ENG-2008 — Page 44

8 Constitution and Administration

The third term of the DCs commenced on January 1, 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 DCs 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 DCs on a wide range of issues. Another key function of DCs is the carrying out of minor environmental improvement and community involvement projects with funds available.

To further enhance the role and functions of DCs, the Government conducted a review on the role, functions and composition of DCs in 2006, and completed a pilot scheme to involve the DCs in the management of some district facilities in 2007. Since the start of the new DC term in January 2008, the Government has implemented a series of measures to improve district work with all 18 DCs taking part in managing district facilities. Furthermore, the Government has increased the resources for DCs to carry out community involvement activities to $300 million as well as set up a $300 million dedicated capital works block vote for the DCs to implement district minor works projects.

To foster regular dialogue between senior government officials and the DCs, 22 heads of departments, who have direct interface with the public, started attending DC meetings one at a time since January 2007. Heads of government departments also gave briefings to DC members on territory-wide planning and development issues. The officers who gave briefings in 2008 included the Director of Planning, Commissioner for Transport and Director of Highways.

The first 'Chief Executive's Summit on District Administration' was held in May 2008. It provided an effective platform for senior Government officials, DC members and district personalities to have direct communication and exchange of views on district matters, and for the Government to better understand public concerns. The summit was attended by more than 800 people from the DCs, district organisations and government departments, including the Chief Executive and directors of policy bureaux.

To maintain a direct dialogue with local residents, each DC operates a meet- the-public scheme, under which residents can meet council members face-to-face to express their views on district problems. The scheme, which also provides a direct channel for DCs to collect public views on local matters and territory-wide issues, has been well received by the people. In addition, many DC members run ward offices to keep in touch with their constituents and to better cater to the needs of their respective communities.

Each district has a District Management Committee, chaired by a District Officer. It comprises the chairman, vice-chairman and committee chairmen of the DC as well as representatives of government departments providing essential services in the