Subsidy scheme may raise income limit for two-member households to $12,000

A further upgrade to the Work Incentive Transport Subsidy Scheme has been proposed, said Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung.

According to Hong Kong Information Services Department, the proposal includes providing a half-rate subsidy of $300 to those who work less than 72 hours but at least 36 hours a month.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung said he hopes the move will expedite the scheme's implementation.

Further raising the income limit for two-member households will benefit those with employed members earning the statutory minimum wage, who mainstream public opinion considers should deserve flexible handling, he said. The revised income limit represents 84% of the median income for two-member households.

The proposed provision of a half-rate subsidy can cater for the special needs of part-time workers, especially grassroots women workers and domestic assistants.

“These two major relaxation measures will bring the total number of potential eligible employees up to 436,000. This is an addition of 50,000 persons over the enhanced scheme which I announced last week, and an increase of more than 100,000 from the original proposal announced last December. The Government’s financial commitment over three years would then increase to around $4.8 billion, a surge of more than $1 billion over the original proposal.”

A comprehensive review of the scheme will be conducted three years after implementation. A mid-term review will be carried out having regard to the experience gained during the first year of operation.

“The latest improvements reflect, I must stress, the Government’s proactive and people-based approach in addressing issues of public concern. It also demonstrates our willingness and readiness to walk an extra mile to improve the livelihood of our grassroots citizens.

“I sincerely appeal to Legislative Council members and political parties to support this enhanced package and give the proposal a green light when it is put to the Finance Committee for approval, so we can kick-off the scheme without any further delay in October for the benefit of over 430,000 Hong Kong citizens.”