(Translation)

Minutes of the 3rd Meeting of Community Affairs Committee of District Council (5th Term)

Date: 28 April 2016 (Thursday) Time: 9:30 a.m. Venue: Conference Room, Council

Present

Chairman Mr LEE Wing-man

Members Mr CHAN Kwok-wai Mr CHAN Wai-ming, MH Ms CHAN Wing-yan, Joephy (Arrived at 9:32 a.m.) Mr CHENG Wing-shun, Vincent (Arrived at 11:50 a.m.; left at 1:02 p.m.) Mr CHEUNG Wing-sum, Ambrose, MH, JP (Arrived at 10:10 a.m.; left at 12:35 p.m.) Ms CHOW Wing-heng, Zoé (Arrived at 10:30 a.m.) Mr CHUM Tak-shing (Arrived at 11:35 a.m.) Mr HO Kai-ming, Kalvin (Arrived at 11:00 a.m.; left at 1:00 p.m.) Mr KONG Kwai-sang (Arrived at 10:09 a.m.; left at 12:57 p.m.) Mr LAM Ka-fai, Aaron, JP (Arrived at 10:25 a.m.) Ms LAU Pui-yuk Mr LEE Tsz-king, Dominic Mr LEUNG Man-kwong Mr LEUNG Yau-fong (Arrived at 9:43 a.m.) Ms NG Mei, Carman (Arrived at 9:50 a.m.) Ms NG Yuet-lan (Arrived at 9:35 a.m.; left at 11:48 a.m.) Mr TAM Kwok-kiu, MH, JP (Arrived at 11:31 a.m.; left at 12:50 p.m.) Mr WAI Woon-nam (Arrived at 9:42 a.m.) Mr WONG Tat-tung, Dennis, MH, JP (Arrived at 9:50 a.m.; left at 11:10 a.m.) Mr YAN Kai-wing Mr YEUNG Yuk

Co-opted Members Mr AU Chi-fai Mr CHAN Kin-yip Ms LAM Po-yu (Left at 12:00 noon) Mr WONG Man-kuen (Left at 12:00 noon)

In Attendance Miss CHAN Pui-ki, Kiki Assistant District Officer (Sham Shui Po) 1 Ms CHAN Tsz-yee, Emily Senior Liaison Officer 1, Sham Shui Po District Office

Ms IP Sau-hing Senior Community Relations Officer, West Regional Office, Independent Commission Against Corruption Mr TANG Chi-sum, Terence Housing Manager (Kowloon West and ) 6, Housing Department Mr CHAN Wai-kwong Neighbourhood Police Coordinator, Sham Shui Po District, Hong Kong Police Force Mr LI Fu-leung Senior School Development Officer (Sham Shui Po) 1, Education Bureau Ms LEUNG Mei-wah Assistant District Social Welfare Officer (Sham Shui Po) 2, Social Welfare Department Mr CHEUNG Kwok-wai, Senior Manager (Kowloon West/Cultural Services), Alex Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms LAU Siu-mui, Lily Manager (Kowloon West) Marketing, Programme and District Activities, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms NG Sau-ling, Steffi Deputy District Leisure Manager (Sham Shui Po) District Support, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms SZE Ching-yi, Sharon Assistant Leisure Services Manager II (Sham Shui Po) District Support, Leisure and Cultural Services Department Miss CHAN Wai-yam, Eunice Senior Librarian (Sham Shui Po), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Ms YUEN Sin-yu Librarian (Po On Road Public Library), Leisure and Cultural Services Department Mr Anthony NG Chief Executive Officer, Financial Dispute Resolution Centre Limited Ms Virginia SIU Communications Manager, Financial Dispute Resolution Centre Limited Ms Sophie SHEK Communications Officer, Financial Dispute Resolution Centre Limited Ms SIU Wai-fun, Rebecca Senior Statistician (Census Planning) 2, Census and Statistics Department Mr KWONG Kwok-tai, Senior Census and Survey Officer (Census) 1, William Census and Statistics Department Dr HO Wai-tsun, Vincent Chief of Service, Accident and Emergency Department, Mr YEUNG Chin-pang, General Manager (Nursing), Caritas Medical Andrew Centre Ms HO Ka-wai, Wendy Department Operations Manager, Accident and Emergency Department, Caritas Medical Centre Ms SHIU Ching-yee, Leslie Community Relations Officer, Caritas Medical Centre Dr WONG Man-ching, Anna Senior Medical and Health Officer (Community Liaison) 2, Department of Health Ms CHAN Suk-fan, Janet Liaison Officer in-charge (District Facilities and ), Sham Shui Po District Office

Secretary Miss YUEN Ka-man, Carmen Executive Officer (District Council)2, Sham Shui Po District Office - 3 - Action by

Opening Remarks

The Chairman welcomed all members, representatives of government departments and organisations to this meeting, as well as Ms Sharon SZE, Assistant Leisure Services Manager II (Sham Shui Po) District Support, who attended this meeting in place of Mr HONG Chi-keung.

Agenda Item 1: Confirmation of minutes of the 2nd meeting held on 25 February 2016

2. The Committee endorsed the minutes of the 2nd meeting held on 25 February 2016 without amendments.

Agenda Item 2: Matters for discussion

(a) Introduction on the service of Financial Dispute Resolution Centre (CAC Paper 14/16)

3. The Chairman said that before the meeting, Mr Ambrose CHEUNG had declared interest to the Secretariat that he was the Chairman of the Insurance Agents Registration Board under the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers. The Chairman considered that the duties of Mr Ambrose CHEUNG would not give rise to conflict of interests, and suggested that he should be allowed to take part in the discussion. No member had raised objection.

4. Mr Anthony NG introduced the services of Financial Dispute Resolution Centre (“FDRC”) with the aid of PowerPoint presentation.

5. Mr CHAN Wai-ming enquired how FDRC would follow up and provide professional advice to members of the public when they had different interpretations over the insurance products provided by insurance companies or banks; or suspected that the insurance products were misleading.

6. Ms LAU Pui-yuk remarked that FDRC’s services were targeted at financial products while members of the public would normally approach the Consumer Council should they have enquiries or complaints about financial products or banking services. She enquired about the division of work between FDRC and the Consumer Council.

