SOCIAL WELFARE
Item
Public Assistance Scheme
Purpose
To extend public assistance to able- bodied workers between 18 - 55
Public Assistance Scheme Disability and Infirmity Allowance Scheme
Unemployment Benefits
To review existing levels of payments and criteria for eligibility with a view to extending the benefits available under these schemes
J
To consider a contributory scheme of unemployment benefits
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References
(a) Item 327 of the minutes of the Governor's Committee held
on 6th August 1976, paragraphs 2, 4 and 5. (b) Annex D, paragraph 5.
Present Position
Executive Council approved in principle extension of public assistance to able- bodied adults and to young persons aged 15 to 17 inclusive as household members and not independently in their own right. Administrative arrangements and costings are now being prepared.
A working party is being established to review these schemes in depth.
Time-table
For implementation on 1st April 1977
Proposals to be agreed by 1st January 1978 for phased introduction by the end of 1980
Services for Youth
Rehabilitation
To prepare a programme plan on preventive social work among youth in order that positive on-the-street services are offered to counter the influences of crime and vice
To examine what services need to be provided or extended to the disabled to enable them to attain the fullest physical, mental and social capability compatible with their disability
Work on the Programme Plan commenced in early September.
Green Paper on the Further Development of Rehabilitation Services in Hong Kong covering the period from 1976 to 1985 was tabled at the Legislative Council on 13th October 1976 for public comment.
White Paper to be published in late 1977
White Paper to be published about" April 1977
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