Mixed views on whether to extend voucher scheme: FS

The Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, said on Sunday that there have been mixed views in society over whether the government should distribute another round of electronic consumption vouchers.

Writing on his weekly blog, Chan said he had been consulting the public on his upcoming Budget.

He said some people want the consumption voucher scheme extended, while others are against it because it puts too much pressure on public coffers.

The financial chief pointed out that when introducing relief measures, there would be criticism if only a specific group of people is entitled to assistance.

On the other hand, if help is given to the majority of the population, then he’d also come under fire for not providing enough support to the grassroots community.

Chan called on people to be understanding, saying it is impossible to please everybody, and that the government is trying to find the right balance.