City Digest, December 10, 2012

A 72-year-old man died in a fire in his public housing flat on Kai Yip Estate, Ngau Tau Kok, yesterday. About 25 residents were evacuated when the fire, which was declared suspicious, broke out at 5.30am. Firemen broke into the flat and found the man unconscious. He was declared dead at United Christian Hospital.

The approval by Legco's finance committee of a new old-age allowance reflected public opinion, the chairman of the Community Care Fund's executive committee, Dr Law Chi-kwong, said. Discussion of a long-term universal pension scheme, one of the main issues facing the Poverty Commission, needed to take place, he added.