7. Mr YEUNG Yuk pointed out that many public complaints or financial disputes (such as pitfalls of money lending) were caused by intermediaries, but the mediation services of FDRC did not cover intermediaries. He enquired whether FDRC would extend the scope of services to cover intermediaries.

8. Mr Anthony NG gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) FDRC received more than 2 000 cases of enquiries on financial products on - 4 - Action by

average per annum. The case officers of FDRC would explain and provide advisory services to the public subject to the circumstances of individual cases.

(ii) FDRC would work closely with the Consumer Council. If the Consumer Council received complaints on securities companies and banking products or other products falling within the scope of services of FDRC, it would refer the cases to FDRC for handling. In terms of division of work, there was no overlapping of work between FDRC and the Consumer Council. As regards financial disputes, FDRC would give professional advice to the public.

(iii) The products purchased through banks or securities companies were subject to the regulation of FDRC but the loan services of financial intermediaries were not included in the existing terms of reference of FDRC. The Government said that it would consider regulating financial intermediaries; FDRC also hoped to provide more services to the public and would consider expanding its existing scope of work.

9. The Chairman concluded that financial disputes were common in an economic-led society. He hoped that FDRC could consider members’ views and expand its scope of services to financial intermediaries to benefit more members of the public.

(b) Brief Note on the 2016 Population By-census (CAC Paper 15/16)

10. Ms Rebecca SIU briefed members on the 2016 Population By-census with the aid of PowerPoint presentation.

11. Mr WAI Woon-nam raised the following views and suggestions: (i) “ability to read/write languages” was a new data topic included in the population by-census. As far as he understood, this topic was targeted at non-ethnic Chinese, but many elderly persons who were new arrivals in old districts did not have the ability to read and write languages. He therefore opined that the targets should be divided into ethnic Chinese and non-ethnic Chinese, so that the information would be more comprehensive; (ii) another new data topic was about “sub-divided units”, he enquired whether census officers were required to visit all the “sub-divided units” in a quarter to collect information; (iii) in the previous population census, a female census officer was harassed. He asked whether the Department would teach census officers self-defense skills to ensure safety.

12. Ms Rebecca SIU gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) The data topic “ability to read/write languages” included the ability to read - 5 - Action by

and write Chinese, English and other languages. The data topic on races included in the questionnaires could distinguish whether the interviewees were ethnic Chinese or non-ethnic Chinese. In this regard, the Department would know whether the interviewees were ethnic Chinese or non-ethnic Chinese, and their ability to read and write different languages.

(ii) The people living in the selected quarters were required to provide the information needed. If there were four “sub-divided units” in a quarter, census officers had to collect the data of four “sub-divided units”. If census officers were unable to collect the information of all households after repeated visits, measures such as “issuance of non-contact slip” would be taken to inform the households to call the By-census Service Centre for making interview appointments. If no suitable time could be arranged, the Centre staff would collect information through telephone interviews, or the households could fill in e-questionnaires. The Department aimed to collect information on all households of the “sub-divided units”, but the households might not be reached or were away from Hong Kong during the census period, resulting in the possibility of failure in collecting the information of some units.

(iii) The Department would arrange census officers to have face-to-face interviews in pairs. In certain risky locations, the Department would arrange two male or one male and one female census officers to conduct the interviews. The Department would remind census officers to be aware of their personal safety, and this message would be displayed at their tablets used in the course of work, as well as mentioned in their training. Self-defense skills were not included in the training for census officers, but the Department would provide equipment to census officers to ensure their safety. For example, some old buildings were not equipped with lighting, census officers would bring along torches, as well as buzzers which would emit loud sound when activated to seek help. The tablets brought along by census officers also had a button. If the button was pressed for more than three seconds, the control centre would know that census officers might be in danger and would follow up and provide assistance. The Department would ensure the safety of census officers by providing adequate equipment to prevent the harassment cases occurred in 2011 population census from repeating.

13. Mr YEUNG Yuk said that there was discrepancy between the number of “sub-divided units” announced by the Government and the civic groups, he enquired whether the number of “sub-divided units” would be calculated in this population by-census and the data be provided to the relevant government departments. - 6 - Action by

14. Ms Rebecca SIU responded that the Department attached great importance to the topic “sub-divided units” in this population by-census and also updated the address database for sampling. The Department had commissioned a company to conduct survey on old buildings or buildings which might have “sub-divided units” in Hong Kong to estimate the number of “sub-divided units” more accurately. Quite a number of “sub-divided units” were selected in this by-census. One-tenth of all households in Hong Kong were selected for this by-census but there was a higher random sampling ratio in the areas with more “sub-divided units”. After completing the survey, the Department would publish the number of “sub-divided units”.

15. Mr LEUNG Yau-fong raised the following enquiries: (i) there would be a time interval between the collection and destruction of information, he asked to what extent or at what level the information would be encrypted to prevent information stealing by hackers; (ii) he asked what grades of government officers would have access to the information collected, and, if the powerful would like to obtain the information despite the legislation in place, how the Department would deal with the situation.

16. Ms Rebecca SIU responded as follows:

(i) The Department would process confidential information in line with the guidelines. Passwords had been included in all e-questionnaires while each household would only know its own reference number and password. In information uploading, the Department would encrypt the information in accordance with the government information security requirements. Census officers were required to enter their numbers and passwords in order to login to the mobile questionnaire system with their tablets. Even if other people had got hold of the tablets, the information inside the tablets could not be copied because such information would be uploaded onto the central server rather than being saved in the tablets after completion of information collection.

(ii) The staff members of the Census and Statistics Department (“C&SD”) (including temporary census officers) would sign a confidentiality agreement. Any disclosure of information of any individual or household would breach the law. In completing the questionnaire, members of the public were not required to fill in their full name, they might use “Mr CHAN”, “Mrs CHAN”, “elder son”, “second son” instead, therefore there was no worry of disclosing one’s privacy (such as family status, salary, etc.). In addition, the information for identification purpose such as names and addresses would not be used for data analysis and hence would be saved separately. The staff members responsible for data analysis would not know the names and residential addresses of the information providers even though they read family information. In sum, the Department would not - 7 - Action by

allow other persons to access the information of individual persons or households in accordance with the law. Even though staff members could access the information, they would not be able to identify the information providers.

17. Mr LEUNG Yau-fong remarked that despite the Department’s explanation that members of the public would only be required to provide some information for identification purpose, he was still worried about the transfer of personal information and asked what punishment would be imposed if information was not provided.

