account. Payment is not made, unless there is urgent need, without a home visit, which is the most reliable method of determining accurately the needs and resources of a family.
10.7 In general, the present arrangements work well. Since the field units are located throughout Hong Kong, it is easier for the staff to visit the homes of clients, and for clients to consult a field unit. The schemes will therefore continue to depend on the provision of small field units, which can be conveniently managed, generate better staff morale and are within easy reach of most clients. However, procedures are being re-examined to ensure the most economical use of staff and a speedy service to the public.
Independent appeal board
10.8
At present there is no appeal system for those cases dealt with by a field unit. A person who does not think that he has received his entitle- ment can apply for his case to be reviewed by the Director of Social Welfare, ask UMELCO to intervene or petition the Governor. It is desirable for there to be an independent appeal system, which would provide a speedy means of redress for anyone who is dissatisfied with the Social Welfare Department's decision. It is therefore proposed to establish a Social Security Appeal Board which would consider appeals against any decision under the public assistance scheme or the welfare allowance scheme. The Board would be primarily concerned with questions of fact or the exercise of discretion, providing a safety valve for those who are dissatisfied with the Department's decision. Experience with the operation of appeal boards in other countries suggests that, while in the majority of cases the decisions appealed against are confirmed, the provision of an avenue of appeal is valued by appellants and the Department concerned.
10.9
The Appeal Board might comprise a chairman (official or unofficial) and 2 unofficial members, selected from a panel of members. The Board's decision would be binding on the Director of Social Welfare, but would relate only to the individual appeal: it would not constitute a precedent for other cases coming before either the Director of Social Welfare or the Board. In order to deal with appeals quickly, the Board would meet each week.
An appellant could put his case personally or in writing. Following the pattern of the Small Claims Tribunal, a friend of the appellant could speak on his behalf if the Board permits, but there would be no legal representation. Such hearings would be informal and conducted in whichever language the Board considered most suitable for the appellant.
Independent medical board
10.10 The welfare allowance scheme will (and the sickness, injury and death benefit scheme would) require medical certification before payments can be made. Existing pressures on the Medical and Health Department would mean that this additional work could be taken on only at the risk of jeopardising existing services. Accordingly, it is proposed to examine the feasibility of entrusting responsibility for assessment and certification to an independent medical board.
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