TNAG-0608-FCO40-756-Planning-paper-on-progress-made-on-social-security-in-Hong-K-1977 — Page 72

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A further aim of the proposals has been to retain simplicity, both in the structure of social security and its administration. To some extent, giving priority to simplicity produces rough justice. But that is outweighed by the benefits of having a system which is not unduly expensive to operate and which can be more easily understood by the public. A sophisticated and finely-tuned system of social security can lose much of its impact and acceptability if the way it works is not understood.

Public assistance scheme

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The public assistance scheme has been a central pillar of the social security system in Hong Kong, and it is proposed that it should retain that position. The scheme is now familiar to, and so far as possible for a means-tested scheme, accepted by the people of Hong Kong. Being related to a family's means and needs, it fits very clearly into the Hong Kong approach to social security. And by its structure, it provides both an effective method of concentrating help on those in need and a flexible safety net for those with insufficient resources for their needs.

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Nonetheless, in the light of the six years of experience gained since the extended public assistance scheme came into operation in April 1971, it can be seen that there are ways in which the scheme can be improved. These fall into two categories improvement in the adminis -

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tration of the scheme and in the assessment of assistance.

Administration of the scheme

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There are four proposals - to streamline the operations to strengthen safeguards against fraud, to introduce an appeal system and to refine the exercise of discretionary powers.

(a) Streamlining the operations

Existing procedures are to be re-examined to ensure the most economical use of staff consistent with a speedy service to the public. As part of this exercise a systems study will be carried out into the possible introduction of data processing.

(b) Strengthening safeguards against fraud

Where there are suspicions of fraud, investigating the case in de tail is time-consuming, especially if the officer concerned is not experienced in dealing with that particular problem. It is proposed, therefore, to set up a small investigation team to which such cases would be referred.

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