Review committee seeks views on Lump Sum Grant Subvention System
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    The Lump Sum Grant Independent Review Committee has invited all subvented non-governmental organisations (NGOs), major welfare unions/associations and the public to give their views on the Lump Sum Grant Subvention System before June 16.

    The committee was set up by the HKSAR Government in mid-January to review the subvention system, assess its overall effectiveness and identify room for improvement.  Committee chairman  Mr Wilfred Wong has already written to all subvented NGOs, major welfare unions and associations, seeking their views. 

    The committee appreciated that the provision of social welfare services in Hong Kong relied very much on NGOs and that the welfare sector played a vital role in supporting the needy in the community.

    As the welfare sector has diversified views about the subvention system, the committee will spare no effort in ensuring that a comprehensive review is conducted in a fair and transparent manner.  The committee intends to conduct open and frank dialogue with the welfare sector and plans to meet with interested parties in March, April and May.

    The committee also welcomes comments and views by email, by post or by fax before June 16:

Email: lsgview@swd.gov.hk
Post:  8th Floor, Wu Chung House
      213, Queenˇ¦s Road East
      Wan Chai
Fax:  (852) 2838 0757

    Progress of the review and other information are available on the committeeˇ¦s website at www.lsgir.hk

Ends/Monday, March 24, 2008
Issued at HKT 14:30

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