DAB e-WORD

DAB Urges Government to Counteract Rising Living Costs

As inflation and the rising cost of living continue to affect all Hong Kong citizens, and the less fortunate in particular, the DAB has called for further measures to help alleviate the problem. Under the slogan "Fight Inflation, Safeguard Livelihoods", DAB representatives presented Chief Executive Donald Tsang with twelve recommendations on 10 July outlining various ways in which the government can help.

On 16 July, DAB members demonstrated outside Legislative Council, demanding a response to the suggestions. The Chief Executive responded by announcing a ten-point plan to ease the financial burden for Hong Kong citizens. The plan incorporated four of the points put forward by the DAB. According to these points, the electricity bill subsidy will be raised from $1,800 to $3,600, MTRC student discounts of 50% will be extended to cover all former KCR lines, the domestic helper levy will be waived for two years and finally all government service charges will be frozen for one year.

The Chief Executive's announcement was well received and marked an important step in the right direction. However, there is still much room for improvement and many areas in which the government can assist Hong Kong citizens in general, and the most disadvantaged community groups in particular.

The DAB will continue to apply pressure regarding the crucial points that were not addressed in the Chief Executive's announcement. The party will continue to fight for the following financial breaks:

DAB Legislative Councillors cheer on demonstrators outside the Legislative Council

Grant a textbook subsidy to all Hong Kong students to off-set the rapidly rising costs of essential books.
Increase the fruit grant to $1,000 and lift the current restriction on the number of days applicants can remain outside the territory.
Expand the Transport Support Scheme so that low income groups throughout the territory can benefit from the subsidy.
Grant a 50% public transport discount to the physically disabled who often fall in the lower income group.
Reduce tax on unleaded fuel for private cars by 50% to help counteract high oil prices.
Set up a living allowance for fishermen during the fishing moratorium and establish a long-term industry policy.
Refund last year's Government Rent.
Reintroduce the Home Starter Loan Scheme and the Tenants Purchase Scheme and rebuild Home Ownership Scheme flats to assist those who are struggling to raise the deposit to purchase their homes.

All these points can make a difference in the lives of Hong Kong citizens and fall well within the government's means. The DAB will continue to apply pressure in line with our pledge to support our community in every way possible.

DAB Legislative Councillors and young members call for an immediate suspension of the domestic helper levy

DAB leaders Tam Yiu-chung (left) and Lau Kong-wah present 12 recommendations to the Chief Executive in a media conference