1
2
3
4
A 5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
le 26
27
28
30
31
introduction of sales tax, their tax burden will become even heavier. I therefore suggest that in considering the introduction of sales tax the authorities concerned
should give the middle-income group further concessions in respect of the salaries tax, or widen the income
tax, or levels for marginal tax rates or even abolish the claw-
allowinKS, back on additional personal taxes.
Sir, so much for taxation. Now I would like to express my views on the subject of social welfare services.
Firstly, the funds allocated to social welfare services this year has seen a considerable improvement with an increase from 5.7 per cent of the total Government expenditure last year to 6.3 per cent this year. In particular, there has been a substantial increase in the funds allotted to the Central Administration of Voluntary Agencies and a number of social services covered by the standard cost subvention system has been increased from eight to 16. Sir, I must say that all these improved arrangements are very encouraging but I would like the Financial Secretary to know that all these have indeed
been earnestly sought after for a very long time by the
voluntary agencies. Take the case of improvement to the
manning ratio of supervisory staff in youth centres as
an example, yoluntary agencies have waited for this
fuitivel
improvement for over eight years. Now with the huge surplus in public finances, the authority concerned could now 29 look into the need for improving the quality of
social services, this is certainly a good start. However, we must bear in mind that there are still many areas which
need improvement, Take camps and hostel service as an example, The quality of service is expected to see improvement when its management is transferred from the Social Welfare Department to the Municipal Services Branch. Hence, the fund allocated to the service this year has only
یو
32
33
34
35
36
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.