; if not, of the reasons for that; (5) given that many dual working parents have indicated that one of the difficulties they encounter is bringing their children to and from schools, whether the authorities will, in the long run, consider developing student escort platforms or services in the community using different modes such as innovative technology and neighbourhood support, so as to facilitate dual working parents in picking up and dropping off their children; and (6) as there are views pointing out that while the three types of after-‍school care and support service/scheme/programme mentioned in (1)(a) to (c) are mainly targeted at underprivileged families at present, dual working families in general have a need for such services too, whether the authorities will conduct a comprehensive review and consolidate such service/scheme/programme, so that they can be extended to cover dual working families; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?Reply: President,      The Labour and Welfare Bureau, the Education Bureau (EDB) and the Social Welfare Department (SWD) have implemented the School-based After School Care Service Scheme since the 2023/24 school year. Under the Scheme, participating schools will provide venues, and the Community Care Fund will provide funding for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide services for students in need (particularly those from single-parent families) to stay at school after-school hours for care and learning support in a safe and familiar environment, thereby allowing their parents to take up jobs. In addition, the EDB implements the School-based After-school Learning and Support Programmes (SALSP) to support needy students to participate in after-school learning activities with a view to facilitating their whole-person and all-round development. The SWD provides the Fee-waiving Subsidy Scheme (FWSS) under After School Care Programme (ASCP) to support primary students from low-income families to receive the ASCP service operated by NGOs.      After consulting the EDB, our consolidated reply to the Hon Kenneth Leung’s question is as follows: (1) SALSP and ASCP, implemented by the EDB and the SWD respectively, are existing programmes, while the School-based After School Care Service Scheme is a new scheme implemented by the Government in the 2023/24 school year. The information on the utilisation of the aforementioned three types of scheme/programme is set out in Annex 1. The School-based After School Care Service Scheme was implemented at 59 primary schools located at seven districts offering some 3 000 service places in the 2023/24 school year, and expanded to cover more than 120 primary schools in all 18 districts across the territory offering about 6 000 service places in the 2024/25 school year. Subject to actual utilisation and outcome of the Scheme, the Government plans to encourage more schools to participate in the Scheme, without capping the number of places, in the 2025/26 school year.      As regards SALSP, which has been implemented since the 2005/06 school year, its aim is to support needy students to participate in after-school learning activities with a view to facilitating their whole-person and all-round development. All public sector schools (including special schools) and schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme can make application and there is no school quota. The main target beneficiaries of SALSP are Primary 1 to Secondary 6 students in receipt of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) or full grant under the Student Financial Assistance Schemes (SFAS). Participating schools could exercise discretion to benefit those students who are not in receipt of CSSA or full grant of SFAS but identified by schools as needy. The discretionary quota is capped at 25 per cent of the number of eligible students of the respective schools. Also under SALSP is the Community-based Projects, activities of which are organised in the respective districts by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and collaborating schools. Eligible students may participate in various activities under the School-based Grant and Community-based Projects at the same time. As such, the actual number of beneficiaries and utilisation rate are not applicable to the School-based After-school Learning and Support Programmes. The EDB encourages schools to flexibly deploy the School-based Grant and other related funding to enhance synergy, thereby organising diversified after-school learning activities for needy students. (2) In respect of the School-based After School Care Service Scheme and ASCP, (i) the overall expenditure, (ii) the average amount of funding allocated to each school/centre under the scheme/programme and (iii) the amount of subsidy for each student, over the past two years (2022-23 and 2023-24) are set out in Annex 2.      As for SALSP, the amount of School-based Grant that a school receives is calculated based on its number of students in receipt of CSSA or full grant under the SFAS as at the end of March of the respective school year, as well as its number of approved classes in the following school year. When calculating the amount of the grant, the rate for each of the above student is $400. Should schools have an 80 per cent or above utilisation rate of the School-based Grant in the previous school year, the rate of $600 per eligible student will be adopted as an incentive. As for the Community-based Projects, the applications submitted by NGOs are assessed on the basis of the content and nature of the activities, as well as the number of students and sessions involved, etc, and therefore the amount of funding for each activity differs. Eligible students may participate in various activities based on their needs and interests. In the 2022/23 and 2023/24 school year, $140 million and $137 million were provided to primary schools and NGOs respectively. (3) In respect of the aforementioned three types of scheme/programme, the respective numbers of beneficiaries that were (i) from single-parent families, (ii) receiving CSSA and (iii) receiving full level of assistance under the Student Financial Assistance Schemes, and the respective percentages of students with special educational needs (SEN) over the past two years (2022-23 and 2023-24) are set out in Annex 3. (4) ASCP aims at providing care services for children whose parents are unable to give proper care to them during after-school hours because of work or other reasons. It is operated by NGOs on a self-financing and fee-charging basis, providing care and support services for primary school children, including homework guidance, parental guidance and education, skill learning and social activities. The SWD provides financial assistance for the low-income families in need through the Fee-waiving Subsidy Scheme. The SWD does not maintain information of the service unit providing escort service for children attending ASCP. (5) and (6) The Government will complete the evaluation of the School-based After School Care Service Scheme in the 2025/26 school year to decide on the way forward. 

