XN000022-1997-04-16 — Page 35

Reply:

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(b)

of the time schedule of the review;

(c)

(a)

Mr President,

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

of the composition of the review group, and whether service users (such as the elderly and people with a disability) are represented on the review group; and

given the concern over a proposal to introduce means-testing to the SSA scheme, of the position the Government takes on the proposal and whether the issue will be addressed by the review group?

The current Social Security Allowance (SSA) Scheme has been in operation since 1993. It is timely to conduct a review on the objectives and the operation of the Scheme to ensure its cost-effectiveness.

Given the social significance of the SSA Scheme, the review must be thorough and circumspect. Although it is premature to speculate, we aim nevertheless to complete the review in 1997-98,

-

An inter-departmental Steering Group comprising representatives from the Health and Wealth Branch, the Finance Branch, the Social Welfare Department and the Census & Statistics Department and chaired by the Director of Social Welfare which conducted the CSSA Review has started to review the SSA Scheme the other prominent feature of the existing social security system. The Steering Group will take into account the needs of various service users (including the elderly and people with a disability). The Administration has also undertaken to consult Members of this Council and other interested parties on the review's recommendations before any decision on changes is made.

The review will cover all aspects of the Scheme including eligibility. Our concern is to ensure that vulnerable elderly and people with a disability are getting assistance in the best possible way. It would not be appropriate to speculate on the review's recommendations before its completion.

End