CONFIDENTIAL
6
that the first batch of applications will be invited in
September/October 1981. Eligibility for the Home Purchase
Scheme is extended to officers on salary point 29 or above on
the Master Pay Scale, or pensionable officers with 20 or
more years service.
Eligibility for the housing loan scheme,
which is expected to be of particular assistance to those
nearing retirement, is extended to officers with at least
10 years pensionable service.
Fringe Benefits for married women officers
17.
In November 1980, Executive Council endorsed the
Administration's proposal that married women officers should
be eligible for the same benefits as married men officers
as far as they themselves are concerned, but not for their
husbands and children, with the exception of medical benefits
which would also be provided for their children. However,
in view of difficulties encountered, this policy has been
critically re-examined, and ExCo will be consulted within the
next month or two on a proposal to grant married women equal
eligibility for fringe benefits.
Assistance for Civil Servants in debts
18.
The refinancing scheme has, since its implementation
in March, refinanced debts totalling $31 million for nearly
1,700 civil servants.
still being received.
About 20 new applications per day are
It has been reported that Cable and
Wireless and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation are drawing
up similar schemes to assist their staff. To allow indebted
civil servants more time to apply, it has been decided to extend
the scheme for a further 6-months up to 11 March 1982.
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