     
    Ends/Wednesday, February 26, 2025Issued at HKT 14:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ17: Unleashing elderly labour force

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         ​Following is a question by the Hon Lee Chun-keung and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (February 26):Question:      ​According to the statistics of the Census and Statistics Department, the proportion of elderly persons aged 65 or above accounts for about 23 per cent of Hong Kong’s total population in 2023. There are views that while the silver-haired group is a huge potential labour force in society, it is learnt that at present, elderly persons aged between 65 and 70 living with their family in public rental housing (PRH) flats will have their income counted towards the PRH income limits, and the monthly income limit for the Old Age Living Allowance (OALA) is $10,770 for a single person, which in effect hinder elderly persons from engaging in employment. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the number of elderly persons aged 65 or above in the labour force and their average monthly income over the past five years; (2) whether it has plans to relax the PRH income limit requirements for households with elderly members, for example, excluding the income of elderly members aged between 65 and 70 when calculating the income limit for such households; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; (3) whether it has considered relaxing the monthly income limit requirements for OALA recipients, so as to increase the incentive for the elderly to rejoin the workforce; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (4) of the future plans to unleash the elderly labour force in Hong Kong and encourage employers to consider hiring more elderly persons?Reply: President,      ​The Government is committed to encouraging and promoting the employment of older persons. In response to the Member’s question and after consulting the Housing Bureau and the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), a consolidated reply is provided as follows:(1) According to survey results of the General Household Survey of the C&SD, the statistical figures for the labour force and median monthly employment earnings of employed persons aged 65 and over in Hong Kong from 2019 to 2023 (excluding foreign domestic helpers) are listed at Annex.(2) Under the “Well-off Tenants Policies” of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), public rental housing (PRH) tenants who have been residing in PRH for ten years or more are required to declare their income, assets and whether they own any domestic property in Hong Kong biennially. The income and asset limits for ordinary households are set according to the household size. Under the existing policy, a PRH household will only be required to vacate their flat if their average monthly household income exceeds five times the prevailing income limit for PRH. For example, a four-person household with a monthly income limit of about $150,000 is required to vacate their flat. If all members of the same PRH flat are aged 60 or above, they are exempted from the “Well-off Tenants Policies” and are not required to declare their income and assets. The above exemption has been set up in recognition of the fact that retirees and near-retirees may need to rely on their savings and assets to support themselves in the future, and thus a more lenient standard has been adopted. We have no plan to further relax the existing arrangement for the time being.(3) As part of Hong Kong’s social security system, the Old Age Living Allowance (OALA) aims to supplement the living expenses of elderly persons aged 65 or above in need of financial support. OALA recipients are not required to make any contributions, but must pass a means test by meeting income and asset limits. The Government adjusts the income and asset limits annually in accordance with an established mechanism. In addition, the Normal OALA and the Higher OALA have been merged since September 2022 with more lenient asset limits adopted across-the-board. This allows elderly recipients to retain more assets, while receiving the payment rate of Higher OALA. Mindful of targeting finite welfare resources at the needy elderly, the Government has no plan to relax the income limits of the means test for the OALA at this stage. (4) With a view to supporting the employment of older persons and encouraging employers to engage older employees, the Government will continue strengthening the provision of training and employment services as well as staging publicity and promotion, which include:(i) The Employees Retraining Board (ERB) provides around 700 market oriented training courses straddling across 28 industries and generic skills for eligible persons including older persons. The ERB also provides training courses which gear towards the employment needs of older persons aged 50 or above to encourage the potential workforce to enter the labour market. Apart from general training courses, the ERB organises the Post-50 Internship Programme for older persons aged 50 or above to facilitate their understanding of the current employment market situation. Under the “Hire and Train” Scheme, the ERB encourages the participating employers to provide suitable job vacancies for trainees (including persons who have recently retired), adjust the working hours and leave arrangements to cater for trainees’ family and personal situations, and provide on-the-job training and other related support measures so as to encourage the potential workforce to enter the labour market. The ERB will continue to implement these measures, and explore the provision of more measures that meet the market demand to support older persons with training and employment needs.(ii) The Labour Department (LD) provides diversified employment services to job seekers including older persons, and launched the three-year Re-employment Allowance Pilot Scheme (REA Scheme) on July 15 last year to encourage older or middle-aged persons aged 40 or above who have not been in paid employment for three consecutive months or more to re-join the labour market. The REA Scheme covers full-time jobs, part-time jobs, and qualified “casual work” promoting flexible employment for older and middle-aged persons. During the implementation period of the Scheme, each eligible participant who has worked for 12 consecutive months can receive a maximum re-employment allowance of $20,000. As at end-January 2025, the REA Scheme recorded over 32 000 participants and over 12 000 placements. Of which, about 23 per cent of participants and 24 per cent of placements are older persons aged 60 or above. The response is very favourable. The re-employment allowance is not counted as income under the means test for the OALA.      In tandem with the REA Scheme, the LD implements the Employment Programme for the Elderly and Middle-aged (EPEM) to encourage employers to hire persons aged 40 or above and provide them with on-the-job training (OJT). Employers engaging each job seeker aged 60 or above who has left the workforce can receive a maximum OJT allowance of $5,000 per month for six to 12 months, while engaging each unemployed job seeker aged 40 to 59 is entitled to a maximum OJT allowance of $4,000 per month for three to six months. EPEM covers all industries, as well as full-time and part-time jobs. The Government welcomes employers taking on participants of the REA Scheme to join the EPEM. (iii) The Government will continue to encourage employers, having regard to their individual circumstances, to adopt elderly-friendly employment practices to facilitate more older persons to stay in or re-join the labour market. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ2: Cases of child maltreatment

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Dr the Hon Tik Chi-yuen and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (February 26):
     
    Question:
     
         The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (the Ordinance) will take effect on January 20 next year. According to the data of the Child Protection Registry Statistical Report, the number of maltreatment cases involving children with disabilities is rising rapidly. For example, the number of children with disabilities who had been subjected to sexual abuse increased from 125 in 2022 to 175 in 2023. There are views pointing out that this trend attracts little media coverage or attention, and the actual situation of child maltreatment is not well-known. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) as there are views pointing out that some victims of child maltreatment cases choose to cover up the incident and refrain from reporting to the Police or the Social Welfare Department’s Family and Child Protective Services Unit, given the “secondary damage” caused to them by the fact that they have to recall the course of the incident when facing judicial proceedings (e.g. taking statements and giving evidence in court proceedings), how the Government will deal with such situation upon commencement of the Ordinance; whether it will consider amending the legislation to mitigate the secondary damage caused to the victims; if so, of the timetable; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) given the increase in the number of child maltreatment cases (especially sexual abuse), whether the Government has conducted any in-depth investigation into this trend; if so, of the main reasons for such trend according to the findings of the investigation; whether it has formulated preventive measures targeting schools or youth groups;
     
