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Minutes of the 4th Meeting of
the Finance Committee
under Yuen Long District Council in 2018
Date: 24 July 2018 (Tuesday)
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:25 p.m.
Venue: Conference Room, Yuen Long District Council, 13/F., Yuen Long Government
Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long
Present Time of Arrival Time of Withdrawal
Chairman: Ms CHIU Sau-han, MH Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting
Vice-Chairman: Mr YIU Kwok-wai Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting
Members: Mr CHAN Sze-ching Beginning of the meeting 11:25 a.m.
Mr CHOW Wing-kan Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting
Mr KWOK Hing-ping Beginning of the meeting 11:05 a.m.
Mr KWOK Keung, MH Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting
Ms LAU Kwai-yung Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting
Mr LEUNG Ming-kin Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting
Ms MA Shuk-yin 10:15 a.m. End of the meeting
Mr MAK Ip-sing 10:15 a.m. End of the meeting
Mr MAN Kwong-ming Beginning of the meeting 12:35 p.m.
Mr SIU Long-ming, MH 10:15 a.m. End of the meeting
Mr TANG Cheuk-him 10:20 a.m. 12:00 noon
Mr TO Ka-lun Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting
Ms WONG Wai-ling Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting
Ms YUEN Man-yee Beginning of the meeting End of the meeting
Secretary: Mr KONG
Kwok-piu, Bill
Senior Executive Officer (District Council), Yuen
Long District Office
Assistant
Secretary:
Ms WONG
Man-ting, Mandy
Executive Officer I (District Council), Yuen Long
District Office
In Attendance Mr NG Lak-sun,
Nixon
Assistant District Officer (Yuen Long)1
Miss POON
Wai-yi, Joanna
Assistant District Officer (Yuen Long)2 (Designate)
Item 4 and 5
The minutes were confirmed on 27 September 2018 without amendment.
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Mr LUI Ho-wai
Yuen Long Primary School Heads Association
Secretary
Item 6
Ms Siu Yuet-chun Treasurer, Yuen Long District Arts Committee
Item 7
Ms LEE Nga-fong
Executive Secretary, Yuen Long Sports Association
Miss WONG
Sze-wai
Executive Coordinator (Sports), Yuen Long Sports
Association
Item 9
Ms CHEUNG
Hiu-hung, Amy
Liaison Officer (Rural 4), Yuen Long District Office
Item 10
Miss TANG Chung
Yi, Junney
Liaison Officer (Town 4)3, Yuen Long District Office
Item 11
Ms LI Yeuk Hei,
Samantha
Liaison Officer (Town 3)2, Yuen Long District Office
Item 12
Mr LEE Ho Yin,
Brian
Liaison Officer (Rural 2), Yuen Long District Office
Item 13
Ms CHAN
Wing-yee, Winnie
Liaison Officer (Town 1)1, Yuen Long District Office
Item 14
Miss YEUNG
Ching -yui, Aston
Liaison Officer (Town 3)1, Yuen Long District Office
Item 15
Miss SO Man-yi,
Jasmine
Liaison Officer (Town 3)3, Yuen Long District Office
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Item 16
Miss NG
Yuen-yung, Iris
Liaison Officer (Town 4)2, Yuen Long District Office
Item 17
Ms TSE Chi-mei,
Tammy
Liaison Officer (Town 1)2, Yuen Long District Office
Absent Ms CHEUNG
Muk-lam
Mr LEE Yuet-man,
MH
(Absent due to other commitments)
Mr SHUM Ho-kit,
JP
(Absent due to other commitments)
Mr TANG
Yung-yiu, Ronnie
(Absent due to other commitments)
Mr WONG
Wai-shun, MH
(Absent due to other commitments)
* * * * * *
Opening remarks
The Chairman welcomed Members to the meeting of the Finance Committee (“FC”),
especially Mr NG Lak-sun, Nixon, Assistant District Officer (Yuen Long)1, who had
completed training abroad, and Miss POON Wai-yi, Joanna, who was preparing to take over
the post of Assistant District Officer (Yuen Long) 2. Miss POON would succeed Ms MAK
Ka-ying, Carren whom the Chairman thanked on behalf of the FC for her past contributions in
the district work in Yuen Long District and wished her a bright future. The Chairman also
wished to take the opportunity to congratulate FC Member Mr SIU Long-ming for being
awarded the Medal of Honour, while Mr SHUM Ho-kit was awarded the Justice of the Peace
and Mr LEUNG Ming-kin was awarded the Chief Executive’s Commendation for Community
Service.
