ENG-2005 — Page 33

Constitution and Administration | 7

Redress System

The Legislative Council operates a redress system under which members of the public may seek assistance for redressing any grievance resulting from government actions or policies, and lodge complaints against government departments and other organisations. The redress system operates on a weekly roster with groups of six council members taking turns to receive and handle complaints and representations from the public. They also take turns to be on 'ward duty' during their duty week to meet individual complainants and give guidance to staff in processing cases.

The Legislative Council Commission and Legislative Council Secretariat

The Legislative Council Commission is a statutory body independent of the Government. It is chaired by the President of the Legislative Council and consists of nine other members. The commission's main function is to provide support and services for the Legislative Council through the Legislative Council Secretariat. It is empowered to employ staff of the Legislative Council Secretariat and oversee its work, determine the organisation and administration of support services and facilities, formulate and execute policies on their effective operation and expend funds in ways it sees fit to support these activities.

The Legislative Council Secretariat is headed by the Secretary General. Its mission is to provide efficient administrative, secretariat and research support for the council and its committees, enhance the community's understanding of the activities of the council and ensure an effective avenue for redress.

District Administration

The District Administration Scheme started in 1982 with the establishment of a District Board and a District Management Committee in each district. Through the scheme, the Government promotes public participation in district affairs and fosters a sense of belonging and mutual care among the people of Hong Kong. The scheme also helps to ensure that the Government is responsive to district needs and problems. Following the 1998 review of the structure and functions of district organisations, District Boards were renamed District Councils to underline their important role in district administration.

The second term of the District Councils started on January 1, 2004. In addition to the 400 elected members, there are 27 ex officio members (i.e. Rural Committee chairmen in the New Territories) and 102 appointed members, making a total of 529 District Council members. The term of office of these council members is four years starting from January 2004.

The main function of District Councils is to advise the Government on matters affecting the well-being of the people living and working in the districts as well as on the provision and use of public facilities and services within the districts. The Government also consults these bodies on a wide range of issues. In 2005, the 18 District Councils were consulted on 605 territory-wide issues and 2 748 district issues.