On Feb. 4, the East Kowloon District Residents' Committee submitted recommendations for the 2025/26 fiscal budget, supporting the government's strategy of increasing revenue and reducing expenditure.
They proposed enhancing the "tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong" concept by creating regional tourism IP for all 18 districts and developing local mascots to promote the mascot economy.
In preparation for the upcoming 15th National Games, they suggested establishing a "Hong Kong home ground" image for the Kai Tak Sports Park, connecting it with culturally rich areas like Kowloon City and Wong Tai Sin.
Regarding the "$2 Scheme," the committee urged improvements to the fare structure, recommending a "segmented fare" system and promoting the "tap off upon alighting" policy. They proposed allowing passengers to pay the normal fare first, then tap again for the discount to reduce government costs.
On the freeze of civil service salaries, the committee acknowledged its temporary benefits but called for a long-term review of the overall structure. They emphasized using technology to enhance efficiency and streamline positions.
Lastly, while recognizing challenges in public finances, the committee stressed that the Northern Metropolis's development should not be delayed, as it is crucial for Hong Kong's economic growth. They highlighted ongoing focuses on public housing and infrastructure in the coming years.
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