Groups urge CY to improve welfare for the elderly, poor and disabled
Advocacy groups and parties set out the social issues they say should be addressed as priorities
Better welfare for elderly, poor and disabled people tops the wish lists of advocacy groups and political parties as Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying's prepares his maiden policy address.
Chua Hoi-wai, a business director of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service who sits on the Commission on Poverty, said since the panel had only recently been revived, he expected people would have to wait longer for new initiatives on social security and retirement protection and an overhaul would be unlikely to come in time for the policy address.
"With the population rapidly ageing, I hope the government can prepare for an old-age-friendly society as soon as possible. It has yet to set out directions in this respect," he said.
"The administration should consider the social and economic needs of elderly people and cater for them in town planning. It should build more accessible communities."
During the election campaign, Leung pledged to boost home care service and shorten the waiting time for elderly people at nursing homes.
He also vowed to provide more housing and health care assistance for Hongkongers retiring across the border in co-operation with the mainland authorities and set aside land for housing complexes with nursing facilities for elderly people.