TNAG-0269-FCO40-305-Reform-of-local-government-of-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 53

Annex C

Report of the Official Working Party (published in 1967)

(i)

Structure of local administration. The report recommended the establishment of two or three Municipal Councils for Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and an Urban District Council

for Tsuen Wan.

(ii) Franchise The franchise should be both wider and simpler than the existing Urban Council structure; adult suffrage or a rate payers' franchise would afford practicable solutions, coupled with a requirement in respect of residence in the Colony for a minimum period of time.

(iii) Composition It would be unwise to rely initially on wholly elected memership and there should be a ratio of elected to nominated members of 3:1 or 3:2; with Councils having a total membership of 30-40, and no official members.

(iv) Functions The executive functions to be exercised by local authorities should comprise a wide range of public health functions and other responsibilities, such as the provision and operation of certain educational and welfare facilities, licensing duties, and the management of low- cost housing estates. They should enjoy the right to be consulted on certain responsibilities which the Central Government would continue to discharge, i.e. the general adequacy of police and fire services and of medical, housing and educational facilities; on town planning proposals and on public transport facilities.

(v) Financial responsibility Revenues accruing from rates should be shared between the Central Government and local authorities, collection remaining the responsibility of the Central Government; certain forms of licensing revenue might be paid to the local authorities; and grants in aid should be payable by the Central Government, both in the form of general purpose grants, special grants to stimulate special activities and equalisation grants to the poorer authorities. The Central Government should provide facilities for loans to finance capital development.

i