2. The Chairman said that Mr SHUM Ho-kit was unable to attend this meeting as he
had to attend the Policy Address consultation meeting on behalf of Yuen Long District Council
(“YLDC”), while Mr WONG Wai-shun, Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie and Mr LEE Yuet-man
were absent due to other commitments. In addition, Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary had applied
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before the meeting to attend this meeting, for which the Chairman approved pursuant to
Section 36(4) of the YLDC Standing Orders.
3. Further, the Chairman suggested that Item 20 “Applications for YLDC funds to
implement community involvement projects in 2018-19 (3rd quarter)” to be moved forward for
discussion after completing the discussion of Item 2, which was unanimously endorsed by
Members.
Item 1: Confirmation of the minutes of the 3rd meeting of the Finance Committee
in 2018
4. The minutes of the 3rd FC meeting in 2018 were confirmed unanimously.
Item 2: Activities subsidised by Yuen Long District Council (YLDC) funds in 2018-19
(1) Inspections of activities subsidised by YLDC funds
(FC Paper No. 41/2018)
5. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 41. As at 6 July 2018,
Members inspected five activities which were subsidised by District Council (“DC”) funds.
Members in charge of the inspection were satisfied with the activities in general. However,
Members who were in charge of the inspection of “Singing Carnival (Recreation and sports
activity No. 48)” pointed out that the actual number of participants during the inspection was
lower than expected.
6. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:
(i) A Member pointed out that the actual number of participants of “Tze Chuk
Hung Mui Cantonese Opera Show (Cultural activity No. 7)” was also lower than
expected;
(ii) The Member who was in charge of the inspection of “Tze Chuk Hung Mui
Cantonese Opera Show (Cultural activity No. 7)” said that although the number
of participants observed on that day was lower than the expected number, no
violations were found. Moreover, the organiser had arranged musicians to
perform at its own expense, and the atmosphere and response from the audience
were good. Also, the number of audience varied at different times. Therefore,
the activity was found to be satisfactory;
(iii) A Member suggested to organise workshops in order to set up clearer standards
for the inspection of activities;
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(iv) It was pointed out that the “Manual on the Use of District Council Funds for
YLDC” (“the Manual”) did not set a penalty if the actual number of participants
was lower than expected. As the number of participants in some activities fell
short seriously, it was opined that the deterrence effect of the penalty in the
present Manual was inadequate. It was suggested to consider including
relevant provision to deduct funds when reviewing the Manual in future;
(v) The Member who was responsible for inspecting “Singing Carnival (Recreation
and sports activity No. 48)” said that when inspecting the activity, the actual
number of participants was only about 50 at the scene, including the performers.
However, the number of participants varied greatly during the carnival, and the
inspection was conducted only at a certain period of the entire activity; and
(vi) It was opined that it was difficult to attract people if the carnival was held during
the hot weather. However, it was opined that the organisation had the
responsibility to consider the circumstances that might affect the flow of people
before making the funding application, including factors such as hot weather.
It was suggested to deduct the approved funding in “Booth Game Prizes”.
7. The Secretary’s reply was summarised as follows:
(i) Photos of “Tze Chuk Hung Mui Cantonese Opera Show (Cultural activity No.
7)” were shown to Members, indicating that the seats at the venue (Tin Shui Wai
Tin Yiu Community Centre) were almost fully occupied;
(ii) Photos of “Just say NO to drugs performing arts club (Cultural activity No. 8)”
were shown to Members, indicating that the seats at the venue (Tin Shui Wai Tin
Shui Community Centre) were almost fully occupied; and
(iii) Regarding “Singing Carnival(Recreation and sports activity No. 48)”, since the
organisation had not submitted photos yet, only photos taken by the Secretariat
staff could be shown to Members.
8. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper, and the Secretariat
was advised to pay attention to the photos of “Singing Carnival (Recreation and sports activity
no. 48)” submitted by the organisation and the actual total number of participants declared in
the summary report when it claimed for reimbursement.
(Post-meeting note: When submitting the summary report and photos, the organisation
“Alliance for a Better Caring and Decent Society in Tin Shui Wai” had pointed out that the
actual number of participants on the day of the activity was 500 and submitted a written
explanation, saying that “As the sun was glaring fiercely on that day, and the football pitch was
large, residents were scattered around the pitch in the shade and began to gather only after 4
pm. Also, since the football pitch was the only way from the West Rail Station to Tin Yau
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Court and Tin Yiu Estate Phase 3, residents casually stopped over to enjoy the performances or
participate in the booth games.”)
Item 2: Activities subsidised by Yuen Long District Council funds in 2018-19
(2) Report on subsidised activities not implemented as scheduled
(as at 6 July 2018)
(FC Paper No. 42/2018)
9. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 42. The paper reported
that as at 6 July 2018, there was only one activity that was not implemented as scheduled (with
a total amount of DC funds of $9,208). The Secretariat was informed of the cancellation
before the intended date of the activity as required by the Manual.
10. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:
(i) A Member opined that the office set up by the Incorporated Owners of Emerald
Green was a private place, and it was not easy for the public to sign up for the
activity, which resulted in the cancellation of the activity due to insufficient
number of participants. The Member also enquired whether that organisation
would be regarded as a new organisation when it applied for DC funds again to
organise activities; and
(ii) A Member pointed out that the organisation cancelled the activity because of
lack of experiences in organising activities and insufficient preparation time,
rather than due to the low number of participants.
11. The Secretary replied that the Secretariat was informed of the cancellation before
the intended date of the activity as required by the Manual. In addition, since it was the first
time the Incorporated Owners of Emerald Green applied for DC funds, the Secretariat had
conducted surprised inspection at its office in accordance with past practice to ensure that the
public could visit its office. If the Incorporated Owners of Emerald Green applied for DC funds
again in future, the Secretariat would review its qualifications again as a new applicant
organisation and would inspect its office again.
12. The Chairman concluded that Members noted the above paper.
Item 20: Applications for YLDC funds to implement community involvement projects
in 2018-19 (3rd quarter):
(1) New applicant organisations of DC funds
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(FC Paper No. 60/2018)
13. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 60. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the eligibility of three new organisations applying for
YLDC funds, including Hong Kong Excellent Youth of Agriculure and Fisheries Development
Association, Fung Cheung Community Association and Yau Tam Mei Women's Association
N.T.. The relevant application had already been recommended by the Culture, Recreation,
Community Service and Housing Committee (CRCS&HC).
14. The Chairman said that regarding the three new applicant organisations,
information related to FC Members who were concurrently members of these organisations had
already been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These included Mr LEUNG
Ming-kin as the Vice-Chairman of Hong Kong Excellent Youth of Agriculure and Fisheries
Development Association. Members did not need to declare their interests again unless the
information was incorrect. Members could refer to the good practice on declaration of
interests suggested by HAD and assess the nature of their titles to make appropriate declaration
of interests.
15. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:
(i) A Member pointed out that the address of the registered office of Yau Tam Mei
Women's Association N.T. was owned by Yuen Long Yau Tam Mei Village
Residents Association Limited, which was a government land and it was also
heard that there was controversy in the village about the land; and
(ii) A Member opined that the document provided by the organisation had
effectively indicated that the address was its office and that the office was open
to the public.
16. The Secretary replied that according to the Manual, a new applicant organisation
must have an office in Yuen Long District for liaison, publicity and/or sign up for activities
subsidised by DC funds. However, the Manual did not specify that the registered address
could not be a government land.
17. The Assistant Secretary supplemented that the Secretariat had conducted surprised
inspection at the office of Yau Tam Mei Tsuen Women's Association on 31 May 2018.
Subsequently, since there were concerns from CRCS&HC Members about the address of that
office, the Secretariat inspected the office again and called the person in charge of the
organisation and learned that the opening hours of the office were from 10 am to 1 pm and
from 3 pm to 5 pm from Monday to Friday, and from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday.
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18. The Chairman concluded that Members endorsed the eligibility of the three new
organisations as applicants for YLDC funds, including Hong Kong Excellent Youth of
Agriculure and Fisheries Development Association, Fung Cheung Community Association and
Yau Tam Mei Women's Association N.T..
Item 20: Applications for YLDC funds to implement community involvement projects
in 2018-19 (3rd quarter):
(2) Cultural activities to be held from October to December 2018
(3rd quarter)
(FC Paper No. 61/2018)
19. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 61. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $242,730 to fund 20 cultural activities
to be organised in 2018-19 (3rd quarter). The relevant applications had already been
recommended by CRCS&HC.
20. The Chairman said that the information related to FC Members who were
concurrently members of the organisations applying for funding of 20 cultural activities had
already been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These members included:
(i) Mr WONG Wai-shun as the Director and Volunteer Legal Adviser Yuen Long
Town Hall Management Committee;
(ii) Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie as the Director of Yuen Long Town Hall
Management Committee; and
(iii) Mr LEUNG Ming-kin as the Vice-Chairman of Yuen Long Town Hall
Management Committee.
21. Members did not need to declare their interests again unless the information was
incorrect. Members could refer to the good practice on declaration of interests suggested by
HAD and assess the nature of their titles to make appropriate declaration of interests.
22. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Chairman concluded
that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation of $242,730 to fund 20 cultural activities to
be organised in 2018-19 (3rd quarter).
