Hong Kong Consumption Vouchers -- Yay or Nay?

Should local residents get consumption vouchers again?

The debate over whether the Hong Kong government should issue consumption vouchers has resumed again, with Executive Council convenor Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee saying no.

"There was a limited effect on the economy when the HK$10,000 spending vouchers were given out again last year. Government resources are limited, so they should invest in the long-term development of Hong Kong instead. But appropriate anti-poverty measures are still needed," she said.

Does she revel in making people not like her?

Ip with her beloved scarves says no

E-vouchers were introduced in 2021 to force people to use up the money through spending it on their Octopus card or on their phone app like AliPay.

But for Ip to not have any sympathy for those who have been out of work but are not considered below the poverty level especially during these three years, any kind of financial help would be greatly appreciated to pay for everyday items, in particular food with the surge in inflation these days.

Perhaps Ip isn't aware of how inflation is hurting people hard these days, when her sacrifice was to not wear her Burberry scarves or buy any more items from the luxury brand until it "retracted or apologised for its unfounded allegations against Xinjiang".

Local celebrities were split for and against supporting cotton from Xinjiang in March 2021.

But back to the vouchers.

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong supports issuing vouchers at no less than HK$5,000. The DAB joins the Federation of Trade Unions, and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in supporting the move.

Kong says yes, but with a HK$50K limit

Interesting that Legislative Council member Doreen Kong Yuk-foon suggests consumption vouchers should only go to those earning less than HK$50,000.

How did the solicitor and politician come up with this salary amount as the borderline?