18. Ms Rebecca SIU responded that the population by-census was conducted under the Census and Statistics Ordinance. Pursuant to the Census and Statistics (2016 Population Census) Order, all selected households were required to provide the information. Anyone in violation of the provision shall be subject to a fine of $2,000. The Department understood the worries of the public over the uses of information and the confidentality issue. It would encourage participation through publicity and assure the public that C&SD was a professional government department and the data collected would not be disclosed to other persons or government departments, in order to enhance the confidence of the public.

19. The Chairman concluded that the Committee had noted the details of the 2016 Population By-census and thanked C&SD for the briefing.

(c) Grave concern over the over-crowded condition in the accident and emergency departments of public hospitals (CAC Paper 16/16)

20. Ms LAU Pui-yuk introduced Paper 16/16.

21. Dr Vincent HO introduced Response Paper 32/16 and supplemented as follows:

(i) There were five categories in the triage system of the accident and emergency (“A&E”) departments, including critical, emergency, urgent, semi-urgent and non-urgent.

(ii) All critical patients in A&E department of Caritas Medical Centre (“CMC”) were not required to wait because all A&E departments of the public hospitals under the (“HA”) would provide immediate treatment to critical patients.

(iii) The average waiting time for emergency patients in A&E department of CMC was about 15 minutes, and the average waiting time for over 97% of emergency patients in A&E departments of the public hospitals under HA was less than 15 minutes.

(iv) The average waiting time for urgent patients in A&E department of CMC - 8 - Action by

was about 26 minutes, and the average waiting time for 78% of urgent patients in A&E departments of the public hospitals under HA was less than 30 minutes.

(v) The average waiting time for semi-urgent and non-urgent patients in A&E department of CMC was about 69 minutes, and the average waiting time for 70% of semi-urgent and non-urgent patients in A&E departments of the public hospitals under HA was less than 90 minutes.

(vi) In other words, the time taken to provide treatment to patients by A&E department of CMC was shorter than that of A&E departments of some public hospitals under HA.

22. Mr WAI Woon-nam raised the following enquiries: (i) many elderly persons would go to A&E department rather than geriatric department for consultation, how HA would strengthen the co-operation between A&E departments and geriatric departments; (ii) A&E departments were not spacious, he asked whether HA would add an observation zone and its planning; (iii) the Kowloon West Cluster would add 1 000 quotas to general out-patient clinics during holidays, but the media reported that would be moved from Kowloon West Cluster to Kowloon Central Cluster. If a majority of quotas were from Kwong Wah Hospital, people from Kowloon West could not be benefited. Therefore, he asked whether the 1 000 quotas included the ones offered by Kwong Wah Hospital.

23. Ms NG Yuet-lan said that the waiting time of 70% of semi-urgent and non-urgent patients was less than 90 minutes as indicated in HA’s statistics. However, the experience of the public and her showed that the waiting time would exceed two hours in most of the occasions; it would even take five to six hours during holidays. She asked how HA had obtained the statistics and whether the statistics only reflected the situation of non-peak hours on weekdays and during the opening hours of general out-patient clinics.

24. Mr LEUNG Man-kwong raised the following views and enquiries: (i) the number of people awaiting consultation at A&E departments had started to increase significantly since February this year. His relative went to A&E department for consultation but no treatment was given after three to four hours of waiting time, eventually his relative visited a clinic opening at night time for consultation. The waiting time was different from less than 90 minutes on average as stated by HA; (ii) he suggested that the triage process be enhanced, such as providing out-patient service during holidays and at night time, so as to offer an option to the grassroots in addition to consultations at A&E departments. HA had to make fresh arrangements for manpower and service development to solve the problem of long waiting time; (iii) he asked whether the impending cluster re-organisation would affect the consultation services to the public, - 9 - Action by such as an increasing number of local residents would go to CMC for consultation as a result. He hoped that HA could timely give an account of the details.

25. Ms LAU Pui-yuk raised the following views and suggestions: (i) the display screen at A&E department of CMC was always not in service which caused inconvenience to waiting patients; (ii) she asked whether HA had any specific plan for diverting patients to private healthcare facilities rather than merely providing the information of private doctors.

26. Ms Joephy CHAN raised the following views and suggestions: (i) although HA set the priority for providing treatment based on semi-urgent and non-urgent categories, the waiting time for non-urgent patients was too long and as a result they (in particular the elderly) failed to receive timely treatment; (ii) with reference to the statistics on the waiting time for specialist out-patient clinics provided by HA in 2015, the average waiting time for non-urgent new cases was 111 weeks (approximately two years). She hoped HA would provide details of short, mid and long-term measures for reducing waiting time. As regards long-term measures, she suggested that HA discuss with the Education Bureau (“EDB”) to increase the medical degree places to increase the supply of doctors. Regarding short and mid-term measures, she suggested considering public-private cooperation in general out-patient clinics. She urged HA to provide specific details on the measures and work out solutions from various aspects.

27. Mr YAN Kai-wing raised the following views: (i) there was discrepancy between the waiting time at A&E departments reflected by the public and the statistics provided by HA, therefore he casted doubt on the figure that the waiting time for 70% of non-urgent patients was less than 90 minutes; (ii) he hoped that HA could provide the ratio of the number of doctors at A&E department of CMC to Sham Shui Po (“SSP”) District population, and compare the statistics with those of other districts; (iii) a member of the public had reflected that no treatment was provided after almost four hours of waiting time at A&E department at night time and gave up consultation at last. He criticised that A&E department of CMC failed to provide adequate services but fees were still charged; (iv) the waiting time at A&E departments at night time was lengthy. HA should inform patients of the waiting time required.

28. Dr Vincent HO gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) A&E departments had regular meetings with geriatric departments to review the situation of patient admission to geriatric departments. For example, if geriatric departments admitted more patients recently, there would be a need to review whether any cases might be included for observation. For the elderly persons with dizziness, the hospital would provide proper treatment to allow patients without the need for hospitalisation to rest at home, rather than admitting them to the hospital immediately. - 10 - Action by

(ii) If geriatric departments had admitted too many patients, the department of medicine and geriatrics would activate the special honorarium scheme to arrange more doctors’ round during holidays. Accordingly patients could be discharged as soon as possible to vacate more hospital beds to the people in need.