    (3) as it is learnt that children with mental and physical disabilities are the major group of victims of child abuse cases involving children with disabilities, whether the Government has provided additional resources or protective measures to address the special needs of this group of people;

    (4) as the Secretary for Labour and Welfare has pointed out that the anticipated number of reported child abuse cases will increase substantially after the commencement of the Ordinance, whether the Government has sufficient resources to support child victims, such as enhancing the relevant psychological counselling, placement and rehabilitation mechanisms;
     
    (5) whether it will consider setting up a dedicated committee or organization to monitor the effectiveness of the implementation of the Ordinance, coordinate the relevant policies and initiatives, and regularly disclose to the public the data on case reports and the effectiveness of its efforts in handling the cases; and
     
    (6) as it has been reported that the Budget is going to propose a reduction in the funding for social welfare organisations, how the Government will tackle an increasing number of child maltreatment cases in the light of reduced funding and shortage of social workers, and whether it has estimated the average number of relevant cases that each social worker will need to handle after the reduction in funding?

    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (the Ordinance) mandates specified professionals in the social welfare, education and healthcare sectors to report serious child abuse cases, creating a comprehensive and effective protection web for children and sending a strong deterrent message to potential perpetrators that their abuse behaviours will be easily exposed. The consolidated reply to the Member’s question, in consultation with Education Bureau (EDB) and Security Bureau (SB), is as follows:

    (1) Various government departments and the Judiciary have been protecting child victims and witnesses through administrative procedures, guidelines and measures to encourage and facilitate them to report and give evidence in child harm/abuse cases and to lessen their trauma in the process. The Social Welfare Department (SWD), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Judiciary, has taken a number of measures to protect children. For example, during criminal investigations, the relevant departments may arrange children to give evidence through video-recorded interviews (VRI) in appropriate circumstances. These VRIs are conducted in a comfortable home-like environment by specially trained police officers, social workers, and/or clinical psychologists. The video-recorded evidence can be admitted as valid evidence at the trial, saving the children from recounting the incidents in the courtroom, thereby alleviating their embarrassment and trauma. During trials, the children can enter and exit court rooms through special access. In addition, they can also testify in another room by means of live television link in the company of trained witness-support persons to avoid facing the defendant and the public directly, thereby alleviating their psychological stress. In addition, the HKPF and the Department of Justice jointly established the Vulnerable Witness and Child Protection Task Force in 2022 to speed up and improve the evidence collection, prosecution and follow-up investigation work with collective efforts. The SWD and the HKPF will continue to organise training courses and review the procedures for handling sexual violence cases to enhance the skills and sensitivity of different professionals in order to effectively assist child victims and ensure that they receive appropriate protection and support.

    (2) Through the Child Protection Registry, the SWD has been collecting and compiling statistics on information of registered cases involving children who have been harmed/abused or currently at risk of being harmed/abused. The annual statistics are uploaded onto the SWD’s website for public reference. There were 1 367 newly registered child protection cases in 2021 and 1 457 cases in 2023, representing an increase of about 6.6 per cent in three years. Among them, there were 448 sexual abuse cases in 2021 and 509 sexual abuse cases in 2023, representing an increase of about 13.6 per cent. According to the SWD’s analysis, possible reasons for the increase in registered cases include: growing public awareness on child protection and more proactive reporting of cases as a result of the legislative exercise of the Ordinance as well as publicity and public education on child protection in recent years; more children are using social media, messaging apps, chat applications, or online games in recent years; and children having more opportunities to interact with others in resumption of normalcy after the epidemic.
     
         On publicity and education in the community, the SWD has been launching the publicity campaign on “Strengthening Families and Combating Violence” to raise public awareness on child protection and prevention of domestic violence and encourage those in need to seek help early through large scale publicity events and district-based activities. In 2022, the SWD has produced a series of videos on “Heart and Hut Classroom: Online Sexual Abuse Pitfalls” and broadcasted on social media to remind young people and parents of the risk factors, prevention and handling of online sexual abuse. The HKPF has been organising the “Let’s T.A.L.K. Child Protection Campaign” every year since 2021 to raise public awareness of child protection through a series of publicity and promotional activities. In addition, the HKPF organised a multi-disciplinary seminar on “Child Sexual Abuse in the Cyber World” on March 21, 2024, together with experts and representatives from relevant sectors and discussed with more than 500 parents, principals, teachers, social workers, Police officers and child service workers online and offline on how to effectively protect children from online sexual crimes, thereby enhancing their understanding of children’s online safety and their awareness and response capabilities to protect children from such crimes, and promoting collaboration among different professions.
     
         In respect of preventive work targeting schools or youth groups, the EDB has all along been assisting schools in the prevention, early identification and appropriate intervention of suspected child abuse cases through various measures. These measures include issuance of circulars and guidelines requiring schools to devise relevant mechanisms, procedures and measures to handle such cases; strengthening school social work service to assist schools in the early identification of suspected abused students and potential issues in their families; encouraging schools to implement Comprehensive Student Guidance Service, under which all teachers collaborate with school social workers, other student guidance personnel or specialists to provide comprehensive and extensive guidance service to students in need; as well as supporting schools to adopt a whole school approach, through cross-sector collaboration among professionals from different disciplines in schools (including student guidance personnel, school social workers and school-based educational psychologists), to intervene and follow up as early as possible, and to provide students with appropriate support. At the same time, the EDB actively promotes the “Positive Parent Campaign” to foster parents’ positive attitude and understanding in nurturing their children, so as to enable students grow up healthily and prevent child abuse incidents. In addition, the EDB has been working closely with the SWD and the HKPF to organise various training activities with a view to strengthening school staff’s knowledge, skills and abilities in handling suspected child abuse cases.

    (3), (4) and (6) The Government has allocated an additional provision in 2023-24 for enhancing the Government’s enforcement and support capacity, providing appropriate training to practitioners in the relevant professions and strengthening the promotion and public education work on child protection, with a view to supporting the implementation of the mandatory reporting regime (MRR) for child abuse cases.
     
