Policy Address

Textbook Assistance for Students in Need

55.       The Government has been providing financial assistance to primary and secondary students from low-income families to help them cover the costs of textbooks and school-related expenses.  We propose to significantly increase the flat-rate grant under the School Textbook Assistance Scheme from the existing $408 to $1,000 per year for full-grant students, and from $204 to $500 per year for half-grant students, with effect from the next school year.  The proposed increase will cost an extra $120 million each year. We will also streamline the approval procedures so that the grants can be disbursed to most applicants before the new school term begins.

Work Incentive Transport Subsidy Scheme

56.   Travelling expenses put pressure on low-income earners.  To relieve their burden and encourage them to stay in employment, the Government has decided to launch a Work Incentive Transport Subsidy Scheme to help all eligible employees in Hong Kong meet part of their travelling expenses. The monthly allowance will be $600 a person. The new initiative will replace the existing Transport Support Scheme. The Labour and Welfare Bureau is working on the details and implementation timetable, and will brief this Council as soon as possible.  We will review the scheme three years after its implementation.

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