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Change call on sandwich class scheme

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MORE people will benefit from the Government's proposed $2 billion cash handout to relieve the sandwich class housing problem if the fund is used to build new flats instead of paying a direct subsidy, according to legislators.

While legislators from different camps agreed that more resources should be used to alleviate the sandwich class' burden, some questioned whether the cash-giving approach proposed by the Government was viable.

They suggested that the fairest and most effective way was to earmark additional land to build flats for the sandwich class.

The Financial Secretary, Mr Hamish Macleod, announced in the Budget that a payment of $2 billion would be given to the Housing Society to benefit up to 3,000 first-time home buyers in the sandwich class.

The scheme would help needy buyers get flats at a subsidised price.

Meeting Point legislator Mr Zachary Wong Wai-yin said his group had reservations about the proposal and the $2 billion would be of more benefit if used to build new units.

''Our calculation is that the same money can give a total of 7,000 units if it is used for building new flats for the sandwich class,'' Mr Wong said.

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