Poverty in the Midst of Affluence

"In this meticulously researched study of the causes and the course of worsening poverty amid growing affluence in Hong Kong, Leo Goodstadt has identified the New Poor as those made vulnerable through diminishing access to essential services and opportunities. The culprits are misguided policies, and the callous and uncaring decisions of those in power. This compelling critique carries weight and demands a response."
—Christine Fang, Chief Executive of The Hong Kong Council of Social Service
In Hong Kong, a world class city of prosperity, a 'new poverty' appears ironically. Under the policy blunders of the government, the supply of public housing has shrunk, and private property prices have soared. Access to social services has become more expensive and limited, and inequality of incomes has increased. These hit not only the most vulnerable groups among the disadvantaged and disabled but increasing numbers of the middle classes. In this trenchant attack on government mismanagement, former head of Central Policy Unit Leo Goodstadt gives a painfully insightful analysis of the phenomena based on his detailed research. A timely and essential reading.