Youth bureau orders tighter hostel procurement oversight
SingTao · 4 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau said it has met the non-governmental organisation involved in the Tai Po youth hostel case and is treating the procurement of furniture and equipment as a serious matter. The operator has refunded the government in full for unused equipment, and the bureau has updated procurement controls for all subsidised youth hostel projects.
Key Points
- An Audit Commission report released in April examined government-funded youth hostels and cited relatively high procurement costs at the PH2 youth hostel in Tai Po, operated by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups.
- Examples cited included HK$903,000 for 78 bathroom heater-ventilator units, about HK$3,390 each for 76 toilet paper holders, and about HK$2,390 to HK$2,400 each for 46 soap dispenser racks.
- The bureau told the Legislative Council Public Accounts Committee that it had met the relevant NGO, which has fully refunded the government for all unused equipment and pledged a full review of its internal procurement procedures and guidelines.
- The bureau has formally written to all NGOs receiving its subsidies, urging strict compliance with government funding rules and prudent use of public money, and warning that any breaches will trigger necessary follow-up under funding agreements.
- Drawing on Government Logistics Department guidance issued in October 2025 and Audit Commission recommendations, the bureau has revised its rules to require market research, cost breakdowns, reasons for restricted tender shortlists, and comparisons with budgets and similar past contracts.
Why It Matters
The case is prompting tighter scrutiny of how publicly funded youth hostel operators buy fixtures and equipment, with the bureau also saying it will review submissions more rigorously to ensure purchases are compliant, practical and environmentally minded. The bureau also said both operating youth hostel projects have now been audited and are expected to complete final accounts within October, after it criticised delays as not meeting regulatory requirements