29. Mr Andrew YEUNG responded that 1 000 quotas would be added to the general out-patient services of the hospitals under Kowloon West Cluster, including the general out-patient department of Kwong Wah Hopsital. He emphasised that cluster re-organisation did not have much impact to the public, because the re-organisation only involved the re-arrangement of the titular “leading hospital”. Although Kwong Wah Hospital, Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital and TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital would fall into the administration of Kowloon Central Cluster, they would still serve local residents, and local residents could continue to seek medical treatment at those hospitals. The re-organisation plan mainly involved management issues without much impact on service provision.

30. Dr Vincent HO gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) He emphasised that the figure of less than 90 minutes of average waiting time for 70% semi-urgent and non-urgent patients was the mean figure for a full year of 365 days. As regards A&E department of CMC, the average waiting time for semi-urgent and non-urgent patients was around 70 minutes.

(ii) Regarding the suggestion of enhancing the general out-patient services of the hospitals under Kowloon West Cluster, HA would increase 1 000 quotas, and would continue to provide services during holidays.

(iii) During holidays, HA would implement A&E Support Session Programme and pay special honorarium with a view to increasing manpower. Nevertheless, in view of the shortage of medical staff, and the Programme was voluntary in nature, HA could only encourage staff members to offer help during holidays.

(iv) The display screen at A&E department of CMC was operated manually and the information would be updated around once an hour. It was hoped that the service would be improved in the future to provide more accurate information.

(v) As regards service acquisition from private healthcare facilities, it would require the response of the management of HA.

(vi) HA attached much importance to the issue of lengthy waiting time for - 11 - Action by

specialist out-patient services, and arranged designated officers for monitoring.

(vii) HA did not have information on the ratio of A&E doctors to local population, but the Coordinating Committee in A&E had calculated the ideal ratio of A&E doctors to population. The result revealed that the existing manpower was far less than the ideal state, and the result was reflected to HA.

(viii) In view of manpower constraints, the waiting time for A&E services at night time was indeed longer, but he emphasised that the waiting time for the most urgent cases would remain unaffected.

(ix) HA was studying whether the $100 A&E charge could be refunded to those who did not use A&E services eventually.

31. Mr YAN Kai-wing remarked that HA should disclose the ratio of A&E doctors to the population, and hoped that the public medical sector would adopt the ideal ratio as the objective for improvement. Given the increasing population in SSP District, HA should set objectives or lay down criteria to take care of service providers and users. He suggested reflecting the issue to the Cluster Chief Executive (Kowloon West).

32. Dr Vincent HO responded that he agreed to lay down criteria. The Coordinating Committee in A&E had reflected the issue to the headquarters but there was indeed shortage of doctors in recent years.

33. Mr YAN Kai-wing suggested the Chairman reflect to HA in the capacity of member of CMC Hospital Governing Committee the views of members on the ratio of A&E doctors to the population and requested HA to provide the statistical information on the ideal ratio of A&E doctors to the population.

34. The Chairman concluded as follows: (i) the Committee was very much concerned with the problem of lengthy waiting time at A&E departments (especially night time); (ii) although HA was unable to provide the ratio of A&E doctors to the population, there was a marked shortage of A&E manpower. This was mainly due to the failure in the overall medical policy and manpower estimation during these years. Despite the growing population, the training to healthcare staff was not strengthened accordingly and a nursing school even ceased operation. Some nurses who had reached the retirement age had to stay in the labour force to alleviate manpower shortage; (iii) a member suggested increasing medical degree places, but it would take quite long for students to complete the degree. In this regard, he suggested HA consider working with private medical facilities, such as private medical facilities lent out manpower to public hospitals, or referring patients to private medical facilities in the district for consultation for better utilisation of resources; (iv) due to cluster re-organisation, - 12 - Action by

Kwong Wah Hospital would be grouped to Kowloon Central Cluster from Kowloon West Cluster, he was worried that residents in SSP East might have to change from Kwong Wah Hospital to CMC for consultation, which would add burden to CMC; (v) CMC was unable to meet the needs of population in SSP District at present, and local population would reach some 400 000 to 500 000 in the coming few years, he doubted whether CMC could bear the burden of population growth and suggested HA continue to expand CMC to meet the needs.

35. Mr Andrew YEUNG gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) HA would not restrict residents to any hospitals for consultation. Members of the public could visit the hospital nearby as in their usual practice. The residents in Kowloon West would not be transferred to the hospitals in Kowloon Central for consultation due to cluster re-organisation, the service targets of the hospitals would remain unchanged, and there would be little impacts on general out-patient clinics, specialist clinics and A&E departments. As regards the number of patients sent to A&E departments by the ambulances of the Fire Services Department, there might be slight changes after cluster re-organisation, but the actual situation could only be ascertained after operation.

(ii) The second phase of redevelopment of CMC was completed. Given that there were a number of hospital development and redevelopment projects, and the dedicated provision of $200 billion for a ten-year hospital development plan set aside in the budget for this financial year did not include CMC, he reckoned that CMC would not carry out phase three redevelopment in the next decade. However, CMC would continue to make efforts in the hope that there would be new plans in the future, and welcome DC to reflect views to the Government.

(iii) Internal expansion would be carried out at A&E department of CMC to enhance A&E services.

36. The Chairman concluded that the representatives of CMC Hospital Governing Committee (namely Mr CHAN Wai-ming and him) would reflect the requests of members (including those on manpower shortage at A&E department and corresponding measures) to the departments concerned through the meetings with HA.

(d) Request of lowering the eligible age for Elderly Health Care Voucher to 65 (CAC Paper 17/16)

37. Mr CHAN Wai-ming introduced Paper 17/16.

38. Dr Anna WONG introduced Response Paper 33/16. - 13 - Action by

39. Mr LEUNG Man-kwong raised the following views: (i) he supported lowering the eligibility age for the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme (“HCV Scheme”) to 65; (ii) government departments had different definitions of the age of the elderly which caused public confusion. Only the elderly persons aged 70 or above were eligible for using health care vouchers (“HCV”). If grassroot elders aged between 65 and 70 required medical consultation, they would need to visit specialist out-patient clinics or A&E departments, but the waiting time was very long, which caused inconvenience to them; (iii) HCVs could be provided through public-private partnership for the public to seek medical treatment from private clinics by using HCVs, in order to improve the triage process and relieve the burden of public healthcare facilities; (iv) even now some elderly persons still considered that they had to apply for paper-based HCVs, which reflected that the publicity of HCVs was insufficient. In addition, some private clinics might not be willing to teach the elderly to use HCVs. He hoped that the Government could step up measures to provide convenience to the public in using HCVs.

