COMMENT
THE CHINA MAIL, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1971.
CHINA MAIL – Tong Chong Street, Quarry Bay, North Point,
Tels: Head Office 620161 Central Office 221011
THERE will be conflicting opinions about the White Paper on Urban Council reforms.
Some will say the proposals do not go far enough.
Others will express strong disapproval that the council is being given extra scope and more autonomy.
However, amid all the controversy and differences of opinion, one thing is clear:
Changes definitely were needed.
It is up to the council now to show that it can handle its new role with skill and dignity.
A great deal more responsibility is being put on its shoulders, even though the
Don't sacrifice quality
Government is still holding itself in the background as a "backstop."
The council will be judged critically on its performance from 1973 onwards, when the
'new look" comes into effect.
The council will be able to strike its own rate to raise revenue.
Let's hope this power isn't abused. Let's hope, too, that we can see some long- awaited projects come into being particularly that indoor sports stadium at Hunghom.
There are doubts about the calibre of
BITTER BATTLE OVER
Reformers happy with small gain
THEY CALLED it a White Paper and it covered just 16 small
pages.
Behind its publication were years of frustration, anger, obstinacy, fury, drama and a lot of nasty verbal crossfire.
Let's say at the outset that the Government's Urbco reform proposals fall far short of what had been demanded.
I've heard some caustic comments from the councillors. But most are happy that something has been done.
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"We battled long enough to get this I think we should grab it and run," said one councillor.
Colonial Secretary, Sir Hugh Norman-Walker, says the proposals mean a "fresh start" for Urbco.
Same name
Let's examine just what some of the "fresh start" proposals are.
Firstly, things won't start happening until April, 1973.
That gives the council plenty of time to prepare itself for the cutting of the "umbilical cord" linking it to the central government.
The proposals set out in the White Paper also include:-
The Urban Council's interest in public housing will remain unchanged until a decision can be taken on how best to co- ordinate activities in this field.
The Public Works Department will continue to build, and Government pay for, abattoirs, incinerators, crematoria and other technical installations when there is agreement and they are required.
The proceedings of the Urban Council will be conducted in Cantonese as well as English. Further advances in bilingualism should be along the lines suggested in the first report of the Chinese language committee which has been accepted in principle by the Government.
Basically, the council's functions can be placed under four headings- environmental public health, recreation and amenties, provision of cultural services and public housing.
The council will take over the authority for additional licensing functions, like liquor licensing. bowling alleys, billiard saloons and barber shops.
There will be no change in the name of the council. Perhaps the most interesting and important change comes in finance.
The White Paper explains: "A significant advance will be made in the field of finance, giving the council its own rate and by authorising it to raise capital funds in the market.
MAIL News Editor Brian Blackwell looks at the Urbco White Paper to discover what it really means.
At present, the Urban Council Urban Services Department
submit detailed estimates to the Colonial Secretariat each year where they are processed in the same way as other Government departments.
Separate rate
It is now intended to grant Urbco substantial financial autonomy and discretion by giving it its own separate rate or levy.
The council will be able to borrow money in the market to meet capital expenditure subject to Legislative Council approval.
The council will, of course, have other sources of income.
Once the initial rate has been determined, the council will be free to raise its rate, with Legco approval, in order to expand its services or meet rising costs.
The Government will be prepared to consider making annual or capital grants to meet extra expenditure rising from new duties imposed on the council.
Each year the council will have to present its annual Budget and Building-Works Programme to the Colonial Secretariat - with adequate explanations.
The CS must satisfy itself that the proposed expenditure falls within the Urban Council's sphere of responsibilities.
Then the Budget goes before the Legislative Council for approval.
Once the Legco Finance Committee gives approval, the Government will make an initial grant on a once-and-for-all basis to Urbco.
The council will be able to spend the money as it pleases on capital or recurrent items.
More councillors
There are other proposals for change.
The number of councillors, elected and nominated, will rise to 24.
And the council will choose its own chairman. This means even firebrand rebel Mrs Elsie Elliott could end up as chairman.
The council will continue to work through the Urban Services Department and will bear the cost of the department's staff.
All Official Government Members of the councill will call it a day.
The voting franchise for elections will not be extended.
councillors who might, in future, be drawn into the council.
It's hard enough with 10 elected councillors to find the right people.
Soon there will be 12 elected councillors and 12 appointed ones.
We sincerely hope it will be a case of quality, plus quantity, and not quantity, minus quality.
We say good luck to the Urban Council in its new role.
It'll need it.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.