ENG-2007 — Page 39

Constitution and Administration | 7

actions or policies, and lodge complaints against government departments and other organisations. The redress system operates on a weekly roster with groups of six 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. In the 2006-2007 session, the commission comprised 11 members, including the chairman. 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

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 a 1998 review of the structure and functions of district organisations, District Boards were renamed District Councils (DC) in 2000 to underline their important role in reflecting public opinion and monitoring the delivery of public services at district level.

The third term of the District Councils will start on 1 January 2008. In addition to the 405 elected members, there are 102 appointed members and 27 ex officio members (chairmen of rural committees in the New Territories) in the councils, bringing the total number to 534. The term of office of these council members is four years starting from January 2008.

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 the District Councils on a wide range of issues. Another key function of District Councils is the carrying out of minor environmental improvement and community involvement projects with funds available.