40. Ms LAU Pui-yuk raised the following views and enquiries: (i) lowering the eligibility age for using HCVs to 65 was the request of many elderly persons, she hoped that the Department could put it into practice as soon as possible; (ii) one of the reasons for implementing HCVs was to encourage more elderly persons to seek consultation at private healthcare facilities in order to relieve the burden of public healthcare facilities. Apart from providing convenience to the elderly, it was also a kind of service acquisition; (iii) the use of HCVs should not be limited to the elderly persons aged 70 or above; (iv) government departments had different definitions of the age of elderly persons. For example, elderly persons aged 65 or above could apply for the Senior Citizen Card, and those aged 60 or above could apply for public rental housing units. As elderly persons aged 65 or above could apply for the Senior Citizen Card, the public generally considered that persons aged 65 or above were elderly persons, and she wondered why the Government did not standardise the age of the elderly; (v) if the eligibility age for HCVs was lowered to 65, the annual expenditure of the Government only increased by $400 million, representing a small portion of annual budget; (vi) HCVs provided convenience to the elderly as they could seek medical consultation at private clinics nearby; (vii) she asked for the number of private healthcare facilities in SSP District that accepted the use of HCVs, and whether the existing network provided convenience to all the elderly; (viii) the existing HCV registration procedures were complicated. She hoped that the procedures could be simplified so that elderly persons living close to clinics were not required to make registration for using HCVs.

41. Ms Carman NG raised the following views: (i) the Government failed to attend to the needs of the elderly. HCV Scheme had been implemented since 2009, she asked when a review would be conducted; (ii) due to population ageing, the Government should set aside funding for this item in its annual budget. The Government should be forward-looking and lower the eligibility age for HCV Scheme to 65, rather than - 14 - Action by making an excuse with population ageing; (iii) elderly persons considered that allowing dental clinics to accept HCVs was practical; (iv) members of the public were highly concerned with whether the $2,000 subsidies provided by HCVs could be adjusted upwards, and whether the eligibility age could be lowered. She hoped that the Department could give thorough consideration to benefit more members of the public.

42. Ms Joephy CHAN raised the following views: (i) she urged the Department to lower the eligibility age for HCV Scheme to 65 and increase the voucher amount to $4,000 or above; (ii) the eligibility age for the Senior Citizen Card and mandatory provident funds was 65, therefore elderly persons aged 65 should also be covered by HCV Scheme; (iii) if elderly persons were given subsidies from the age of 65 to care about their health, it would reduce the medical expenses of the Government and alleviate the burden of public hospitals in the long run; (iv) HCV Scheme had been implemented for years, she hoped that the Department could review and improve the Scheme to benefit more elderly persons; (v) population ageing in Hong Kong became more serious, neither the public healthcare system nor HCVs could cope with the challenges brought about by population ageing. There were many pillars of the retirement protection system, other than the universal retirement protection scheme in the form of pension and the abolition of Mandatory Provident Fund offsetting arrangement, the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions had all along hoped to strengthen other pillars, such as the pillar of public service. This option involved less controversy and could be implemented as soon as possible. She hoped that the Department could consider this option.

43. Dr Anna WONG gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) She thanked members for their support to HCV Scheme. HCVs provided more options to the elderly to use primary healthcare services in the private sector.

(ii) The eligibility age would be set according to the nature of different government policies.

(iii) Members’ request of lowering the eligibility age for HCV Scheme to 65 was understood and noted, and would be reflected to the Department.

(iv) As at late 2015, more than 5 000 healthcare service providers enrolled in HCV Scheme which covered more than 8 000 practices throughout 18 districts in Hong Kong. Among more 5 000 odd healthcare service providers, there were 1 000 odd Western medical practitioners, 1 000 odd Chinese medicine practitioners and 600 odd dentists. The information of healthcare service providers had been uploaded to HCV website for public access. - 15 - Action by

(v) HCVs were issued through an electronic platform. Elderly persons could use HCVs by presenting their identity cards and sign a consent form at the practices of the service providers participating in the HCV Scheme. The Department was working with the Club School of Public Health and Primary Care at the Chinese University of Hong Kong for a comprehensive review of HCV Scheme, the review process would include the collection of views on the scheme from the elderly and service providers. The Department would implement improvement measures as appropriate in the light of the review results.

(vi) The voucher amount of HCVs was currently capped at $4,000. The aim of setting a cap was to encourage the elderly to use HCVs timely instead of accumulating the voucher amount.

44. The Chairman raised the following enquiries and views: (i) when the Department would publish the review results of HCVs; (ii) the Department pointed out that in view of population ageing, the elderly population aged 65 or above would reach 1.4 million, if the eligibility age was lowered to 65, the annual financial commitment would significantly increase. He opined that as long as there was such a need in the society, the Government should consider lowering the eligibility age for HCV Scheme to 65. The issue of financial commitment should be considered by the Financial Secretary rather than the Department of Health (“DH”). DH should assist in the campaign for lowering the eligibility age and reflect social needs; (iii) currently there was a trend of persons suffering from illnesses at a younger age, he hoped that the Department could consider the request of members.

45. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu remarked that one of the main reasons for implementing HCV Scheme was the divergence in demand and supply of public healthcare services. The local out-patient utilisation rate was close to 100%, which reflected the inadequacy of public healthcare services and the need for introducing private healthcare services with the use of HCVs. In view of the long-time inadequacy of public healthcare services together with population ageing, the Government should lower the eligibility age for HCV Scheme to 65 or even 60 to tie in with the demographic profile and social needs.

46. The Chairman concluded that the Committee requested DH to lower the eligibility age for HCVs from 70 to 65 and asked DH to submit a report to it after the review of HCV Scheme.

47. Dr Anna WONG thanked members for their views. She would reflect the views to the Department and consider implementing improvement measures as appropriate after the review of HCV Scheme.

(e) 2016-17 Work Plan of Shamshuipo District Social Welfare Office under the Social - 16 - Action by

Welfare Department (CAC Paper 18/16)

48. Ms LEUNG Mei-wah introduced Paper 18/16.

49. Mr CHAN Wai-ming hoped to obtain the details of the two participating organisations of “ Partnership Programme”, their service periods, and whether the services would be provided within the estate to new tenants.

