Proper use of DC offices explained

July 7, 2020

The Home Affairs Bureau today said that the code of conduct for District Council members prohibits the use of their ward office and allowances for purposes not related to the business of District Councillors.

 

The bureau made the statement in response to reports on the use of District Council members' ward offices as polling stations.

      

The bureau explained that an organisation plans to hold pro-democracy primaries for the 2020 Legislative Council General Election on July 11 and 12, and that there are reports that some District Council members' ward offices will be used as polling stations.

      

According to the Specific Standards of the Code of Conduct for Members of a District Council or Its Committees, DC members shall not use the various allowances or ward offices for purposes other than those connected with the business of District Councillors.

      

Additionally, the Guidelines on the Remuneration Package for Members of the District Councils of the Hong Kong SAR stipulates that District Council members must ensure that ward offices are operated with the support of the Operating Expenses Reimbursement and other accountable allowances or expenses reimbursements used for the discharge of District Councillors' duties.

 

The bureau further noted that should ward offices be used for discharging duties not related to District Councillors, such as being used as a polling station, related expenses will not be reimbursed.

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