Housing Secretary Winnie Ho on Tuesday said authorities must strike a balance between public finances and how much public housing tenants can afford to pay in rent.

She made the comment after the Housing Authority proposed raising public housing rents by 10 percent.

If approved, the increases would take effect in October with a three-month exemption period for most tenants.

Some elderly tenants have expressed concerns that they will struggle to afford the increases.

Speaking on an RTHK programme, Ho said authorities have to strike a balance between public affordability and financial stability.

"I think everyone understands that the rent for public housing is much cheaper than in the private market... In public housing, we take care of the living environment, cleanliness, rubbish collection, and maintenance. The rent is low but it helps us maintain financial stability," she said.

The housing minister said poor families can apply for rent assistance that cuts their rent by up to 50 percent, adding that the government has been paying the rent for those supported by Comprehensive Social Security Assistance.