Government responds to cash handout concerns among Hongkongers by simplifying process
- Proof of address no longer needed after concerns some residents would not be able to provide it
- One million more forms to be printed after early demand left some district councillors scrambling to provide them
Applicants for a HK$4,000 cash handout will no longer have to provide proof of address, after the government acceded to widespread criticism and removed the requirement.
The city’s No 2 official accepted the scheme could have been handled better.
The administration also expanded the number of phone hotlines set up to help people make their claim, from 28 to 34, and printed an extra 1 million forms after complaints people were having to print their own.
Distribution of the application forms for the Caring and Sharing Scheme began on Monday, and almost immediately complaints were raised by applicants, district councillors and lawmakers from both sides of the political divide.
Under the scheme, Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above will get up to HK$4,000 if they do not own property or benefit from government allowances. Those who are given tax breaks will get the difference between HK$4,000 and the concessionary amount.
