Districts of Hong Kong - The Role of District Councils

The Role of District Councils

District councils play an essential advisory role on district matters and issues affecting the whole of Hong Kong as appropriate. The functions of a district council are:

• to advise the Government on:
  • matters affecting the well-being of the people in the district;
  • the provision and use of public facilities and services within the district;
  • the adequacy and priorities of government programmes for the district; and
  • the use of public funds allocated to the district for local public works and community activities;
• where funds are made available for the purpose, to undertake:
  • environmental improvements within the district;
  • the promotion of recreational and cultural activities within the district; and
  • community activities within the district.

The district councils also advise on the management of community halls, which should be in the best interest of the local residents. The district councils initiate, organise and sponsor community involvement projects and activities aimed at enhancing community spirit and social cohesion and promoting the well-being of people in the districts. These range from large-scale district festivals to the formation of local youth choirs and dance troupes. They have also achieved notable success in improving the local environment by undertaking minor environmental improvement projects such as the provision of rest gardens, rain shelters and amenity planting. In the 2003/04 financial year, $205.6 million has been allocated for the district councils.