Hopes for the reinstatement of the HK$2,500 student grant have been dashed, government sources revealed following the release of the latest Budget by Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po on Wednesday.
The budget did not include the annual grant for secondary, primary, and kindergarten students, despite heated controversy since it was axed last year as part of measures to reduce expenditure.
While many parents had hoped for its restoration in this year's financial plan, government sources categorically stated that the administration will not reintroduce the subsidy.
Meanwhile, another high-profile initiative, the three-year "HK$20,000 Newborn Baby Bonus" launched in October 2023, was also omitted by the financial chief.
The scheme is set to expire in October this year. However, the latest Budget made no mention of the program's future or potential extension.
Regarding proposals from various political parties to introduce a "progressive" child allowance system, the government decided not to adopt the measure.
Sources explained that the decision was made after considering the impact on the government's public finances.
They added that the child allowance has already been increased in this year's Budget, which authorities believe will effectively alleviate the pressure of child-rearing on parents.
