She also spoke on the review of the subvention system for the non- governmental organisations (NGOs).
Following consultation with the welfare sector on the "unit grant" approach proposed by the consultants, the Government now proposes to introduce service quality standards in 21 service units in both NGOs and the Social Welfare Department.
"We shall provide training for both NGOs and the department to support the introduction of these standards and the Funding and Service Agreements (or FSAs) which will set them out. We also intend to develop FSAs for the remaining 50 services.
"Since no consensus yet exists on the most appropriate funding arrangement, we shall set up a forum to discuss ideas with the NGO sector with a view to finding an acceptable approach which will meet the objectives of simplicity and flexibility which we all want," Mrs Fok said.
End
Finance Branch statement on disabled drivers' tax concession
In response to the conclusion drawn by the Office of the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints (COMAC) in respect of a complaint that the current first registration tax concession to disabled drivers should be extended to all disabled persons, irrespective of whether they are fit to drive, a Finance Branch spokesman said:
"The policy intention of the concession is to enhance the mobility of disabled persons who are fit to drive. This was made very clear when the concession was first introduced in 1983, and when we amended the law recently in May to re-affirm the policy intention and clarify the legal position.
"However, this does not mean that disabled persons not fit to drive are neglected or discriminated against."