ENG-1997 — Page 50

CONSTITUTION AND ADMINISTRATION

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All proceedings of the council and its committees are open to the public except when confidential issues such as commercial arrangements concerning financial details are discussed.

The Provisional Urban and Provisional Regional councils are represented on several organisations, including the Hong Kong Sports Development Board and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, the work of which is closely related to the councils' responsibilities.

District Administration

The District Administration Scheme commenced in 1982 with the establishment of a District Board and a District Management Committee in each district. The aim of the scheme is to achieve a more effective co-ordination of the provision of services and facilities at the district level, ensure the government is responsive to district needs and problems and promote public participation in district affairs. From July 1, 1997, 18 Provisional District Boards with 468 members appointed by the Chief Executive replaced the former District Boards.

The main function of the Provisional District Boards is to advise the government on matters affecting the interests or well-being of the people living and working in the districts. Through their advice, important contributions are made to the management of district affairs. The boards are also consulted on a wide range of territory-wide issues.

In 1997-98, $113 million has been made available to the Provisional District Boards for the implementation of minor environmental improvement and community involvement projects in the districts.

As an important service for residents, each Provisional District Board operates a 'meet-the-public' scheme, under which residents may meet board members face-to- face to express their views on any district problems. The scheme has been well received since it provides a direct channel for collecting public views on local issues and reflecting them to the government.

Each district has a District Management Committee, chaired by the District Officer, comprising representatives of departments providing essential services in the district. It serves as a forum for inter-departmental consultation on district matters and co-ordinates the provision of public services and facilities to ensure that district needs are met promptly.

The District Management Committee works closely with the Provisional District Board and, as far as possible, follows the advice given by the board. To improve communication between the District Management Committee and the Provisional District Board, the chairman of the Provisional District Board is invited to attend District Management Committee meetings as an observer.

Area Committees and Mutual Aid Committees were set up in the early 1970s, to support the Keep Hong Kong Clean Campaign and Fight Violent Crime Campaign. A review of the Area Committees brought changes in November 1994 relating to their number, composition, terms of reference and geographical coverage. These were introduced to streamline their operations. Area Committees encourage public participation in district affairs, help organise community activities and government campaigns, and advise on issues of a local nature.