An Analysis Of Structure And Function Of District Councils In Hong Kong

The HKSAR has a two-tier system of representative government. District council, which was established by British colonial government in Hong Kong in the reform of "local administration" at the beginning of 1980s, is still acting as the governmental and political structure for council system in HKSAR. Since its establishment, district councils has been playing an important role in the consultation affairs in its district, even throughout Hong Kong. Districts Councils also plays an active role in reflecting public opinion, promoting community building, monitoring the delivery of public services on the district level as well popularizing the measures of the government of Hong Kong. With the development of Hong Kong political system and its democratic process, its structure, roles and function have been adjusted, enriched and perfected. No final conclusion has yet been reached even though it has passed through many phases of evolution and development.This paper, with the structure and function of district councils as its research subject, and using literature review method and interview method, analyses the background and history of district councils, and its formation, function and operation, gives a constructive evaluation of its current policy, and proposes suggestions for its reform and development.Twety-year's practice of the district council and its effect indicate that the aim of the British colonial government did not intend to return administration to its citizens and delgate power to lower levels, but make an arrangement to extend its influence in the region.After China has resumed the exercise of its sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997, HKSAR Government has strengthened its role in the consultation process of district councils, the local administration plan and local administration, and further expanded council's function, gradually let loose the policy-making power, which has delegated power to the lower levels.The Evolution and development of district councils in Hong Kong shows that HKSAR Government do have the goal of practically enhancing the administrative efficiency and truly offering substantial autonomy, and follows the principle that Hong Kong affairs are administrated by the people of Hong Kong . So far the councils has operated smoothly. After reviewing the previous research, the author, in view of restriction factors on present council operation and intrinsic request of its function, proposes strategies as following: disposing council seats reasonably and optimizing council structure; establishing the independent secretariat and support council's operation; widening communication channels and providing opportunities to participate in the government and political affairs; strengthening the financial support and enhancing the function of district councils; implementing the post responsibility system and improving the quality of councilors; providing an outlet for political ideas and increasing the council's attraction.