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The Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang, chaired the ninth meeting of the Commission on Poverty (CoP) this afternoon (June 13).
Members were updated on the imminent launch of the "Enhancing Self-Reliance Through District Partnership Programme" established under the Home Affairs Department. A total of $150 million has been committed in the next five years to reinforce work in preventing and alleviating poverty at the district level. A total of $30 million would be allocated to the programme in 2006/07.
"The priorities of the programme are in line with what CoP promotes - sustainability, self-reliance, cross-sector partnership and job creation," Mr. Tang said. "I am sure that the programme can offer support to district-based solutions which can address local needs more precisely, mobilise community resources more effectively and create employment opportunities and support services on a more sustainable basis."
Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Mrs Carrie Lam briefed CoP members on programme details, including guidelines for grant application and Government's renewed emphasis on district partnership as contained in the consultation document on Review on the Role, Functions and Composition of District Councils published on April 27, 2006.
The Commission also discussed the following -
Work incentives for the working poor: Members were briefed on the operation of disregarded earnings (DEs) under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme (CSSA) in encouraging CSSA recipients to find and maintain employment. Members considered there was a need to make the CSSA regime more pro-work for the able-bodied unemployed. The Social Welfare Advisory Committee (SWAC) under the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau will look into possible options by end 2006.
Financial Security for Elderly: The meeting noted the encouraging dialogue between the CoP and the Elderly Commission (EC) and agreed that an ad hoc group under the chairmanship of Mr Tik Chi-yuen be formed to continue the dialogue with the EC on collaboration between the two commissions to address financial needs of the elderly.
Social entrepreneurship training: The commission was updated on initiatives to promote awareness of social enterprises and to launch a series of social entrepreneurship training initiatives in Hong Kong, including using universities as a bridge between the social services and private sectors.
The agenda and papers of the meeting are available at the commission's official website: www.cop.gov.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:00
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