Dismantling the bureau│The budget plan to send money in case of ``epidemic'', the establishment warns against reducing sugar, keep at least three sugars

Political situation

Written by: Sha Banshan

2021-02-16 07:00

Last update date: 2021-02-16 07:00

The new "Budget" will be released next Wednesday. In the face of the new crown epidemic that has continued for more than a year and has severely impacted all industries, will the "Budget" have more measures to "distribute sugar", or even distribute money to all people as it did last year. The biggest concern of society.

However, considering that Financial Secretary Chen Maobo has already done a good job of expectation management, he wants to "satisfy the food and eat, and do what he should," and clearly stated that it is difficult to "add sugar". Does it predict that the whole people will have no hope of giving money?

According to political news, the Hong Kong government has launched several rounds of anti-epidemic funds last year. In addition to facing a fiscal deficit of more than 300 billion yuan, it is estimated that the opportunity for the whole people to distribute money and distribute consumer coupons is slim.

Even so, the inability to "add sugar" does not mean that the original "sugar distribution" measures will not be retained. The political circle predicts that social security payments (CSSA, old age allowance, elderly living allowance or disability allowance) will be "double pay", tax rebates, and reductions. The three major relief measures of rates will still be retained.

Some establishments are worried that if this year’s Budget even shrinks the relief measures of "sugar delivery", which is a regular dish every year, or sends the wrong message to the public that the establishment is not as capable of exerting pressure as the democrats. After resigning, the Hong Kong Government can ignore the pressure of the Legislative Council.

Last year's "Budget" announced a number of "sugar distribution" measures, mainly benefiting ordinary families or citizens (non-commercial) including:

* To distribute 10,000 yuan to Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18 or above;

* 100% reduction in salaries tax and personal assessment;

＊The annual rates for residential buildings are waived, with a ceiling of $1,500 per quarter;

* "Double Pay" for CSSA, Old Age Allowance, Elderly Living Allowance or Disability Allowance;

＊Pay one month's rent for low-income tenants in public housing;

＊Eligible low-income families will receive a one-off special allowance.

Various political sources have pointed out that as the epidemic continues and the coffers are shrinking, the new "Budget" once again distributes money to the whole people, or the opportunity to distribute consumer vouchers is very small, but it is estimated that the "three sugars" will remain, that is The tax rebates, rates rebates and social security payments (CSSA, Old Age Allowance, Elderly Living Allowance or Disability Allowance) that generally benefit workers and families are "double pay".

Some establishments have described these three measures as the core element of the "sugar distribution" in the budget. Even if the treasury is tight this year, they will not be easily removed.

Of course, tax rebates and rates concessions may be "sweetened". Are salaries tax and personal income tax as 100% concessions as last year, with a cap of 20,000 yuan? Are rates waived throughout the year and capped every quarter? 1500 yuan, there are variables.

The establishment gives two "warnings" to the treasurer, one involving the political situation

According to reports, different political parties of the establishment have issued two "warnings" to the "Treasurer" Chen Maobo.

First, although the Hong Kong government launched multiple rounds of epidemic prevention and anti-epidemic funds to support society last year, it is mainly benefited by business and small business operators, and small subsidies to individuals. If there are no relief measures to benefit ordinary families in the Budget, A complaint must be brought, which puts pressure on Chen's personal career.

Second, this is the first "Budget" after the resignation of the democrats. If the "sugar distribution" measures are greatly reduced, it will inevitably make people question the ability of the establishment to exert pressure on the government than the democrats. After the faction leaves the parliament, the government ignores the establishment faction, "not even the sugar faction," or affects the September Legislative Council election.

A senior establishment believes that today's budget should not only be a "cashier's account book," it must also take into account the political situation.

Keep waiving one month's rent for public housing?

News: Half and half chance

However, the warehouse is always limited, and the main "three sugars" can be kept. Other sugar distribution measures may not escape the fate of being cut.

The one who is most likely to be "done" is that public housing is rent-free for one month. The reason is that some people in the government believe that the reduction or exemption of public housing rental metal "double subsidy" is unfair to other citizens.

There are also voices saying that money was distributed in the Budget last year. After the democrats resigned this year, the budget will no longer distribute money. No matter what, the outside world will be negligent. The loss of the democratic parliament can be forced. The possibility of the Hong Kong government "doing" is even lower.

▼List of proposals from major parties in the 2021 Budget▼

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