Government unveils poverty commission

18 non-official members will run it.

According to a government release, a Commission on Poverty has been established, with 18 non-official members and four ex-officio members, for a two-year term from December 1.

The commission will examine conditions and causes of poverty in Hong Kong, review existing policies and formulate new policies to improve livelihoods, promote social mobility and provide a safety net to better help the disadvantaged and prevent social exclusion.

It will also advise on ways to promote partnership among the Government, business sector and community organisations, to promote district-based poverty-alleviation measures, to better meet local residents' needs and monitor Hong Kong's poverty situation.

The Chief Secretary will chair the commission, which will have six task forces focusing on specific poverty-alleviation areas. They are the Social Security & Retirement Protection Task Force; Education, Employment & Training Task Force; Societal Engagement Task Force; Special Needs Groups Task Force; Community Care Fund Task Force; and Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Fund Task Force.

The Chief Secretary will also chair the Social Security & Retirement Protection Task Force, while the Secretary for Labour & Welfare will serve as vice-chairman. The Chief Executive has appointed chairpersons for the other five task forces who will also be non-official members of the commission, and vice-chairpersons who have sound knowledge in relevant areas.

The commission's non-official members are: Amy Chan, Sylvia Chan, May Chan, Clement Chen, Henry Cheng, Cheung Kwok-che, Prof Stephen Cheung, Chua Hoi-wai, Stephen Fisher, Frederick Fung, Ho Hei-wah, Lam Shuk-yee, Dr Law Chi-kwong, Leung Che-cheung, Li Fung-ying, Michael Tien, David Wong and Rosanna Wong.

The ex-officio members are the Secretary for Home Affairs, Secretary for Labour & Welfare, Secretary for Education and Secretary for Food & Health.

The commission will have its first meeting in December.