50. Ms Carman NG raised the following views and enquiries: (i) she hoped that the frontline staff of the Department could improve the service level to users. Some members of the pubic had relayed to her that they felt they were unwelcomed since the treatment from the Social Welfare Department (“SWD”) to them was unsatisfactory when they made enquiries or accepted services; (ii) some members of the public had relayed to her that the waiting time for the Pilot Scheme on On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services (“Pilot Scheme”) was long, they could not enjoy any services at the appropriate age. She enquired about the number of schools that had participated in, the age cohort and service scope of the scheme; (iii) for “disability allowance”, some disabled persons would be subject to reviews at intervals and the disability allowance would be suspended for months for various reasons, she hoped that the Department could improve the arrangement; (iv) as regards “So Uk Estate Partnership Programme”, she asked which social welfare organisation would serve So Uk Estate. The information of the Housing Department showed that no welfare organisation was located at So Uk Estate. She enquired how the service organisation would implement the programme in So Uk Estate.

51. Ms LAU Pui-yuk raised the following views and enquiries: (i) some members of the pubic reflected that they would be questioned by frontline staff of the Social Security Field Unit at the time of applying for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (“CSSA”) there. She hoped that frontline staff could improve their service attitude in handling such cases and provide assistance from the perspective of recipients; (ii) she hoped that the Department could provide details of “Care for Nam Cheong” Programme, including programme operation, programme implementation organisation, the role of the organisation and the criteria for reviewing programme effectiveness by the Department. The Pan-Nam Cheong area hosted not only many private buildings but also single elderly persons, low-income families and residents of “sub-divided units”, they were facing complicated livelihood issues. In addition, community participation in the programme and cooperation with the District Council (“DC”) was little, therefore she hoped to discern whether there were cases which required members’ referral to the organisations concerned; (iii) she asked whether the Department would maintain the support and assistance to street sleepers, the organisations assisting street sleepers and their services. For example, residents of “three-nil buildings” usually found street sleepers at the rear stairs or rooftops of the buildings; she wondered whether the Department would provide support to those households on top of the assistance they got - 17 - Action by from the District-led Actions Scheme of the District Office (“DO”).

52. Mr Aaron LAM raised the following views and suggestions: (i) he was concerned with the emotional problem of young people. He hoped that the Department could assist them in great depth other than carrying out publicity; (ii) the Life Education Project would include street exhibitions and visits by life ambassadors and publicity, but he questioned whether street publicity would necessarily reach young people with emotional distress. He suggested the Department work with the organisations specialising in addressing emotional distress or carry out publicity in schools; (iii) there was only one social worker at each school who might not be able to take care of every student. He suggested the Department strengthen the support to school social workers, such as intervention by the Department in the face of severe problems.

53. Mr CHUM Tak-shing raised the following views and enquiries: (i) on the Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project, despite the keen demand for child care services, the Department did not address community needs and there was only Tsung Tsin Mission who provided such service in SSP District. The population of SSP District was growing and many young families including children moved in to the District. He asked whether the Department would continue the practice of arranging only one service organisation for child care services. There was a lack of child care services in SSP District West, he asked whether the Department would enhance the services in the district; (ii) regarding the Sham Shui Po District Service Quality Group for Residential Care Homes for the Elderly and the Sham Shui Po District Service Quality Group for Residential Services for People with Disabilities under the Department, there were a number of private residential care homes for the elderly in the district, and there were reports on elder abuse, inhumane treatment of the elderly and wrong use of medicine. In this light, he enquired whether the Department would strengthen regulation and allow DC to take up a monitoring role; (iii) the “one social worker for each school” policy had not been implemented at full scale in primary schools, rather school counsellors would take up guidance work. This was insufficient at a professional level to show care to students. He asked the Department when “one social worker for each school” would be implemented in primary schools.

54. Mr LEUNG Yau-fong raised the following views: (i) he opined that the scope of the work plan was extensive but the projects were not specific, and the data were only provided for a minority of projects. Although the work plan had mentioned that the expenditure of some projects would be paid with various funding sources, no figures on the amount or the number of beneficiaries were provided. He hoped that the Department could provide more statistics, including the manpower required and the expenditure; (ii) he queried whether the Department had sufficient manpower to implement all projects, which would affect the attitude of frontline staff towards members of the public. Many members of the public had reflected that the frontline staff of the Department showed a poor attitude; (iii) the Department would instil positive - 18 - Action by thinking to the elderly and young people. However, if without sufficient manpower or targeted assistance, the work would not be intensified. Hence, the Department should improve the policy and formulate specific plans.

55. Ms LEUNG Mei-wah gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) The Department did not wish to give a public impression that the attitude of frontline staff was poor. If there was any individual case, she welcomed members and the public to contact the Department for follow up, while the Department would strengthen staff training. For members of the public who applied for services (such as CSSA, family services), the Department would offer equal treatment, provide quality services and show respect.

(ii) Under “So Uk Estate Partnership Programme”, the two organisations responsible for implementing the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund were the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association and the Salvation Army. The two organisations did not have an office at So Uk Estate, and their services included outreaching visits and publicity work in the estate, and establishing of supporting network for residents. The existing social welfare service organisations (namely SWD Integrated Family Service Centre and Caritas Cheng Shing Fung District Elderly Centre) would provide services to residents of So Uk Estate. The social welfare service facilities (including special child care centre, early education and training centre, children’s home and care and attention home for severely disabled persons) at So Uk Estate Phase 1 were new ones. The Department planned to invite organisations to provide the services and the organisations had yet to be confirmed.

(iii) In the past, it took much time to wait for pre-school rehabilitation services. The targets of the Pilot Scheme on On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services were children waiting for pre-school rehabilitation services under the central waiting list, children studying at the kindergartens participating in the scheme, or children at kindergarten-cum-child care centres. The operators would offer outreach services and provide rehabilitation services to children at schools. A total of 17 kindergartens or kindergarten-cum-child care centres in the district had joined the scheme and a total of eight organisations provided services.

(iv) The degree of disability might have been changed after assessment because of improvements after treatment for a period of time; therefore the disabled persons were no longer eligible for receiving disability allowance. For renewal of disability allowance, the staff of Social Security Field Unit would pass the Medical Assessment Form to doctors for assessment as soon - 19 - Action by

as possible.