         The Government has further allocated an additional provision in 2024-25 to increase emergency places for residential child care service and strengthen professional support for child abuse victims and their families to prepare for the potential increase in the reported child abuse cases upon the implementation of the MRR. Among which, two new residential child care centres will commence operation before the Ordinance comes into effect, offering a total of 96 additional service places each year and are expected to provide emergency placement for 384 children in need (in the estimation that each place of residential child care centre can take care of 4 children on average per year).
     
         The SWD will also strengthen the professional support to actual or suspected child abuse victims (including pre-primary children with special needs) and their families. Starting from March 2025, the SWD will subsidise non-governmental organisations to implement various child protection support services, including Home Visitation Support, therapeutic/psycho-social groups, educational and family enrichment activities, to complement the work of social workers of the Family and Child Protective Services Unit of the SWD or related casework service units in providing focused support services for children and families in need.
     
         Child protection (including pre-primary children with special needs) work and cases are being handled and followed up in a multi-disciplinary manner (including social welfare, education, law enforcement, healthcare). Professionals from different service units, including social workers, work together to provide professional support to children and families in need. The SWD does not maintain information on the average number of child protection cases handled by each social worker.

    (5) The Labour and Welfare Bureau, the EDB, the Health Bureau and the SB have formed a Cross-bureaux Working Group to make preparations for the implementation of MRR in January next year. The SWD and the HKPF are jointly developing the internal work flow and mandatory reporting platform to facilitate mandated reporters in making reports and collecting relevant data, ensuring efficient and effective follow-up on reported cases. Relevant bureaux and departments will continue to monitor the operation of MRR and the trend of the number of reports after its implementation. The number of cases reported through the MRR will be incorporated into the statistics of the Child Protection Registry and disseminated to the public.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ7: Commercial premises under Hong Kong Housing Authority

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hak-kan and a reply by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, in the Legislative Council today (February 26):

    Question:

         Regarding the leasing status of commercial premises under the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the respective vacancy rates of shopping centres and markets under HA in the past three years (set out in a table);

    (2) of the respective areas of HA’s commercial premises designated in each of the past three years for (i) leasing to government departments, (ii) handover to government departments for allocation on its behalf, and (iii) leasing to non-governmental organisations at concessionary rent, together with the respective vacancy rates of such areas (set out in a table); the respective ratios of the areas leased out or utilised under these three arrangements to the total area of the commercial premises;

    (3) given that nine of HA’s shopping centres do not have western medical clinics, whether HA will consider inviting Chinese medicine practitioners to set up clinics in these shopping centres to increase healthcare services in the respective districts;

    (4) given that HA has earlier launched the “Well Being•Start-Up” Programme in its shopping centres, which offers rent-free shop premises to young people, of the current status of implementation of the programme; whether HA will consider renewing the tenancies of such commercial tenants after the programme ends, and whether it will seek other business premises to continue the implementation of the programme; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (5) whether the authorities have reviewed if the trade mix of HA’s shopping centres can provide an adequate and comprehensive range of social services for the respective districts (e.g. to address the problem of ageing population in public rental housing estates); if they have, of the details; if not, whether they will undertake such a review from the perspective of usage?

    Reply:
     
    President,

         The reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hak-kan is as follows:

    (1) The policy objective of the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) is to provide affordable rental housing to low-income families with housing needs. The HA also provides, where appropriate, various ancillary facilities such as retail facilities and actively introduces different trades of goods and services to bring shopping convenience to residents, with a view to catering for and meeting their basic needs in daily life. As at end-December 2024, the overall vacancy rate (Note) of the HA’s commercial premises was 3.87 per cent, indicating an improvement compared with the rate of 3.95 per cent in the previous quarter (at September 2024). Compared with the rate of about 7.8 per cent in the private sector in the same period (at December 2024), the leasing status of the HA’s commercial premises was relatively better. At present, about 85 per cent of the HA’s retail facilities have maintained a vacancy rate lower than four per cent despite the impact brought by the changes in consumption patterns (such as going north for spending and shopping online) of some residents. In many of the HA’s shopping centres, including Ching Long Shopping Centre, JoysMark, Ying Tung Shopping Centre and Ping Yan Shopping Centre, most of the commercial premises, if not all, have been leased out. As for the HA’s markets, all the shopstalls in many of the markets have been leased out, including Choi Hung Estate Market, Ping Shek Estate Market, Ying Tung Market, Mun Tung Market and Tin Yan Market.

         The vacancy rates of shopping centres and markets under the HA in the past three years are set out as follows: 

     
    Vacancy Rate　(As at January 31 of each year)

    HA’s Retail Facilities
    2023
    2024
    2025

    Shopping centres
    1.2 per cent
    2.52 per cent
    3.73 per cent

    Markets
    7.01 per cent
    10.71 per cent
    13.32 per cent

    (2) When planning for public housing projects, the HA follows relevant government policies as well as planning requirements and liaises with relevant departments to reserve space for the provision of suitable welfare, community and recreational as well as sports facilities to serve the residents. 

         The non-domestic space in public housing estates (PHEs) is limited and the demand of residents for various non-domestic facilities to cater for their daily needs, such as retail shops, community, education and welfare facilities, car parks and ward offices, is keen. Over the past three years, no commercial premises under the HA have been designated for leasing to government departments or handover to departments for allocation on the behalf of the HA. As for leasing of non-domestic premises at a concessionary rent to eligible non-government organisations (NGOs) for the provision of welfare or community services to residents, the HA strives to provide suitable premises in PHEs as welfare premises. We will keep in view the use of non-domestic properties in PHEs and will update information on vacant welfare premises available for direct application by NGOs on a monthly basis. The information will also be uploaded onto the HA/Housing Department’s websites, allowing eligible NGOs which are interested in leasing welfare premises to make applications. 

    (3) and (5) The HA has all along been letting out its commercial premises through invitation of tenders in accordance with business principles, and the rental amount is assessed based on the prevailing market value. It has been the HA’s established policy to accord priority to business trades that are able to meet the basic needs of residents, such as pharmacies and Chinese and western medical clinic services catering for the daily needs of the elderly.
         
