• Former Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam's office will be relocated to government premises.
• The decision aims to save taxpayers HK$5.67 million in annual rent.
• The Immigration Tower in Wan Chai will serve as the new office location.
• Lam's office expressed optimism about the relocation amid the government's financial deficit.

Former Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor is set to move her publicly funded office from a high-end commercial building to government-owned premises in Wan Chai, a transition that is welcomed by Lam as it promises significant cost savings. According to sources from the South China Morning Post, the office's new location will be the Immigration Tower, housing her workspace at no rental cost, contrasting her previous annual rent of HK$5.67 million (approximately US$730,000).

In a statement, Lam's office confirmed, "Mrs Lam welcomes the relocation, which will save recurrent rental cost while at the same time enable her to continue discharging the former chief executive’s duties." The move comes amid increasing scrutiny regarding government expenses, as it was revealed that Lam’s former office incurred a total cost of about HK$9.17 million (US$1.17 million) for the fiscal year 2023-24, largely due to rental charges. Following calls from lawmakers for a more budget-friendly arrangement, the decision to relocate drew approval.

The relocation is expected to occur following necessary renovations to the Immigration Tower, which are scheduled well before Lam’s current lease expiration in May 2025. This office space was previously allocated to the director of immigration, as the government has put plans to redevelop the area into convention and hotel facilities on hold. As noted by the South China Morning Post, the entire 23rd floor is currently under renovation, marking a new chapter for Lam as she aims to cut down on costs amid a substantial government deficit that is predicted to hover around HK$100 billion for the current fiscal year.

This strategic move underscores the government's commitment to fiscal responsibility, especially given the public's growing concern about expenditure associated with maintaining the former chief executive's office.