ExclusiveBaby bonus to continue? We’ll consult widely, John Lee says
City leader says government to consult public and ‘collect wisdom’ before deciding whether incentive measures should carry on
The HK$20,000 (US$2,552) newborn baby bonus, introduced in 2023, is due to expire in October.
In an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post, Lee said the government would consult the public and “collect wisdom” before deciding whether to continue with incentive measures.
Since its launch, the parents of more than 65,000 babies have benefited from the programme, with the government distributing over HK$1.3 billion in subsidies.
Lee stressed that the multipronged policy, which also includes higher tax allowances and the strengthening of the childcare service system, represented a major policy shift from a passive approach to one that actively encouraged childbirth.