         Currently, among the nine HA’s shopping centres which are not equipped with western medical clinics, apart from Tin Ching Shopping Centre, there is at least one Chinese medical clinic and/or a pharmacy with provision of Chinese medicine consultation services, providing healthcare services to residents at their convenience. As for Tin Ching Shopping Centre, in its vicinity, there is a Jockey Club Tin Shui Wai Community Health Centre in the Tin Ching Amenity and Community Building, which provides healthcare services such as Chinese and western medical consultation and treatment as well as health checks. In the past, the HA had attempted for many times to invite tenders for the vacant premises in the shopping centre for Chinese and western medical clinics or relevant trades, but the tenders were unsuccessful. To better utilise the resources, the premises concerned were eventually leased out for other trades and all of the premises in Tin Ching Shopping Centre are now occupied.

         The HA has been collaborating with charitable organisations and NGOs to provide regular and convenient mobile Chinese medical or physiotherapy services in PHEs. Equipped with various medical equipment such as lifting platforms for the disabled, the “mobile Chinese medical vehicles” provide healthcare services including a range of medical services such as acupuncture, to residents in PHEs where Chinese medical or physiotherapy services are not available. From November 2023 to October 2024, the “mobile Chinese medical vehicles” have provided to 33 PHEs a total of more than 1 800 days of Chinese medical or physiotherapy services. 

         The HA will review the trade mix of its commercial facilities from time to time and will conduct appropriate and timely feasibility studies on the conversion of vacant premises for other suitable trades. The HA will adopt flexible marketing and leasing strategies and respond duly to the ever-changing market trends and customer expectations, with a view to providing more shopping choices and a wide variety of services to the residents and local community. In estates with a higher population ratio of elderly residents, the HA will take the initiative to approach potential tenants/organisations which target at serving the needs of the elderly and invite them to operate trades such as sale of rehabilitation and medical products, pharmacies, clinics and community centres to cater for the daily needs of the elderly. In addition, the HA has set up a hotline to provide leasing information on its commercial premises to facilitate potential tenants to contact the HA directly. To increase the chance of successful letting, QR codes have also been posted at shopping centres and markets, enabling potential tenants to browse the latest tender notices and subscribe to tender information related to commercial premises. Over the past year (from February 2024 to January 2025), the HA has successfully leased out over 200 shops and market shopstalls, with a certain portion of shops catering for the needs of the elderly for healthy lifestyles. These shop premises were successfully leased out after marketing efforts and formulation of/change for suitable trades in response to market trends. Examples include the Chinese and western medical clinic(s) in Lai Kok Estate, Ching Tao Court, Fuk Loi Estate and Shek Kip Mei Estate, the shop(s) selling rehabilitation and medical products in Tin Ching Estate, as well as the community service centres (with Chinese medicine services) run by NGOs in Shek Mun Shopping Centre and Shui Chuen O Plaza. This demonstrates the positive impact of the abovementioned flexible, effective and comprehensive leasing strategies.

    (4) To encourage and support young people in pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, the HA launched the “Well Being • Start-Up” Programme last year, offering rent-free shop premises in its shopping centres for young people to trial their business plans. If the participants make a profit from the programme, 20 per cent of the net profits will go to the HA to fund and sustain the development of the programme. The programme has been well received since its launch, with about 180 applications received. Currently, 17 selected teams are operating in different shopping centres under the HA. In view of the widespread support from young people and various sectors of the community for the programme, the HA is now actively considering the expansion of the programme. Private shopping arcades and landlords in the commercial sector will be encouraged to provide more chances for young people to start their businesses, make use of the vitality and innovative ideas of young people to provide residents with a more diversified choice of goods and shopping experience, and provide young people with more resources and opportunities to start their businesses and realise business plans with great potential.
         
         Note: Overall vacancy rate is calculated by: vacant lettable indoor floor area/lettable indoor floor area x 100 per cent.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal joins Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis for key distribution ceremony of 15 self-redeveloped housing societies in North Mumbai

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal joins Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis for key distribution ceremony of 15 self-redeveloped housing societies in North Mumbai

    1000 bed hospital construction progressing swiftly in North Mumbai and another 1000 bed hospital to come up in West Kandivali:Shri Goyal

    Posted On: 26 FEB 2025 11:14AM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, distributed keys for the 15 self-redeveloped housing societies in North Mumbai on 25 February 2025. Addressing the gathering, the Minister assured that the Central Government would extend full support to the Maharashtra Government’s initiatives in urban redevelopment and infrastructure development.

    Shri Goyal conveyed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s message, stating that the government remains committed to providing pucca houses to the homeless and those currently living in kachha houses in the same locality. He highlighted that this initiative aims to secure the future of families, ensuring a stable home for children and future generations.

    Speaking on the development in North Mumbai, Shri Goyal mentioned that the region has been witnessing significant infrastructure advancements in recent times. He noted that the construction of a 1000-bed hospital near the Magathane metro station is progressing swiftly, and another 1000-bed hospital is planned for construction in West Kandivali, which will enhance healthcare access and services in the region.

    The Minister applauded Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for leading major infrastructural projects, including the extension of the Coastal Road (Worli-Bandra) to Versova and the proposed coastal road connecting the new airport via the Atal Sethu. He stated that these projects would play a pivotal role in reducing congestion and improving connectivity in Mumbai.

    Shri Goyal also commended the Maharashtra Government’s efforts in addressing critical civic issues. He pointed out that the persistent problem of road damage during monsoon seasons is being tackled through the extensive use of cement-concrete roads. Additionally, he acknowledged that the issue of untreated sewage water polluting water bodies is being effectively managed, with over ₹26,000 crore allocated to ensure proper sewage treatment before its release into the ocean.

    The Minister urged stakeholders to actively participate in and create awareness about self-redevelopment projects in their respective areas. He expressed hope that such initiatives would provide North Mumbai with a new direction, fostering development and ensuring a secure future for its residents.

