Urgent call for support grassroots citizens face rising housing costs and economic uncertainty

A quarter of grassroots respondents reported housing expenses exceeding HK$7,000, raising concerns that potential welfare cuts due to the fiscal deficit could exacerbate the wealth gap. Grassroots Wishes, a local non-governmental organization established in 2021, is urging the government not to impose arbitrary spending cuts in the upcoming budget. 

The organization conducted a survey from January 20 to February 16 this year, gathering 536 valid responses from grassroots citizens, whose average monthly household income is around HK$15,000 across all 18 districts in Hong Kong. 

The survey revealed that many respondents allocate a significant portion of their income to rent, leaving little room for other necessities. 

Nearly 60 percent reported family members facing unemployment or underemployment in 2024, with over 40 percent experiencing prolonged unemployment lasting more than three months. Grassroots Wishes cautioned that austerity measures would disproportionately burden grassroots citizens amid a weakening economy. May, a survey respondent, lives in a cramped 45-square-foot subdivided flat in Yau Ma Tei, sharing a bathroom and lacking a kitchen. 

Although her landlord hasn't raised the rent in eight years, they have requested her to move out in two years due to new housing regulations. 

Currently unemployed and without savings for relocation, she hopes the government will provide relocation subsidies. 

May has been waiting for public housing updates since her application in 2009. 

Another respondent, 58-year-old Chan, has been unemployed for nearly three months.

Previously employed in the construction industry, she noted that companies are increasingly hiring foreign workers, making it difficult for locals to secure jobs. 

Chan humorously said: “While others enjoy lavish meals, I’m just having soy sauce over rice,” highlighting the economic pressures she faces.

In response to these challenges, Grassroots Wishes is advocating for the permanent establishment of the Cash Allowance Trial Scheme, as well as subsidies for residents until they receive their housing keys. 
They also call for a comprehensive review of the foreign labor policy, promotion of a living wage, and prioritization of placement before removal in the basic housing units policy implementation.

(Cheng Wong)