TNAG-1609-FCO40-22131-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1987 — Page 158

12

able to continue to receive the allowance without

undergoing any form of means test, but new applicants,

to

both those in the 65/69 age group who will be eligible for

the allowance for the first time, and the over 70s, who

will receive an increased allowance, would be required to

make a declaration that their income and assets did not

exceed certain levels. This proposal was in line with our

policy that help should go to those whose need is

greatest.

zt.

Many Members pointed out that the Old Age

Allowance, when originally introduced for the over 75s and

later extended to those over 70, was not means-tested and

was intended to meet the additional expenditure incurred

by elderly people because of their age. It was related to

the circumstances of their age, and not to their financial

Some members said that while they accepted the

need for an income declaration for the 65/69 age group,

they strongly opposed its introduction for the over 70s,

which was widely seen as a retrograde step.

condition.

23.

During the last week we have re-examined the

proposals in the light of the strong views expressed and

I am sure Members will be pleased to hear that we have now decided

that it would be appropriate to dispense with the

requirement for an income declaration by all new

70

applicants over seventy, while retaining it for those