    Concluding his remarks, Shri Goyal emphasized that the event marked a significant step towards self-reliance in urban development, reinforcing the government’s vision of making housing accessible and sustainable for all.

     

    ***

    Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2106340) Visitor Counter : 52

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Budget Speech by the Financial Secretary (11)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Reinforcing Fiscal Consolidation Programme229. To uphold the principles of fiscal prudence, I recommend reinforcing the fiscal consolidation programme as put forward in last year’s Budget. The key is managing expenditure growth, making good use of the Government’s fiscal resources, and identifying new revenue resources. Our principles are:(a) to focus on strictly controlling government expenditure, supplemented by increasing revenue. Regardless of increasing revenue or cutting expenditure, the impact to the general public should be minimised. In particular, the Government will lead by example to demonstrate our commitment in cutting expenditure, whilst ensuring the delivery of high-standard public services. The Government will also continue to press ahead with infrastructure works projects in the NM and those related to the economy and people’s livelihood;(b) to maintain the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s simple and low tax regime, and to avoid considerable increase in tax rates or introducing new taxes; and(c) to uphold the “user pays” and the “affordable users pay” principles as far as practicable whilst increasing revenue. Strictly Containing the Growth of Government ExpenditureOperating Expenditure230. We will step up efforts to contain government operating expenditure. I have instructed all bureaux and departments to further review their resource allocation and work priorities, and provide public services in a more cost effective manner through consolidating internal resources, streamlining procedures and leveraging technology. 231. On the premise of maintaining efficient public services, we will implement the following measures:(a) stepping up the Productivity Enhancement Programme. On the premise that CSSA, Social Security Allowance and statutory expenditure will not be affected, the rate of reduction of recurrent government expenditure will be increased from the original one per cent to two per cent in 2025-26. This arrangement will be extended for two more years to 2027-28. Taking into account the one per cent cut in 2024-25, the cumulative rate of reduction will be seven per cent in total. Using 2023-24 recurrent expenditure as the basis, it will deliver a saving in recurrent government expenditure of around $3.9 billion, $11.7 billion, $19.5 billion and $27.3 billion in the respective financial years; (b) in view of the reduction in expenditure and enhancement in manpower utilisation, the civil service establishment will be reduced by two per cent each in 2026-27 and 2027-28. By 1 April 2027, about 10 000 posts are expected to be deleted within this term of Government; and(c) the Government will provide funding of $68.1 billion to the University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities in the coming three years. This funding has reflected a two per cent reduction target each year, which is in line with the magnitude of government’s recurrent expenditure cut. I must stress that this funding level is still higher than the $63.2 billion in the last triennium.232. In last year’s Budget, I have requested the relevant bureaux to review the operation of two transport subsidy schemes that incur relatively high expenditure with a rapid growth rate, namely the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities (i.e. the $2 Scheme) and the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme (PTFSS). In order to enable the continued operation of the schemes in a financially sustainable manner, we propose the following adjustments after review:(a) the $2 Scheme: On the basis that the targeted beneficiaries remain unchanged, the Government will change the concessionary fare to “$2 flat rate cum 80 per cent discount”, which means that beneficiaries will continue to pay $2 for trips with fare below or equal to $10. For trips with fare above $10, the beneficiaries will have to pay the amount of full fare after 80 per cent discount. Furthermore, the number of concessionary trips will also be limited to 240 per month. This fine-tuned proposal preserves our policy intent while striking a balance between enhancing the sustainability of the scheme and minimising the impacts to the beneficiaries; and  (b) PTFSS: From June 2025 onwards, the threshold of monthly public transport expenses incurred for receiving the subsidy under the Scheme will be raised from $400 to $500. The Government will continue to provide a subsidy amounting to one-third of the expenses in excess of $500, and the prevailing subsidy cap at $400 per month will remain unchanged.233. The relevant policy bureaux will announce the details later. Upon implementation of the refined arrangements, the Government is expected to save $6.2 billion in the coming five years.234. To assist bureaux and departments in reducing expenditure and ensure the proper use of public money, I have requested:(a) the Audit Commission to organise workshops for the senior management of Government departments and public bodies. Through sharing experience and case studies on its value for money audits, the Commission seeks to foster the management’s understanding and adoption of principles and best practices in fiscal prudence and optimal use of public money;(b) the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau to review and enhance the Government’s procurement regime. We expect that the new arrangements will be introduced in mid-2025, so as to facilitate departments to procure quality goods and services at a reasonable price through an open and fair framework; and(c) the relevant bureaux to review the expenditures on social welfare, healthcare and education. The recurrent expenditure on each of these three areas amounts to more than $100 billion in this financial year. The Government should, having regard to demographic changes in Hong Kong, optimise resources and review the sustainability of the use of resources.235. In addition, the Government puts forward that for 2025-26, the executive authorities, the legislature, the judiciary and members of the District Councils take a pay freeze. This includes the Chief Executive and politically appointed officials; the Non-official Members of the Executive Council; members of the civil service; the President, all Members and Secretariat of the LegCo; Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, judges of the courts at all levels and other members of the Judiciary; and members of the District Councils.Capital Works Expenditure236. Overall construction costs have risen in recent years. The Government will strive to enhance control on cost effectiveness when pressing ahead with infrastructure works projects. I have requested the Project Strategy and Governance Office (PSGO) under Development Bureau (DEVB) to support various departments in enhancing governance of public works projects on all fronts. PSGO scrutinises project cost estimates upon inception of a project, and optimises project design in accordance with the principle of “fitness-for-purpose and no frills”. PSGO also formulates cost-effective proposals in co-ordination with the relevant policy bureaux and works departments in order to reduce construction costs. Since its establishment, PSGO has reviewed over 540 public works projects, achieving savings in construction costs by over 15 per cent. 237. Meanwhile, PSGO is co-ordinating the relevant work on reducing construction costs. This includes formulating policies for the procurement of construction materials and products, such as MiC