lo
lo
47
93.
(b) Social Services
Another area where the Administration has been
reviewing existing policies and considering new initiatives is the field of social welfare and social security. Well-designed social security and social welfare programmes contribute to a stable and prosperous society. Our safety net, though relatively modest by the standards of most advanced countries, is better than in most comparable countries in this region.
to be kept constantly under review.
But it needs
(i) Social Security
94.
Hong Kong's non-contributory social security arrangements are designed to bring the income of a single
or
a of a family, up to
person,
level where essential
can be needs such as food, clothing and accommodation met. The special needs of the elderly and the disabled are covered by additional allowances.
95.
Since 1984, there has been no increase in the
basic rates of Public Assistance and Special Needs
Allowance. This is because the rate of inflation in the
Recent movements in the last few years has been low.
Public Assistance Index, however, mean
improvement in these rates will soon be
that
an
necessary.
/Subject