HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL -15 March 1989 香港立法局 一九八九年三月十五日
Fee assistance for kindergarten attendance
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14. MRS. FAN asked: Will Government inform this Council of the annual administrative cost it incurs for providing fee assistance to needy children attending kindergartens, on what basis the maximum fee assistance levels of $209 and $370 for half-day and whole-day kindergartens respectively are determined, and how these fee assistance levels compare with the average level of kindergarten fee paid by the parents?
SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER: Sir, the annual administrative cost to Government of providing fee assistance to needy children attending kindergartens is estimated to be about $2.64 million in the current financial year. Approximately $1 million of this sum is incurred by the Social Welfare Department and $1.64 million by the Education Department.
The maximum fee assistance levels for half day and whole day kindergartens are intended to cover 100% of the weighted average fees for non- profit making kindergartens. The levels are set each year based on the actual weighted average fees in that year, and increased to take account of the projected increase in the average fees in the coming school year. The projected fee levels for 1988-89 are $209 (half-day) and $370 (whole day). (Projected figures are used since fee assistance applications have to be processed well before the beginning of the school year.)
Fees in profit-making kindergartens are generally higher than those in non- profit making kindergartens. In 1988-89 the average is $252 per month (half- day) and $559 per month (whole day). The maximum fee assistance levels therefore cover 83% of the weighted average fee in a profit-making half-day kindergarten, and 66% of the fee in a profit-making whole-day kindergarten.
In the current year 49% of kindergarten enrolment is in non-profit making institutions. This is projected to rise to 50% in the coming school year.
Government business
Motions
PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE
The FINANCIAL SECRETARY moved the following motion:
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.