48
Subject to the approval of the Finance Committee of this Council, it is proposed that there should be an increase
per cont of about 10 on the basic rates of Public Assistance and
Special Needs Allowance starting on 1 April 1988.
96.
As a
In addition, the administration has carried out an overall review of the Public Assistance Scheme.
result the Government have decided that, as from 1
January 1988,
1988, a number of improvements should be made to
present arrangements. These will include increasing the level of public assistance to larger families; the provision of a higher level of annual supplement for such families; and the introduction of a meal allowance for
children attending full day school.
A further
improvement will benefit able-bodied recipients of public
assistance who are in regular employment but whose wages are low. As from January next year only a part of their wages will
will be offset against their public assistance
allowance, rather
rather than all their wages as at present. This is to encourage them to remain in work.
97.
(ii) Financial Needs of the Elderly
The financial security of retired persons and the welfare of the elderly generally is a matter on which
members of this Council have expressed concern,
particularly in the adjournment debate on 13 May on the
desirability of setting up a Central Provident Fund.
/98.
The