Handouts needed to help the underprivileged: SoCO
The Society for Community Organisation (SoCO) on Sunday called on the government to give out sweeteners to the underprivileged in its upcoming budget, saying many of them are facing financial hardships despite the city's recovery from the pandemic.  "Many of them still have to face financial difficulties, because during the period of pandemic, many of them [were in debt] to support their living. They did not apply for CSSA (Comprehensive Social Security Assistance)," SoCO's deputy director Sze Lai-shan explained.  "After Covid, some of them resumed their full-time job, but the salary is not as good as they expect. Besides, some of them only found a part-time job." Sze urged the government to dish out a HK$5,000 cash handout for people living under the poverty line.   She also urged officials to extend the rental period for transitional housing and provide housing allowance to those who are waiting in line for a public housing flat.  Financial Secretary Paul Chan is due to unveil his financial blueprint on Wednesday. He's expected to cut down on relief measures as the government faces a budget deficit.