TNAG-0570-FCO40-703-Planning-paper-on-Hong-Kong-1976 — Page 204

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9.

payments in cash (public assistance) modelled on the

UK supplementary benefits scheme, payments in cash to

the disabled and persons over 75 (disability and

infirmity allowances), neither of which are means tested,

and thus are additional to public assistance if paid,

and a wide range of community services including community

centres and Community Youth Officers and various

services for the handicapped and young children. The

total bill for these payments and services has increased

from HK$50.70 m in 1971 to HK$406.8m in 1976/77. A

five year plan for their expansion is rolled forward

each year.

A Social Welfare service training institute

was opened two years ago to ensure a steady supply of

professional social workers, and for in-service training.

The rates of payment for Public Assistance

14.1

and Disability and Infirmity allowances are pegged on

the cost of living index. They are at present:

Public Assistance

Single person on his own

Monthly

$180

For a family

First 3 eligible members

4th, 5th and 6th eligible member 7th eligible member and thereafter

$130 each

$105 each

$ 80 each

In addition to the above fixed scale of allowances,

the cost of rent, school fees, travelling expenses

and any other special needs are also met under the

Scheme. Savings which do not exceed $2,000 per

family member or $3,000 for a single person are not

taken into account in assessing family income under