XN000022-1995-06-21 — Page 43

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Comprehensive Social Security Assistance

Following is a question by the Hon Christine Loh and a reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In response to a question asked on 22 February 1995 in this Council, the Secretary for Health and Welfare stated that when assessing eligibility for social security assistance, the Health and Welfare Branch will take into account the "non- housing expenditure required to maintain a reasonable standard of living for households of different sizes." In her reply to a follow-up question, the Secretary stated that the standard rates for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) "are based on the needs of a person, or a family, för food, clothing, fuel and other household expenses." In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of:

(a)

(b)

(c)

the breakdown of the amounts assumed for food, clothing, fuel and other household expenses in the calculation of the current CSSA standard rates for a family of 4 with two able-bodied adults and two able-bodied children receiving regular schooling;

the total amount of non-housing expenditure assumed to the calculation of the current CSSA standard rates required to maintain "a reasonable standard of living in Hong Kong"; and

the number of families consisting of two adults and two children with a monthly income, excluding the CSSA allowance which includes a rent allowance below the level required to maintain a reasonable standard of living?