TNAG-0968-FCO40-1187-Development-of-social-policy-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 19

62.

- 15

At the end of 1979, the number of active Public Assistance cases totalled 46,114. Payments in the financial year 1978/79 totalled $191.2 million, an increase of $47.5 million or 33% over the previous year.

63.

The Special Needs Allowance Scheme provides a I cash allowance in addition to Public Assistance payments to the severely disabled or the elderly aged 70 years or more, irrespective of their means and the scheme is non- contributory. Old Age Allowance is payable at present at a rate of $115 a month, and Disability Allowance at a rate of $230 a month. The number of people drawing such allowances at the end of 1979 was 166,321. Payments in the financial year 1978/79 totalled $157.7 million, an increase of $57.9 million or 58% over the previous year. From 1 April 1980, the Disability Allowance will also be payable to those classified as profoundly deaf.

64.

The Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme was established in May 1979 by the Traffic Accidents Victims (Assistance Fund) Ordinance (Cap. 229) and is financed in equal proportions from levies on vehicle and driving licences and from General Revenue. Under the scheme traffic accident victims or their dependents are given cash grants regardless of whether the victim was at fault in the accident. Such grants do not affect an applicant's right to make other claims for legal damages but if he subsequently receives damages or other compensation because of the accident he will be required to refund the payments received from the scheme. Up to January 1980, $8.4 million was paid to 2,520 beneficiaries.

65.

The Social Security Appeal Board, which considers individual appeals against the decision of the Director of Social Welfare under the Public Assistance Scheme, the Special Needs Allowance Scheme and the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme, consists of a chairman and two members, all of whom are unofficials appointed by the Governor.

66.

The Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Scheme is designed to assist victims of crimes of violence or those who are injured through the action of law enforcement officers in the execution of their duties. This scheme is non-means-tested and non- contributory, and decisions on claims are made by two Boards whose members are appointed by the Governor. In the financial year 1978/79, payments totalled $0.9 million, a decrease of $0.5 million or 36% over the previous year.