LegCo to consider proposed resolution in relation to implementation of comprehensive smoking ban in construction sites
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (July 15) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare will move a proposed resolution under the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance in relation to the implementation of a comprehensive smoking ban in construction sites.
The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs will also move a proposed resolution under the District Councils Ordinance.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development will move a proposed resolution under the Trading Funds Ordinance.
Meanwhile, Mr Chan Chun-ying will move a motion under Rule 49E(2) of the Rules of Procedure to take note of a report of the House Committee on consideration of subsidiary legislation and other instruments.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Mr Sunny Tan, will present the "Reports of the Public Accounts Committee on Report Nos. 85 and 86 of the Director of Audit on the Results of Value for Money Audits" and address the Council.
Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
The agenda of the above meeting is available on the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the "Webcast" system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.
The Legislative Council, Photo by Bastille Post
Government to launch Pilot Scheme for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Households Transitioning to Working Family Allowance Scheme
The Government announced the launch of a three-year Pilot Scheme for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Households Transitioning to Working Family Allowance Scheme on October 1, 2026, which is funded by the Community Care Fund (CCF).
The Pilot Scheme encourages Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients with working capability to achieve self reliance through continuous employment. Households leaving the CSSA Scheme on or after October 1, 2026, and joining the Working Family Allowance (WFA) Scheme will be eligible for cash incentives totalling up to $45,000 under the Pilot Scheme.
To be eligible for the cash incentive, households should (a) leave the CSSA Scheme on or after October 1, 2026; (b) submit WFA applications (claim months should fall within the period from October 2026 to September 2029); and (c) through continuous employment, have at least two consecutive WFA applications approved (i.e., covering 12 consecutive claim months) with at least 10 claim months granted with WFA during the 12 claim months.
All types of CSSA households may participate in the Pilot Scheme, and a separate sign-up is not required. The Working Family Allowance Office will identify eligible households through data matching with the Social Welfare Department and notify them. Eligible households will receive the first payment of the cash incentive in the first year after having received two consecutive WFA payments. The cash incentive will be disbursed directly to their bank account for receiving WFA payments. If these households continue to work and meet the above eligibility requirements, they will receive the second and third payments of the cash incentive in the following year and the third year respectively. Each eligible household may receive up to three payments of the cash incentive, totalling $45,000. Irrespective of the household size and the rate of WFA approved, standard cash incentive payments will be disbursed as follows:
Amount of cash incentive
First payment
$10,000
Second payment
$15,000
Third payment
$20,000
More details are available on the websites of the CCF (www.communityfund.hk) or the Pilot Scheme (CSSAtoWFA.gov.hk). Members of the public may also call the enquiry hotline of the Pilot Scheme on 3897 1897 during office hours.
Photo source: reference image
