Adjustments to the Comprehensive Social Security Scheme are based on the Social Security Assistance Index of Prices, Director of Social Welfare Paul Tang says, adding that a study on the index is underway and is expected to be completed in one year.

Speaking on a radio talk show this morning, Mr Tang said his department will study the buying patterns of CSSA recipients and will adjust the index accordingly. The factor of inflation or deflation will also be considered.

The director stressed that the recent downward adjustments only reflect the continuous deflation recorded over the period up to April, 2002. Therefore, there is still room for further downward adjustments.

However, the Government has no plan to introduce any further downward adjustments because of the inflation resurgence.

Allowances help needy make ends meet

Mr Tang said the department has been helping the recipients in many ways in addition to granting CSSA. For example, it grants various allowances to recipients according to their individual needs.

There is also a comprehensive social support network to help those in need, he added.

Mr Tang also said the department will study the the idea of providing social security recipients allowances for using the services of Chinese herbalists with the Hospital Authority and no proposal has yet been finalised.