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Following is a question by the Hon Frederick Fung and a written reply by the Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang, in the Legislative Council today (July 5):
Question:
Regarding the compilation and application of poverty indicators, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) as the authorities have not, contrary to their estimation in the end of March this year, made available in the latter part of April the whole set of updated poverty indicators covering the fourth quarter of 2005 and the whole year, of the current progress of the work in this respect; the reasons for their failure to make available the relevant information as estimated; and when such information is expected to be available;
(b) whether it will compile poverty indicators on a district basis and release the current preliminary data;
(c) whether it will consult the public on the scope and specific figures covered by poverty indicators, with a view to compiling such indicators in different areas; and
(d) whether it will formulate policies to deal with the situation in which the poverty indicators reflect that poverty is worsening?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) Since we had taken more time to collate all the district-based data required for updating Indicators 19-24, the updated set of poverty indicators for the whole year of 2005 could not be finalised until very recently. Analysis of these updated indicators was completed in June. We are now seeking experts' comments and advice on the results of our analysis, as has been done for the last set of indicators. We would announce (in about two weeks' time) the updated set of poverty indicators and the analytical results. In line with the practice, the relevant information will be submitted to the Legislative Council and the Commission on Poverty (CoP). They will also be uploaded to the CoP's website for access and comments by the public.
(b) The current set of poverty indicators includes six district-based indicators. In the information paper to be issued, we would give an analysis of the performance of the 18 districts in these six indicators of poverty. The preliminary results indicate a general improvement in the indicators across many districts in 2005.
(c) Compiling poverty indicators is one of the important tasks of the CoP. The current set of poverty indicators has been compiled after consultation with a number of academics and representatives of non-government organisations, as well as after rounds of discussions in the CoP. The compilation process is transparent, and the relevant discussion papers can be downloaded from the CoP's website. The CoP also welcomes the public's views on this issue.
Members of the CoP agree that the compilation and updating of poverty indicators is a continual process. We will continue to listen to the views of various parties. If necessary, we will conduct more detailed studies on specific issues, and consider whether there is a need to amend or supplement the indicators in different areas, taking into account other relevant information and data.
(d) The preliminary results of the analysis of the updated poverty indicators show a general improvement in the performance of them. These macro poverty indicators are meant to give a broad indication of how the poverty situation evolves over time. By identifying the key areas for more focused study, these indicators provide useful reference in policy formulation. Nevertheless, bureaux and departments are at the same time drawing reference to other relevant information for policy formulation and evaluation, including more detailed and specific indicators at district level, relevant research and analyses, and feedbacks from consultation, etc.
For example, according to the data of the Social Welfare Department, although the total number of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients has dropped slightly, there is an increasing trend of youths receiving CSSA in both absolute and proportionate terms. The duration of unemployed able-bodied persons receiving CSSA is also increasing. The CoP and the relevant bureaux are very concerned about these trends, and have undertaken to conduct more detailed research and analysis on the relevant data. It is also agreed that "My STEP" and District Employment Assistance Trial Projects should be targeted at those youths and adults who are harder to employ with a view to facilitating their employment and self-reliance.
Ends/Wednesday, July 5, 2006
Issued at HKT 12:44
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