XN000022-1995-10-11 — Page 34

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"It is worth recalling that the standard rate forms only one part of the total CSSA benefits," the Governor added.

"In addition, over 95 per cent of CSSA recipients also receive supplements and special grant payments to cover such items as rent and school expenses."

The Governor expected the new rates to benefit up to 52,000 people in need and the higher rates of benefit would cost about $300 million to implement.

He added that these improvements were first stage of the Review. He anticipated that it would recommend other important changes as it considers all aspects of the system including:

* the rules under which CSSA payments can be received by people who

choose to receive benefits outside Hong Kong;

*the level and scope of the special grants for which all CSSA recipients are

eligible;

* the level and administration of the long-term supplement paid to everyone

who has been receiving CSSA for over twelve months;

* the level of permitted disregarded earnings which recipients may retain in

addition to CSSA payments; and

the level of the assets limit which is one of the eligibility tests for CSSA.

End/Wednesday, October 11, 1995

Total programme of services for the elderly

Adequate financial support for the elderly must remain a high priority but equally important with advancing age is the total programme of services for the elderly, the special provisions for the frailties and disabilities that come with old age, the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, said today (Wednesday).

In his Policy Address to the Legislative Council, the Governor said some of the results of an analysis of the Household Expenditure Survey data ran counter to conventional wisdom.