(v) The “Care for Nam Cheong” Community Partnership Programme had been running for years and funded by DC. The Department would invite non-governmental organisations in Nam Cheong area (such as integrated family service centres and elderly centres) to join the programme. The implementation details of the programme would be discussed at the partnership meeting every year and the activities would generally include door-to-door visits, general visits and carnivals, in order to assist private building residents to establish a supporting network and make referral for residents in need of welfare services.

(vi) In terms of the service to street sleepers, apart from the District-led Actions Scheme of DO, the Department would also provide recurrent funding to the Christian Concern for the Homeless Association which would provide outreach, follow up and guidance services to street sleepers in the district and help them solve housing problem and quit street sleeping.

(vii) The Department was highly concerned with youth suicide, and would implement the Life Education Project to disseminate the message of cherishing life and seeking help early through street exhibitions and visits by life ambassadors. Schools are important stakeholders, and school social workers had implemented suicide prevention services at schools. The Department would endeavour to strengthen the partnership with schools and show more care to young people. It would also organise professional training in June to invite professionals to share the knowledge and skills on tackling youth suicide. On top of schools, the frontline social workers from integrated family service centres and youth centres would also join hands to prevent youth suicide.

(viii) Currently, there was a Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project (commonly known as the “Community Carer Scheme”) run by an organisation in each administrative district of SWD. Review was conducted on the utilisation rate in each district, and the rate in SSP District had not reached 100% which meant there was still capacity for providing such service. The Department also encouraged organisations to recruit more “community carers” to serve more children.

(ix) The Department was highly concerned with the service quality of the residential care homes for the elderly in the private sector or residential care homes for persons with disabilities as well as elder abuse. It would invite different local parties (including DC Members) to join the Sham Shui Po District Service Quality Group for Residential Care Homes for the Elderly - 20 - Action by

and the Sham Shui Po District Service Quality Group for Residential Services for People with Disabilities to seek their views on residential care homes and arrange visits to residential care homes.

(x) As far as she understood, EDB would provide funding to schools to strengthen school social worker services in primary schools. Other than school guidance officers, schools could also invite operating organisations to provide social work service.

(xi) She understood the concerns of members over manpower and resources. There would be additional funding and manpower for new welfare service projects. She agreed that it would require abundant manpower and resources for social services in order to meet service objectives.

56. Mr TAM Kwok-kiu raised the following views and suggestions: (i) the work plan covered many aspects, but specific details and data were not available to explain whether the services were sufficient and appropriate. For example, the Department had mentioned primary school social workers without providing details of the number of schools and the names of schools in which the service was available; (ii) the Department should provide more information on the service targets or objectives; (iii) the three broad agendas of the work plan had not been changed over the years, which was hardly acceptable; (iv) DC was very much concerned with social issues, such as student suicide cases in October the year before. He wanted to know what the corresponding plan of the Department would be. The problem of student suicide revealed that publicity failed to solve the problem. The Department should adopt targeted measures rather than merely disseminating positive thinking; (v) on the issue of school social workers, the Department should consider extending social work services to kindergartens because of the importance of child and parent education; (vi) the problem of population ageing was serious in the district, but the three agendas of the Department did not attach importance to this problem. The work plan failed to provide details on how the Department would address population ageing which should be included in the agenda; (vii) he expected that community planning would be included in the work plan. As local population was expected to increase from 390 000 to 500 000, the Department should give an account of the planning for social welfare services. DC was concerned with the situations of new development areas (such as So Uk Estate) in the district and the Department should consult the views of DC before community planning.

57. Mr LEUNG Yau-fong raised the following views: (i) the Department failed to give response to his question. He opined that the Department should review the manpower and organisations for implementing the programme and provide the information to members; (ii) recipients of disability allowance were subject to the reviews of doctors at regular intervals. However, even though their conditions were improving, people with physical disabilities could not fully recover. The Department - 21 - Action by should provide assistance as far as possible; (iii) in recent years, the Department had outsourced some services (such as meet-the-public services) to voluntary organisations, but the request for compassionate rehousing due to family hardship was not timely processed, he expressed disappointment over the failure of the Department in providing timely support to those families.

58. Mr CHAN Wai-ming said that there were nearly 3 000 households in So Uk Estate with around 9 000 people, but the two organisations mentioned by the Department did not have an office in the estate. The Department indicated in its response that the existing integrated family service centre and elderly centre would serve the residents of So Uk Estate without explaining how it would cope with population growth. It was understood that Caritas Cheng Shing Fung District Elderly Centre was under pressure to provide services to the existing elderly population, not to mention coping with the demand of elderly persons moving in to So Uk Estate, and the elderly persons to be moved into the future So Uk Estate Phase Two and the surrounding developments. He hoped the Department would note the views of members and endeavour to address the problem.

59. Ms LEUNG Mei-wah gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) She noted the views of members and understood that DC would like to know the service targets and details of 2016-17 Work Plan of Sham Shui Po District Social Welfare Office under SWD.

(ii) On the problem of population ageing in the district, the needs of the elderly were taken into account in the three broad objectives of the Department. The Department would continue to monitor and review the demographic features and service needs in SSP District and its areas to make suitable planning for welfare services.

(iii) The service organisations mentioned earlier would continue to provide services to residents after they moved to So Uk Estate. Furthermore, the two organisations responsible for implementing the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund would encourage residents to establish mutual help network and identify the residents in need to provide services to them or make referral. “So Uk Estate Partnership Programme” would continue to operate and the Department would pay attention to the service needs of residents after they moved in to So Uk Estate.

60. The Chairman concluded that the Committee noted the contents of the work plan and hoped the Department could consider the views of members when the plan was implemented.

(f) The 7th “Parade for Performing Arts at Sham Shui Po” (CAC Paper 19/16) - 22 - Action by

61. Ms Janet CHAN introduced Paper 19/16.

62. Ms Carman NG said that the locations for the Parade for Performing Arts (“PPA”) were not evenly distributed, the performances at some district areas (such as Nam Cheong area) were few, and in some other district areas there was no performance at all. She opined that apart from considering fees and contents of the programmes, the locations for performance should be evenly distributed so that the public could watch the performance at venues nearby.

