Lawmakers have endorsed $8.5 billion in funds to help citizens, particularly the disadvantaged, cope with growing inflation.

Chief Secretary Henry Tang said the Government has taken into account views from different sectors of the community in devising the relief measures, aiming to meet people's aspirations.

He stressed the Government has been prudent in financial management and the one-off relief measures will not have a great impact on public finance.

The funding includes additional one-off assistance for social-security recipients, costing $1.87 billion, which will benefit 490,000 Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients, 120,000 Disability Allowance recipients and 470,000 Old Age Allowance recipients.

The two rent-free months for eligible public housing tenants and licencees will cover 620,000 Housing Authority tenants and licencees, and 32,000 Housing Society tenants, costing $1.68 billion.

About 2.44 million domestic households will benefit from the additional electricity charges subsidy, which will cost the Government $4.4 billion. The one-off grant for needy students will cover 550,000 needy students, costing $550 million.

Mr Tang said the relief measures will be implemented as soon as possible, adding other issues involving old age allowance, fuel prices and a minimum wage are under scrutiny.