48. Both Councils are financially autonomous and derive most of their income. from a share of the rates paid by property owners. They also obtain revenue from licence fees and miscellaneous hire charges. This income is used mainly to p
or running the Urban Services and Regional Services Departments, through which the Councils discharge their executive responsibilities; and in the case of the Urban Council to finance an extensive capital works programme.
49. While both Councils fulfil largely the same functions, there are differences in their composition and methods of operation. These reflect in part their different historical origins and in part the different characteristics of the regions. they serve.
The Urban Council
50. The Urban Council provides services to some 3.6 million people living on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon. It is composed of 30 members: 15 appointed by the Governor and 15 directly elected on a constituency basis. The Chairman is elected by the Council from amongst its membership. The executive authority of the Council is exercised through the Standing Com- mittee of the Whole Council and its thirteen Select Committees. These deal with Administration; Capital Works; Culture; District Relations; Entertain- ment; Environmental Hygiene; Finance; Food Hygiene, Libraries; the Liquor Licensing Board; Markets and Street Traders; Museums; and Recreation. In 1987-88 the Council controls recurrent expenditure of the order of $2,250 million and oversees the work of over 17,000 staff in the Urban Services Department.
51. In recent years the Urban Council has played a key role in developing a network of efficient municipal services to create a cleaner, healthier and more attractive city environment. It has also played a prominent part in enriching life. in Hong Kong by developing cultural, recreational and leisure facilities.
The Regional Council
52. The Regional Council provides services to about 2 million residents of the New Territories. It is composed of 36 members: 12 appointed, 12 directly elected by geographical constituencies, nine indirectly elected from New Territories District Boards and three ex-officio (namely the Chairman and two Vice- Chairmen of the Heung Yee Kuk). The Chairman of the Regional Council is elected from among the members.
53. The Council has three Select Committees which deal with Finance and Administration, Environmental Hygiene and Recreation and Culture. It also has nine geographically-based District Committees which deal with most operational matters, thereby relieving the full Council of a lot of minor business. Each District Committee is made up of eight Regional Councillors, four District Board members and three members from other local organizations in the district concerned. They are chaired by the District Board member whom
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