Hong Kong's new Legco kicks off with focus on Tai Po fire relief and reforms

Hong Kong's newly elected Legislative Council held its first meeting on January 15, led by president Starry Lee Wai-king, with Chief Executive John Lee outlining priorities for responding to the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po. Discussions centered on relief for displaced residents, rehousing, industry reforms, and anti-bid-rigging measures amid calls for accountability.

In its inaugural session, Hong Kong's new 90-member Legislative Council—featuring 40 first-time lawmakers—convened on January 15 to address fallout from the November 2026 Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po, which killed at least 161 people, displaced nearly 5,000 residents, and exposed issues like flammable scaffold netting during renovations.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered the opening address, emphasizing government priorities: rehousing for Wang Fuk Court residents, reforming building maintenance practices, and ensuring accountability for the tragedy. This followed the previously announced agenda, which skipped the regular officials' question time.

A government motion sought Legco support for relief and rebuilding efforts, presented alongside a lawmaker's motion targeting bid-rigging in renovation projects and broader systemic reviews. The session provided the public first insights into the new council's dynamics under Starry Lee Wai-king, highlighting national integration and post-disaster recovery as key focuses.

Observers await further details on resettlement progress and inquiry outcomes in upcoming discussions.

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The results of Hong Kong's eighth-term Legislative Council election were unveiled early on Monday, with all 90 members elected, including 40 by the Election Committee, 30 by functional constituencies, and 20 by geographical constituencies through direct elections. The new LegCo will begin its four-year term on January 1, 2026. The election, held under Beijing's 'patriots-only' system, saw a turnout of 31.9 percent.

Hong Kong's newly elected lawmakers will discuss a government motion to strengthen support for residents affected by the Wang Fuk Court fire at their first chamber meeting next Wednesday, but will skip a regular question session for officials. The meeting will also debate a lawmaker's motion calling for a review of the city's building maintenance system and a crackdown on bid rigging in renovation projects. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will give an opening speech.

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Following the deadly November 26 Tai Po fire that killed 161 and displaced 5,000 at Wang Fuk Court, Hong Kong's Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho pledged stricter building safety laws, vowing no leniency for construction sector loopholes and government takeover of risky renovations.

Amid ongoing fallout from November's deadly Tai Po fire—which claimed over 160 lives and displaced thousands—Hong Kong residents are pushing for a class-action lawsuit mechanism, but long-delayed legal reforms are standing in the way, as covered in prior reports on government safety pledges.

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Hong Kong policies from Tai Po redevelopment to anti-bid-rigging measures appear shaped with little legislative input. Former lawmaker and veteran unionist Chan Yuen-han called it irresponsible for officials to offer an option that could take a decade, describing the city's long reconstruction timelines as a joke and a sign it has not kept up with the mainland. Other voices have urged the government not to rule out this most challenging and time-consuming option.

Hong Kong’s Housing Department will tighten declaration-of-interest rules after a surveyor arrested on suspicion of manslaughter failed to disclose his role at the fire-ravaged estate where he worked as a service provider. The blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po last November killed 161 people. Industry leaders have warned that undeclared interests could create conflicts and undermine public confidence.

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Hong Kong's Home Affairs Minister Alice Mak has urged Tai Po landlords against raising rents to capture government subsidies for residents displaced by the deadly November Wang Fuk Court fire. The HK$150,000 annual aid (for two years) aims to help victims secure local homes, amid concerns over market exploitation.

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