Demerit system for contractors ‘not ruled out’, Hong Kong development chief says

The Hong Kong government has not ruled out the possibility of introducing a demerit system for contractors, according to the development chief, after an independent inquiry into last year’s deadly Tai Po fire identified unscrupulous consultants and building professionals as the main culprits of the tragedy.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho said in a television interview on Sunday that authorities were also considering introducing new conditions for homeowners who applied for the government’s building maintenance subsidy scheme, including a long-term plan and fund for property maintenance.

“I do not rule out the possibility of introducing a demerit points system in the next stage if we can formalise the mechanism further. However, we have not considered it at this stage,” Linn said.