The Commission on Poverty considered the proposals for enhancing the poverty line analytical framework, and discussed a study on the earnings of post-secondary graduates from underprivileged families, in a meeting today.
The Government Economist introduced the proposals for enhancing the framework, including that of incorporating the poverty alleviation impact of public rental housing into the main analysis.
The proposals were devised by drawing reference to international research and practices, as well as members' and stakeholders' views.
After thorough discussion, the commission recognised the important role of public rental housing in poverty alleviation. Members also noted the difference in living quality between low-income families living in public rental housing and those living in private rental housing.
Enhancing the framework will highlight the poverty situation of low-income households living in private rental housing, which will facilitate deliberation on support measures targeting these households.
The commission felt there is no pressing need to enhance the framework and refine the poverty rates, and statistics compiled according to the current framework, and the proposals involve technical issues that require further study and discussion.
The commission suggested the Government continue to implement the public rental housing policy vigorously, publicise the important role of public rental housing in improving the livelihood of the grassroots, and strive for public support for the Government's efforts in increasing public rental housing supply.
Members also noted the findings a study analysing the earnings mobility of post-secondary graduates from grassroots families in Hong Kong, and will publish it shortly.
