Boost to Community Care Fund no real relief, says struggling mum

A HK$15 billion boost to the Community Care Fund brought little cheer to the working poor who don't receive government assistance - people like Chen Shao-chong.

Financial Secretary John Tsang Chun-wah said the extra money would help close holes in the safety net for the poor.

"I believe that the Commission on Poverty will make effective use of this injection to renew its efforts to alleviate poverty by plugging the gaps in the existing system, and continue to implement and enhance those programmes that have proved to be effective but have yet to be incorporated into the government's regular assistance and service programmes," Tsang said.

But Chen, 47,who works at a construction site to feed her two teenage sons and a sick husband, said she was disappointed by a lack of long-term measures to lift them out of poverty.

"Budget sweeteners no real relief to the working poor", Video by Hedy Bok

"I think this year is the same as the last, only with even less money being given out … I'm disappointed," she said.