Politics
Sha Tin District Council Community Priority Funding Policy Redirects Local Budget to Resident Projects
The policy change takes effect this month and alters how funds for parks, community centres and transport links reach households across Sha Tin constituencies.
How we reported this
The Sha Tin District Council began rolling out its Community Priority Funding Policy on 1 July, moving a portion of the district operating budget from central administration to projects proposed by residents in each of the 30 constituencies.
The move follows the council's June review of spending patterns recorded in the 2026 district budget paper, which identified rising demand for upgrades at facilities serving public housing estates in Tai Wai and Ma On Shan.
Direct effects on daily services
Households near the Sha Tin Wai MTR station can now submit proposals for park lighting and seating through a new online portal, while families in Fo Tan public housing blocks may apply for extended hours at nearby community centres previously limited by administrative caps. Local advocates note the process replaces the previous top-down allocation that required council committee approval for every item above HK$50,000.
The 2026 district budget paper records HK$120 million set aside for local initiatives, with 35 percent now reserved for resident-led bids instead of internal staffing costs. Policy analysts say this figure comes from the same line item used in the prior two fiscal years for maintenance contracts.
Applications open on 15 July and close on 15 September, with the first round of approvals expected by October. The legislation states that each approved project must serve at least 500 households within a single constituency to qualify for release of funds.
Council staff will hold information sessions at the Sha Tin Town Hall on 20 July and 27 July to explain eligibility rules and required documentation for submissions.