SCMP Debate: Should a means test be applied to old age allowance?
Plans for a HK$2,200 per month Old Age Living Allowance forthe elderly have divided the city due to the inclusion of a means test. Many lawmakers say the allowance, to be voted on by the Legislative Council's finance committee on Friday, should be available to all. We asked the welfare minister, lawmakers, campaigners and experts whether the means test should be scrapped and whether a universal pension was needed to cope with the city's ageing population.
Q1 Should a means test be applied to the new subsidy for the elderly?
Q2 Should the asset limit for the new subsidy be increased from HK$186,000? Should lawmakers support the proposal if the government does not make any concessions?
Q3 Is there a need for the government to study the creation of a universal retirement protection scheme?
