Press Releases

No plan to adjust CSSA rate

In response to press enquiries, a spokesman for the Health and Welfare Bureau said today (January 14) that the Government currently do not have plan to adjust the standard payment rates of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA), despite the fact that the CSSA standard rates were cumulatively over-adjusted by 10.8 per cent. 

In fact, the Administration informed the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council in July 2001 that the standard payment rates of the CSSA would be maintained at current levels for another year, as from August 2001.

"The Government is committed to providing a safety net of last resort for individuals and families who cannot support themselves financially to provide them with assistance to meet their basic and essential needs," the spokesman stressed.

"To underline our commitment, the Administration will be seeking approval from the Finance Committee at its meeting on February 1, 2002, for supplementary provision for CSSA payments for this financial year," he added.

END/Monday, January 14, 2002

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