Legco Approves Third Round Of Anti-epidemic Fund

The Legislative Council’s Finance Committee has approved HK$24 billion in funding for the third round of the government’s anti-epidemic fund at the end of a two-day debate.

Following 16 hours of deliberation, 37 lawmakers voted in support of the funding, while 23 were against it.

The government had said the money will be used to purchase vaccines and help sectors affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

But authorities came under fire during the meetings for not doing enough to help struggling businesses by, for example, offering rent subsidies. Lawmakers also accused the government of failing to help the needy, including people who’ve lost their jobs during the outbreak.

There were also calls for the administration to distribute a second round of universal cash handouts.

However, the Chief Secretary, Matthew Cheung called for greater understanding, saying there’s just so much that officials can do. He said public coffers are under unprecedented pressure, and authorities need to adopt a very cautious and prudent approach while rolling out subsidy schemes.