modules and steel reinforcement, through direct procurement by relevant works departments and centralised procurement by a single department. PSGO will also study the use of new materials and innovative construction technologies by drawing reference from the Mainland and overseas practices and experience. All these efforts aim to help departments reduce project costs, enhance cost-effectiveness and ensure timely completion of public works projects.238. Furthermore, the Government is reviewing the scale and mode of delivery of district cooling systems in new development areas, such as Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen and San Tin Technopole, to tie in with the development of the area with greater cost-effectiveness. The preliminary estimate of savings in terms of works expenditure is at least $40 billion. The Environment and Ecology Bureau will report the review results in the second quarter this year.Consolidating and Optimising the Use of Government Financial Resources239. Bureaux and departments set up funds outside the Government’s accounts for specific purposes from time to time in the light of their policy needs. Currently, there are a total of 42 such funds with an aggregate balance of nearly $180 billion. Some of these funds only use investment returns to meet their expenditure (i.e. seed capital funds). With different monitoring frameworks and investment strategies, these seed capital funds lock up an enormous amount of public financial resources.240. To enable the Government to make more flexible and effective use of these resources, we have reviewed the financial arrangements of these seed capital funds. We propose bringing back first six funds with relatively large unspent balance, totalling about $62 billion, to the Government’s accounts in 2025-26, after setting aside resources to meet the necessary expenditure of these funds for the next five years so that it will not affect their sustainable operation. This will provide a more comprehensive picture of the Government’s fiscal position and enable better use of its financial resources. We will also require the relevant bureaux to examine the financial arrangements of other seed capital funds.241. We have reviewed the utilisation of the Anti-epidemic Fund. Taking into account the expenditure requirements, the Fund has a remaining balance of about $15 billion, which will be brought back to the Government’s accounts next month. This sum has been reflected in the revised estimate for 2024-25.Enhancing Public Service Efficiency242. The Government has all along endeavoured to deliver more efficient public services to citizens through leveraging technology, streamlining processes and driving the digital transformation of public services.243. We are striving to realise “single portal for online government services”, with a view to providing a one-stop shop for citizens to obtain information, apply for services and settle bills. Since the launch of the “iAM Smart” mobile application, the number of registered users has exceeded 3.2 million. “iAM Smart” connects about 500 services of the Government as well as public and private organisations and provides nearly 600 electronic government forms.244. The DPO is planning to progressively implement a “Digital Corporate Identity” Platform before the end of next year. This will enable Hong Kong enterprises to undergo corporate identity authentication and digital signature process in a secure and convenient manner when using electronic government services or conducting online business transactions. This measure will facilitate digital transformation of enterprises, and help enhance government departments’ efficiency in processing online applications.245. The Transport Department will roll out a number of electronic licensing services, including electronic driving licences, progressively from the middle of this year to early next year. The Department will continue to launch various electronic permits and integrated, user-friendly online services. It also plans to introduce a bill into LegCo on electronic driving licence in the first half of this year to provide the option of displaying driving licences through dedicated applications on smartphones.246. The Housing Bureau has selected 10 public rental housing estates as the pilot sites for smart estate management to adopt more technologies, such as Internet of Things sensors, robots, etc, in daily estate management. It will also launch a centralised estate management platform this year to enhance management efficiency and service quality.247. DEVB is driving digitalisation of public works in full swing, and applying AI technology for big data analysis to reduce the risk of project delay and cost overrun. DEVB is also driving the wider application of highly-effective construction robots in projects with functions including automated processes, remote control, AI, etc, to support construction personnel in various fields to enhance work efficiency, cost-effectiveness, site safety and works quality. 248. The Civil Service College will enhance the content on technology application in civil service leadership training, equipping departmental leaders to optimise their information technology systems, better utilise big data and AI, and arrange appropriate training for their staff.Increasing Revenue249. For some time in the past, some government fees and charges have not been adjusted in accordance with the established mechanisms. As a result, these fees and charges are not pegged to their costs and fail to reflect the “user pays” principle. I am going to introduce the following measures:(a) the rate of air passenger departure tax will be increased from $120 to $200 per passenger starting from the third quarter of 2025-26. It is anticipated that government revenue will increase by about $1.6 billion per year. The impact on air passengers is expected to be minimal;(b) an application fee of $600 will be charged under various talent and capital investor admission schemes with immediate effect. The visa fees, to be charged based on the duration of limit of stay, will be raised to $600 or $1,300. It is estimated that government revenue will increase by about $620 million per annum;(c) the Government has cancelled the tolls of some major tunnels and strategic routes three years ago and the tolls of some Government tunnels have not been adjusted for over 30 years. Considering the fact that the Government has invested heavily in building these infrastructure, the Transport and Logistics Bureau will review the tolls of relevant government tunnels and trunk roads to embody the “user pays” principle. The Government will also review the annual licence fee for electric private cars, parking meter charges, as well as the fixed penalties for traffic offences for better traffic management. Based on preliminary estimation, the relevant adjustments could generate about $2 billion additional revenue per annum;(d) we will explore introducing a boundary facilities fee on private cars departing via land boundary control points. Coaches, goods vehicles, etc, will not be affected. Taking a fee of $200 per private car as an example, the measure will bring in revenue of about $1 billion per annum; and(e) in January 2025, we submitted a bill to LegCo on the implementation of the global minimum tax proposal drawn up by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to address base erosion and profit shifting. We aim to apply the global minimum tax rate of 15 per cent on large multinational enterprise groups with an annual consolidated group revenue of at least EUR750 million and impose the Hong Kong minimum top up tax. Subject to the passage of the bill, the proposal will bring in tax revenue of about $15 billion for the Government annually starting from 2027-28.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Budget Speech by the Financial Secretary (10)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Public Finance

