ENG-2010 — Page 47

Constitution and Administration 9

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 community 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 the 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. The DCs carry out minor environmental improvements and community involvement projects.

The Government conducted a review of DC functions and composition in 2006 and launched in 2007 a pilot scheme that sought to strengthen the role of the DCs in managing some district facilities. A series of measures to improve district work. was implemented by the Government in January 2008 in partnership with all 18 DCs. In addition, the Government has allocated annual provision of $300 million for DCs to carry out community involvement activities and another $300 million for district minor works projects.

Also in January 2010, a one-off funding of $180 million was approved for a 'Vibrant People, Harmonious Community Activities' programme, of which $108 million was allocated to 18 District Councils to help local organisations, launch a wide variety of community activities with themes such as 'Sports for All', 'Arts for All', 'Cultural/Ecological Tourism for All' and 'Care for All'. The remaining funds were allocated to Government departments to co-ordinate the launching of cross- district or cross-sector community activities, to employ contract staff to help the