Social welfare spending rose to $36 billion in 2007-08, up 80% on the $20 billion spent in 1997-98, representing the second largest share of government recurrent resource allocation, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says.

During the same period the Social Welfare Department's subvention for non-governmental organisations also grew by more than 50%, from $4.5 billion in 1997 to $6.8 billion this year.

At the Institute of Social Service Development 10th anniversary reception today Mr Cheung said quality staff are very crucial to social services development, adding the number of registered social workers in Hong Kong has exceeded 14,300, from only about 8,300 in 1998.

Noting the looming global financial tsunami which would inevitably lead to growing demand for social welfare and much tougher challenges for social workers, Mr Cheung assured the Government will enhance communication with the welfare sector to ensure timely and proper assistance for people in need.