Nine-month budget deficit swells to HK$268.8b

Hong Kong's budget deficit for the nine months ended December has risen to HK$268,8 billion, following payments of the HK$10,000 Cash Payout Scheme and various coronavirus relief measures.

Government expenditure was HK$620.1 billion and revenue was HK$351.3 billion.

The government said the deficit is also due to some major types of revenue, including salaries and profits taxes, are mostly received at the end of a financial year.

Fiscal reserves were at HK$891.5 billion at end December, the government said.