Health and medical spending tops Hong Kong residents’ priorities for the 2026-27 Budget, with over 70 percent highlighting it as their key social‑livelihood concern, a recent survey conducted by Hong Kong's largest labor union has found.

On economic and labor policy, over 70 percent of survey respondents urged greater focus on nurturing local talent, while over half of respondents called for stronger retirement protection.

The poll was conducted by the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (FTU) between Dec 2025 and Jan 2026, covering 5,097 of the federation’s members aged 18 and above.

The survey found that on social‑livelihood issues, 72.34 percent of respondents expect the Budget to focus on health and medical care. Notably, this is the top concern across all age groups surveyed (18‑40, 41‑60, and over 60). Other key concerns included labor and employment assistance, education, and land and housing — each cited by over 40 percent of participants.

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On economic development, the leading priority for over 70 percent of respondents is the nurturing of local talent, followed by support for local brands and regional growth (over 50 percent). Innovation, tech and tourism were each identified as priorities by more than 40 percent of respondents.

On the labor front, over 58 percent want stronger retirement protection, while a majority also called for better mid‑to‑late‑career employment opportunities. Nearly 47 percent seek enhanced employment support overall.

The FTU said it will present the survey results and its other detailed recommendations for the Budget during its meeting with Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po on Monday. The government plans to release the 2026/27 Budget on Feb 25, with public consultation having begun on Dec 17, 2025.

Contact the writer at amberwu@chinadailyhk.com