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The Home Affairs Department (HAD) held a briefing session today (January 12) to familiarise the new term District Council (DC) members with the work of DCs and assist them in serving the community.
Around 160 DC members were present at the briefing. Speaking at the start of the session, the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Pamela Tan, said, "District Councils are key partners of the Government in the implementation of district administration. We attach great importance to district work, in particular our close co-operation and communication with the District Councils. This helps us grasp fully the public's sentiments for implementing policies comprehensively and effectively."
To further the development of district administration, enabling the DCs to improve district facilities continuously as announced in the Chief Executive's 2011-2012 Policy Address, the Government will increase the annual provision under the District Minor Works Programme progressively to $400 million in the current and next DC terms. The additional funding will cover project costs and the recurrent expenditure of the completed facilities.
In addition, starting from the current DC term, enhancement of the DC members' remuneration package has been put into full operation to assist DC members in providing services to the community. These enhancements include providing an annual accountable medical allowance and an end-of-term gratuity for all DC members completing the term of service, and an annual entertainment allowance for DC Chairmen to reimburse entertainment expenses incurred on behalf of DCs.
In addition to introductions covering the "Manual on the Use of DC Funds", "Guidelines for Implementing District Minor Works Projects" and the remuneration package for DC members, participants were also briefed on the code of conduct of DC members.
With regard to the integrity management of DCs, a representative from the Independent Commission Against Corruption was invited to introduce provisions under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. He also briefed members on the integrity of public officers, including declaration of interest, vetting of applications for DC funds and on issues of concern to avoid conflict of interest.
"We look forward to building a closer partnership with all DC members in the new term so that we can work together to build a more harmonious community for the betterment of the public," Mrs Tan said.
Ends/Thursday, January 12, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:43
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