Wang Fuk Court survivors hit out at ‘bureaucratic’ process for URA subsidies

Survivors of Hong Kong’s deadly Tai Po blaze have condemned what they called “insensitive and bureaucratic” arrangements for a government subsidy, with some saying they were blindsided by demands to provide proof of legal heirship in the wake of the blaze that tore through the estate and killed 168 people last year.The outcry over red tape and logistical challenges followed a notice issued on Tuesday by Hop On Management, the government-appointed administrator for Wang Fuk Court, outlining a rigid schedule for in-person cheque collection for building maintenance subsidies, which must be completed by the owner or an authorised person.Hop On said it would distribute the subsidy cheques from the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) to around 1,700 eligible owners between February 7 and 14 during designated time slots across 11 locations, mostly transitional housing sites where some survivors are currently staying.According to the government, eligible residents will receive the full subsidy by cheque – HK$40,000 (US$5,119) or HK$50,000 – with those aged 60 or above entitled to the higher amount.The URA scheme, titled Operation Building Bright 2.0, supports homeowners whose buildings are mandated to conduct inspection and repair works. Most Wang Fuk Court owners were eligible for the subsidy, as the estate had been under renovation since July 2024 until the fatal blaze broke out in November 2025.Hop On stated that owners must either appear in person at the scheduled venue and time to collect their cheque or authorise a representative to attend on their behalf.