Life-long learning: Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow sees how seniors learn to use a computer at an elderly centre in Sha Tin.

The recurrent spending on social welfare in 2005-06 amounts to $34.3 billion, of which about $1.1 billion will be an additional provision for social security schemes.

Speaking after a visit to Sha Tin today, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow said the recurrent spending accounts for 17.2%, or the second major area of the Government's recurrent expenditure.

He noted the financial resources will be devoted to improving key areas including:

* social security - additional provision of about $1.1 billion for the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme and the Social Security Allowance Scheme;

* elderly services - an additional 141 contract home places, 20 day-care centre places and one district elderly community centre under planning;

* rehabilitation services - an additional 736 residential places, 190 day activity centre places, 78 integrated programme places in childcare centres and 340 vocational rehabilitation services places under planning;

* family and child services - an additional 75 foster care places, 19 residential places and 18 family and child protection workers under planning; and

* youth services - one additional integrated children and youth services centre and one school social worker for each of the six new secondary schools under planning.

Social workers share their views

During his visit, Dr Chow exchanged views with the social workers at the Ma On Shan Neighbourhood Elderly Centre at Lee On Estate to understand their concerns and daily work in promoting healthy and active ageing among elderly residents in the district.

He also visited Hong Kong Physically Handicapped & Able-Bodied Association Jockey Club Sha Tin Integrated Service Centre for Children & Youth in City One to see how students develop their potential and widen their horizons in a barrier-free environment.