63. Ms Janet CHAN responded that the Sham Shui Po District Office (“SSPDO”) would arrange performances at different district aeas as far as possible. For example, no performance was staged at before, but a variety show was arranged last year. After confirming the co-organiser, SSPDO would study in depth the performance location with it and would select location which had not staged any preformance previuosly as far as possible. However, there were certain restrictions on location selection, e.g. performances of two PPAs had once been staged in Football Pitch, but noise complaints had been received. In this connection, the surrounding environment and people flow should also be taken into consideration in location selection.

64. Ms Carman NG enquired whether SSPDO would consider adding more performance locations, such as schools or Pak Tin Community Hall which could be reserved more easily.

65. Mr LEUNG Yau-fong raised the following views and enquiries: (i) he hoped that the performance venues could be evenly distributed so that more members of the public could watch the performances. SSPDO could make reservation at community halls in advance; (ii) he enquired how the details of the performance were determined; (iii) he asked why one organisation was awarded the tender in the past.

66. Ms Janet CHAN gave a consolidated response as follows:

(i) As rental fees would be involved for staging performances at schools, the organisations that had submitted the programme proposal had never considered schools all over the years. SSPDO noted the views of members and would relay their views to the organisation after the co-organiser was confirmed.

(ii) Although SSPDO could make advance reservation at community halls, there were other considerations. For example, a number of buildings near Pak Tin Community Hall were demolished due to redevelopment; the number of audience there might be few. At winter, Nam Cheong District Community Centre might be used as a cold shelter, if performances were staged there - 23 - Action by

and the weather turned cold all of a sudden, the venue would be required to turn into a cold shelter and the programme would have to be cancelled. In this light, SSPDO rarely used Nam Cheong District Community Centre for staging performances. As regards Cheung Sha Wan Community Centre, since the venue could only accommodate 200 people for the time being, it was rarely be selected. However, the addition of external staircases was underway and, the venue could accommodate 300 people after works completion. SSPDO therefore would consider including the venue as performance venue.

(iii) The details of performance were proposed by the tendering organisations. After the organisations had submitted their tenders, the proposals would be vetted by the Steering Group for the Parade for Performing Arts.

(iv) SSPDO would issue invitation letters to 60 to 70 local organisations every year, but it might be due to the reason that not many organisations had the experience to hold large-scale cultural and arts performances, Sham Shui Po Arts Association was the only tenderer in the past two years. She urged members to encourage local organisations to submit tenders.

67. Ms Carman NG said that even though the surroundings of Pak Tin Community Hall were under redevelopment, the needs of the residents nearby should still be taken care of. As regards Nam Cheong District Community Centre, its use as a cold shelter in winter did not imply that such services were not required by the residents in the vicinity.

68. The Chairman concluded that the Committee supported the 7th PPA at Sham Shui Po and would set up a steering committee for the PPA at Sham Shui Po for screening the co-organisers and submitting proposal for members’ consideration at the next meeting.

(g) Report by LCSD on recreational and sports activities organised in Sham Shui Po District (CAC Paper 20/16)

69. Ms Steffi NG introduced Paper 20/16 and added that Ms Joephy CHAN and Mr YAN Kai-wing would be the sports ambassadors for SSP District. In addition, she indicated that Members of other DCs would like to nominate more than two sports ambassadors, the Department hoped that members could give their views on the number of sports ambassadors in each district.

[The Chairman handed over the chairmanship of the meeting to Mr CHAN Wai-ming temporarily.]

70. Mr CHAN Wai-ming said that the issue of sports ambassadors could be discussed - 24 - Action by after the meeting. Members interested in joining could contact the Secretariat within two days, otherwise Ms Joephy CHAN and Mr YAN Kai-wing would continue to be sports ambassadors.

71. Ms Steffi NG responded that the Department aimed at seeking members’ views. If members did not object the invitation of more Members to become sports ambassadors, the Department would reflect that to the headquarters, and issue invitation letters to Members.

72. Mr CHAN Wai-ming remarked that the Department could allow more interested Members to become sports ambassadors.

[Mr CHAN Wai-ming handed back the chairmanship of the meeting to the Chairman.]

73. The Chairman concluded that the Committee noted the contents of the report.

(h) Report by LCSD on district free entertainment programmes and district arts and cultural activities in Sham Shui Po District (CAC Paper 21/16)

74. Mr Alex CHEUNG introduced Paper 21/16.

75. The Chairman concluded that the Committee noted the contents of the report.

(i) Report by LCSD on the extension activities and utilization of public libraries in Sham Shui Po District (CAC Paper 22/16)

76. Miss Eunice CHAN introduced Paper 22/16.

77. The Chairman concluded that the Committee noted the contents of the report.

Agenda Item 3: Reports from Working Groups under the Committee

(a) Vetting Sub-Committee (CAC Paper 23/16)

(b) Working Group on Elderly and Rehabilitation Services (CAC Paper 24/16)

78. The Committee noted and endorsed the above working group reports.

Agenda Item 4: Any other business

(a) 2016/2017 Sham Shui Po District Council Allocation Monitoring Programme – LCSD 2nd Quarter Activities Sampling Assessment

79. The Chairman picked the following three activities randomly for monitoring by ballot: - 25 - Action by

Priority/Category Activities Date

1. Recreational and sports Life saving 4 July to 8 August activities training course 2016 (Bronze medallion syllabus)

2. District free entertainment Magic show 21 August 2016 programmes

3. Public library extension Storytelling for 27 August 2016 activities children

(b) 2015/2016 Sham Shui Po District Council Allocation Monitoring Programme – LCSD Activities Assessment Report (CAC Papers 25/16 – 30/16)

80. The Committee noted and endorsed the above assessment reports.

(c) Arrangement of Designated Funding for Promoting Arts and Culture in Sham Shui Po (CAC 31/16)

81. The Secretary introduced Paper 31/16.

82. The Chairman suggested that the funding arrangement of the previous year be adopted. Members did not have any objection.

83. The Chairman concluded that the Committee endorsed the proposed timetable and the adoption of the funding arrangement of the previous year stated in Paper 31/16. The Secretariat would write to invite organisations to submit funding applications after the meeting for endorsement by the Vetting Sub-committee at July meeting.

Agenda Item 5: Date of next meeting

84. The next meeting would be held at 9:30 a.m. on 30 June 2016 (Thursday).

85. There being no other business, the meeting ended at 1:30 p.m.

District Council Secretariat Sham Shui Po District Office June 2016