8 Constitution and Administration
Another key function of District Councils is to carry out minor environmental improvement and community involvement projects with funds available. Such funds have been increased from $130 million in 1999-2000 to $173.5 million in 2006-07.
In 2006, the Administration conducted a review of the role, functions and composition of District Councils with a view to enhancing the functions of District Councils and improving government work in districts. Recommendations under the DC Review were generally well received. These include arrangements for District Councils to participate in the management of some district facilities, measures to strengthen communication between the District Councils and the Administration as well as to set up a high-level Steering Committee on District Administration to expedite resolution of district management issues, and proposals to provide better support to District Council members. A pilot scheme in four districts to involve the District Councils in the management of district facilities will be launched in January 2007. Experience from operating the pilot scheme is expected to facilitate the smooth implementation of the DC Review in all 18 districts starting January 2008.
To maintain a direct dialogue with local residents, each District Council operates a meet-the-public scheme, under which residents can meet council members face-to- face to express their views on district problems. The scheme has been well received by the public. It also provides a direct channel for District Councils to collect public views on local matters and territory-wide issues. In addition, many District Council members also operate ward offices to maintain contact with their constituents and to better meet the needs of the local community.
To promote harmony in the community and encourage public participation in district affairs, Area Committees have been set up in the 18 districts to advise on local issues as well as to help organise community activities and government campaigns. At year-end, there are 70 Area Committees.
Twenty Public Enquiry Service Centres, attached to the District Offices, provide a wide range of free services to the public. These services include answering general enquiries on government services; distributing government forms and information; administering oaths and declarations; and referring cases under the District Council members' meet-the-public scheme, the Free Legal Advice Scheme and the Rent Officer Scheme. The Public Enquiry Service Centres and the General Telephone Enquiry Centre served a total of 1.66 million clients in 2006.
The Electoral System
Electoral System for the Legislative Council
The composition of the first three terms of the Legislative Council as set out in the Basic Law is as follows: