Financial Secretary Paul Chan said on Thursday during a phone-in programme that the government must be careful with public money and balance priorities when asked why he did not offer more support to families with children in his budget plans. On Wednesday, Chan announced the child and additional child allowances will both increase by HK$10,000 to HK$140,000. Several callers said they would like more financial support for raising children. One man said he recently had a baby and wants to have another, but is worried about money problems. He said his family income is HK$70,000 and they are not eligible for subsidised housing or many other benefits. "Could you give us a little more support? We would like to have another child, but economic problems are making it difficult," he said. Another man suggested a progressive child allowance. "This could help increase Hong Kong's birth rate. Most people who have three or four children are likely middle class, and that would make their burden even lighter," he said. Chan said the government has already increased the child allowance to help taxpayers save money. He said the government would support citizens within its means. "After all, our public finances have only just improved. Going forward, we will face significant external fluctuations. We have many needs and are trying to strike a balance,' he said. Meanwhile, a number of callers said the government should not scrap the One-for-One Replacement Scheme for electric vehicles. Chan said the policy had been successful and is probably "no longer needed". "The technology for electric cars is now very good, and they are quite comfortable. There are many models to choose from and the prices are competitive. After so many years, this policy has produced results, so perhaps we don't need to keep it going. We could use the resources for something else," he said. Edited by Thomas McAlinden