6.3 million Hongkongers will receive first half of new batch of HK$10,000 consumption vouchers in April, finance chief says
- However, Financial Secretary Paul Chan has not provided an exact date, citing manpower limitations and the fact that most places where Hongkongers might spend the handouts are closed
- Chan says this year’s round of vouchers will be valid for seven months, unlike last year’s, which expired after five
More than 6.3 million Hongkongers who signed up to receive the government’s digital consumption vouchers last year will automatically get the first half of this year’s batch in April, months earlier than newcomers to the scheme, the city’s finance chief has said.
But Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po on Monday stopped short of providing the exact date that residents would get the first half of the HK$10,000 they are entitled to, citing pandemic-related manpower limitations at the government’s partners in the scheme, as well as the fact that most places where Hongkongers might spend the handouts were closed.
“Because of the pandemic situation, many shops’ operations have been interrupted. That also applies to other stakeholders and operators involved in this particular consumption voucher project. That’s why, to be prudent, we’re refraining from giving a specific date,” Chan said.
“We hope to do it as early as practically possible, but it really depends on the circumstances … I think it is important for us to do sufficient back-end work, with the system properly tested.”
Amid the city’s worst wave of infections since the pandemic began, at least 17 types of premises, including hair salons, gyms, beauty parlours and entertainment venues, have been forced to shut, prompting complaints from owners that they would not be able to benefit from residents spending their vouchers.