    210. The Government has been adhering to the principle of keeping the expenditure within the limits of revenues as enshrined under Article 107 of the Basic Law and strives to achieve fiscal balance over a period of time to ensure the resilience and sustainability of our public finances.

    211. Let me elaborate on the Government’s current fiscal position.

    212. Government revenue and expenditure are broadly presented in two major accounts, namely the Operating Account and the Capital Account. The revenue of the Operating Account mainly comes from various types of tax revenue, investment income, government fees and charges, and so on, while its expenditure is largely attributed to the Government’s daily expenses. As for the Capital Account, its revenue is mainly land-related, while its expenditure largely involves infrastructure works projects and land acquisition.

    213. In view of the different composition and nature of the Operating Account and the Capital Account, we have to manage them separately with different fiscal targets and methods. The Operating Account should be managed on the basis of keeping expenditure within the limits of revenues with the target of achieving a surplus.

    214. As for the Capital Account, expenditure on infrastructure works is our investment for the future. For instance, the NM development, which will bring economic and social benefits upon completion, has to be taken forward to meet the needs for social and economic development. However, as revenue is susceptible to economic cycles, there may be a shortfall between revenue and expenditure. Under such circumstances, we can utilise the surplus in the Operating Account or our fiscal reserves as support, or make flexible use of market resources, including various forms of public private partnership and bond issuance.

    215. We forecast that the Operating Account will largely achieve balance in 2025-26 and return to a surplus starting from 2026-27. The Capital Account is estimated to record a deficit in the Medium Range Forecast (MRF) period due to the accelerated development of the NM and other public works projects relating to the economy and people’s livelihood. Nevertheless, the level of deficit will decline year on year from 2026-27 onwards.
     
    Revised Estimates for 2024-25

    216. The 2024-25 revised estimate on total government revenue is $559.6 billion, lower than the original estimate by 11.6 per cent.

    217. Among them, revenues from profits tax and salaries tax remain stable at $177.7 billion and $88 billion respectively, comparable to the original estimates, demonstrating the strong resilience of Hong Kong economy.

    218. However, as asset market is under pressure, government revenues from land premium and stamp duties have declined. Revenue from land premium is $13.5 billion, substantially lower than the original estimate by $19.5 billion. Revenue from stamp duties of $58 billion is lower than the original estimate by $13 billion.

    219. Government expenditure for 2024-25 is comparable to the original estimate. The revised estimate of total government expenditure for 2024-25 is $754.8 billion, lower than the original estimate by $22.1 billion. Of this, the recurrent expenditure is $562.5 billion, lower than the original estimate by $17.7 billion.

    220. Taking into account the issuance of government bonds of $130 billion and repayments of $22.1 billion, it is expected that there will be a consolidated deficit of $87.2 billion for 2024-25. Fiscal reserves are expected to be $647.3 billion by March 31, 2025.
     
    Estimates for 2025-26

    221. Looking ahead to 2025-26, the Government will continue to provide resources for consolidating momentum on economic growth, promoting the accelerated development of I&T industries, and enhancing public services. We will also increase capital works expenditure to cater for the NM and other public works projects relating to the economy and people’s livelihood, so as to support the sustained economic development of Hong Kong.

    222. The major policy initiatives announced in the 2024 Policy Address involve operating expenditure of $8.1 billion and capital expenditure of $14.1 billion. The financial implications of such initiatives have been reflected in the estimates for 2025-26.

    223. Total government expenditure for 2025-26 will increase by 8.9 per cent to $822.3 billion, with its ratio to nominal GDP projected to be 24.4 per cent.

    224. Recurrent expenditure for 2025-26 will increase by 4.5 per cent to $588.1 billion. Of this, substantial resources will still be allocated to livelihood related policy areas including healthcare, social welfare and education, involving a total of $348.6 billion, representing about 60 per cent of recurrent expenditure. Non recurrent expenditure will decrease by 3.4 per cent to $36.1 billion.

    225. Total government revenue for 2025-26 is estimated to be $659.4 billion, while earnings and profits tax are estimated to be $301.2 billion, increasing by 8.4 per cent over the revised estimate for 2024-25. On the basis of the Land Sale Programme and the land supply target of 2025-26, revenue from land premium is estimated to be $21 billion, increasing by 55.3 per cent over the revised estimate for 2024-25. Having regard to the recent trading conditions of the stock market, revenue from stamp duties is estimated to be $67.6 billion, increasing by 16.5 per cent over the revised estimate for 2024-25. Besides, we will bring back about $62 billion from six endowment funds established outside the government accounts.

    226. Taking into account the bond issuance of about $150 billion and repayments of about $54.1 billion in 2025-26, a deficit of $67 billion is expected for the year, and the fiscal reserve will decrease to $580.3 billion.
     
    Support Measures

    227. Having regard to the pressure faced by some industries and the people, and the Government’s fiscal situation, we will introduce the following measures:

    (a) provide rates concession for domestic properties for the first quarter of 2025/26, subject to a ceiling of $500 for each rateable property. This measure will involve 3.12 million domestic properties and reduce government revenue by $1.5 billion;

    (b) provide rates concession for non-domestic properties for the first quarter of 2025/26, subject to a ceiling of $500 for each rateable property. This measure will involve 430 000 non-domestic properties and reduce government revenue by $200 million.

    (c) reduce salaries tax and tax under personal assessment for the year of assessment 2024/25 by 100 per cent, subject to a ceiling of $1,500. The reduction will be reflected in the final tax payable for the year of assessment 2024/25. This measure will benefit 2.14 million taxpayers and reduce government revenue by $2.9 billion;

    (d) reduce profits tax for the year of assessment 2024/25 by 100 per cent, subject to a ceiling of $1,500. The reduction will be reflected in the final tax payable for the year of assessment 2024/25. This measure will benefit   165 400 businesses and reduce government revenue by $200 million; and

    (e) provide an allowance to eligible social security recipients, equal to one half of a month of the standard rate Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) payments, Old Age Allowance, Old Age Living Allowance or Disability Allowance, while similar arrangements will also apply to recipients of the Working Family Allowance, altogether involving an additional expenditure of about $3.1 billion.

    228. To ease the burden on buyers of residential and non-residential properties at lower values, I announce that the maximum value of properties chargeable to a stamp duty of $100 will be raised from $3 million to $4 million with immediate effect. This measure is expected to benefit about 15 per cent of property transactions and reduce government revenue by about $400 million annually.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –