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Of course, taken in isolation, the CSSA standard rate payment to a single elderly person which will be $1,810 per month may not look very much. But only 3% of elderly CSSA recipients receive this standard rate. And even if this were all they received, it is supplemented by a range of other hidden subsidies which make up the full safety net of welfare and other support.
We must remember too, that if the standard rate payment is all they receive, it means that they probably, for some reason, do not need e.g. rent or travelling expense support. Perhaps their children and family are providing some additional support which makes it unnecessary for other benefits to be claimed.
We must not forget that many in Hong Kong have sensibly saved to look after themselves. Our spectacular economic growth has enabled many of them and their children to acquire the resources to make their lives comfortable in old age. Yes, there are those in need but let us remember that many are managing well on their own savings and with the support of their families.
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Mr President, we are reviewing CSSA rates, and whereas we do not yet have a new figure to propose for the elderly rates, Members may well be right that an increase is justified. Indeed, the Review may indicate that rates for other categories of recipients the young, the disabled or single parents for example should also be increased. As I said before, the Review is not a delaying tactic. It will provide us with the necessary information upon
which sensible decisions on the adequacy of existing CSSA rates, including those for the elderly, can be made. If an increase in the rates for the elderly can be justified, we will do our best to secure the necessary funds to start to implement the changes recommended in 1996/97, even though any decision to raise such rates could only be made late in the preparation for that year's Budget.
Since we cannot pre-empt the outcome of the review, ex-officio Members would be inclined to abstain in a vote relating to a recommended $2,500 rate for the elderly. But they cannot abstain in a Motion which advocates the implementation of any increase with immediate effect. For the reasons I have already outlined, we cannot agree with such a recommendation. Accordingly, the ex-officio Members of this Council will oppose both the Motion and the amendment to it.
End/Wednesday, March 8, 1995