TNAG-0789-FCO40-993-Development-of-social-policy-in-Hong-Kong-proposed-contribut-1978 — Page 108

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Development of social security

1.1

This Green Paper sets out the Government's proposals for a programme of social security development and seeks the views of the people of Hong Kong on them.

1.2

The Government proposes that the next main developments in social security should consist of a streamlining and refining of the public assistance scheme, and of the extension of non means-tested benefits to the elderly and to those incapable of work. The possible introduction of a semi- voluntary contributory sickness, injury and death benefit scheme is also discussed in this paper.

1.3

These proposals are made following a review of Hong Kong's social welfare policy and programmes. The most important conclusion of this review is that the present aim of social security policy to help those who are least able to help themselves is right. Accordingly, the Government's objective is not to alter the present basis of social security policy but to make it more effective.

1.4

While the Government wishes to give due weight to the views of the community in deciding on the priorities for social security development, it is anxious to give more help to those in need as soon as practicable. Accordingly, arrangements are being made to implement those improvements proposed for April 1978, on the assumption that they will command sufficient public support.

Need for public consultation

1.5

Any programme of social development involves difficult choices between different claims for priority and limited resources. In determining these priorities, the Government wants to take full account of the views of members of the community, particularly those with a special interest in, or concern with, social welfare matters. The need for consultation applies with particular force to the sickness, injury and death benefit scheme which is put forward for public discussion in Chapter 8. As this would be a semi- voluntary contributory scheme, it needs to be assured of a fair measure of community support before it is launched.

Scope of social security

1.6

"Social security" is a term which is widely used throughout the world, but has no universally agreed meaning. For instance, in the United Kingdom, it refers to the entire system of direct financial payments by the Government to individuals and families, whether contributory, non-contributory or means tested. In Hong Kong, the term has been used so as to include

1