ENG-2009 — Page 44

8 Constitution and Administration

arrangements governing post-service work of directorate civil servants and other related matters.

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 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 2008- 2009 session, the commission comprised 12 members, including the chairman. The commission's main function is to provide administrative 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 the council and its committees with professional and efficient support and services, 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 DCs commenced on January 1, 2008. There are a total of 534 members, including 405 elected members, 102 appointed members and 27 ex officio members (chairmen of rural committees in the New Territories), in the councils. 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