Topic
A study has revealed spending on infrastructure projects and the welfare of the well-off continues apace despite claims that those in need will benefit
As the adage goes, only interests are eternal, and getting motions and funding passed in the city’s polarised legislature requires a deft touch.
Financial chief Paul Chan Mo-po deserves some praise for a politically difficult idea that would mean standing up not only to powerful developers but also many homeowners
With there being virtual consensus across the political divide that Paul Chan did not give enough away in his budget, the time has come for transparent rules on such matters
- It has been a year since the Caring and Sharing Scheme was announced and more than three months since applications opened. Why is it taking so long?
Albert Wong such an exchange would lure ‘world-renowned tech talents, firms and institutes’ to the city but obstacles remain.
Education funding is among a host of initiatives to boost the city’s innovation and technology sector – and its dream of becoming a global tech hub.
Proof of address no longer needed after concerns some residents would not be able to provide it.
Acting chief executive Matthew Cheung responds to concerns some of those eligible for HK$4,000 will struggle to get it, as not all have proof of address.
The raising of the minimum age for elderly social security payments was not unjustified at a time when Hong Kong people are living longer, but the finger-pointing that followed was
The qualifying age for the old-age benefit is being raised to 65, meaning those aged between 60 and 64 will receive close to a third less in financial support
Arts groups, youth centres, community recycling centres or animal rights groups will all be eligible to apply for the funding
Unions are holding out for a 5 per cent increase across the board at a time when those in the private sector can expect far less through rises based on performance
The government considered factors such as economic outlook, other industries and the city’s coffers, but workers’ groups say public sector should not be pegged to private.
Recommendations, which still need government approval, call for lowest earners to receive a 2.85 per cent pay rise while highest earners would get 4.06 per cent increase.
With little filibustering in chamber and relatively few amendments, Legislative Council took just five meetings to debate and vote on financial blueprint – a far cry from bitter wrangling of recent years.
Data shows the highest earners paid HK$22.8 billion of the city’s HK$63.6 billion in salaries tax – but some lawmakers say the richest need to pay more.
Administration fees to eat up 2.9 per cent of HK$11 billion scheme that gives up to HK$4,000 to eligible people.
Research released by the city’s legislature shows that despite pledges to spend more in the coming years, Hong Kong is still underprepared for a greying citizenry, and some funds even go unused.
The top ratepayer alone is expected to receive a rates concession of HK$102.6 million from 15,645 rateable properties owned.
Preferential terms on the table for private partners in government investment initiative could make it little more than a get-rich-quick scheme, experts say.
The handouts were announced in an amendment to the budget last month to give up to HK$4,000 each to 2.8 million city residents
Rocky Tuan opens lines of communications with student leaders but emphasises political boundaries that must not be crossed
But government data shows the extent to which developers and the rich stand to gain from the budget measure – the city’s top 10 flat owners saved more in rates waivers in the last two years than the remaining 90 names on a list of 100 owners.
