192.         We plan to provide additional resources to DCs and increase the current provisions for district minor works (DMW) projects. We will also consider enhancing DCs' participation in resolving district issues and managing some district facilities. On top of the provisions for DMW projects and community involvement (CI) programmes, a one-off grant of $100 million for each district, or $1.8 billion in total for all districts, will be earmarked for DCs this year to carry out signature projects in the current term. Moreover, we plan to provide an additional $20.8 million a year for CI programmes to enhance the work of DCs in promoting arts and cultural activities at the district level. We will also review the allowance and expense reimbursement arrangements for DC members as appropriate, including the arrangements of renting premises for ward offices.

193.         It has been 12 years since the abolition of the former municipal councils, but the levels of fees and charges for certain municipal facilities and services still vary between the urban areas and New Territories. I have decided to amend the legislation to align these fees and charges. As a first step, where the fee or charge for a facility or service differs between the urban areas and the New Territories, the lower rate will prevail. As a result, government revenue will be reduced by about $70 million annually. As most of the fees and charges for the facilities and services of the LCSD and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have remained unchanged since 2000, I have asked the departments concerned to conduct a comprehensive review of their fee levels and charging policy, and to put forward recommendations to the Financial Secretary as soon as possible.

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