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Item 20: Applications for YLDC funds to implement community involvement projects
in 2018-19 (3rd quarter):
(3) Recreation and sports activities to be held from October to December 2018
(3rd quarter)
(FC Paper No. 62/2018)
23. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 62. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $722,113.5 to fund 56 recreation and
sports activities to be organised in 2018-19 (3rd quarter). The relevant applications had been
recommended by CRCS&HC.
24. The Chairman said that the information related to FC Members who were
concurrently members of the organisaiton applying for funding of 56 recreation and sports
activities had already been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These
included:
(i) Mr SHUM Ho-kit as the Vice-Chairman of Yuen Long District Sports
Association Limited; Mr SIU Long-ming, Mr WONG Wai-shun and Ms YUEN
Man-yee as the Executive Directors of Yuen Long District Sports Association
Limited; Mr LEUNG Ming-kin and Mr MAN Kwong-ming as the Directors of
Yuen Long District Sports Association Limited;
(ii) Mr WONG Wai-shun as the Director and Volunteer Legal Adviser of Yuen Long
Town Hall Management Committee; Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie as the
Director of Yuen Long Town Hall Management Committee; Mr LEUNG
Ming-kin as the Vice-Chairman of Yuen Long Town Hall Management
Committee and Mr LEE Yuet-man as the Services Director of Yuen Long Town
Hall Jockey Club Yuen Long Children & Youth Integrated Service Centre;
(iii) Ms LAU Kwai-yung as the President of Fu En Ju Min Association;
(iv) Mr KWOK Hing-ping as the Chairman of Health Care Club; and
(v) Ms CHIU Sau-han as the Chairman of Yuet Yan Resident Service Association
Society.
25. Members did not need to declare their interests again unless the information was
incorrect. Members could refer to the good practice on declaration of interests suggested by
HAD and assess the nature of their titles to make appropriate declaration of interests.
26. The Chairman declared that she was the Chairman of Yuet Yan Resident Service
Association Society. With reference to the good practice on declaration of interests suggested
by HAD, she decided to declare interests and be absent during discussion. The Vice-chairman
presided over the meeting.
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(The Vice-Chairman presided over the meeting.)
27. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Vice-Chairman
concluded that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation of $722,113.5 for 56 recreation
and sports activities to be organised in 2018-19 (3rd quarter).
Item 20: Applications for YLDC funds to implement community involvement projects
in 2018-19 (3rd quarter):
(4) Social services activities to be held from October to December 2018
(3rd quarter)
(FC Paper No. 63/2018)
28. The Vice-Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 63. The purpose of
the paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $495,289 to fund 40 social services
activities to be organised in 2018-19 (3rd quarter). The applications had been recommended
by CRCS&HC.
29. The Chairman said that information related to FC Members who were concurrently
members of the organisations applying for funding of 40 social services activities had already
been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These members including:
(i) Mr WONG Wai-shun as the Director and Volunteer Legal Adviser of Yuen Long
Town Hall Management Committee, Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie as the
Director of Yuen Long Town Hall Management Committee, Mr LEUNG
Ming-kin as The Vice-Chairman of Yuen Long Town Hall Management
Committee and Mr LEE Yuet-man as the Services Director of Yuen Long Town
Hall Jockey Club Yuen Long Children & Youth Integrated Service Centre;
(ii) Mr SIU Long-ming as the Chairman of the Association for The Advancement of
Sunny Sky Community;
(iii) Mr KWOK Keung as the President of Tin Shui Wai Sports United Association;
(iv) Ms LAU Kwai-yung as the Treasurer of Fu En Women's Services Association
and Mr YIU Kwok-wai as the Secretary of Fu En Women's Services
Association ;
(v) Mr YIU Kwok-wai as the Chairman of Wang Yat Elderly Service Association;
(vi) Ms YUEN Man-yee and Mr LEUNG Ming-kin as the Vice-Chairpersons of
Shap Pat Heung District Resident Association;
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(vii) Mr CHOW Wing-kan as the Chairman of Yuen Long Livelihood Serving
Agency; and
(viii) Ms CHIU Sau-han as the Chairman of Tin Shui Wai Youth Association and Tin
Shui Wai Senior Services Association.
30. Members did not need to declare their interests again unless the information was
incorrect. Members could refer to the good practice on declaration of interests suggested by
HAD and assess the nature of their titles to make appropriate declaration of interests.
31. The Vice-Chairman said that the Chairman was the Chairman of Tin Shui Wai
Youth Association and Tin Shui Wai Senior Services Association. He also declared that he
was the Chairman of Wang Yat Senior Service Association and the Secretary of Fu En
Women's Services Association. With reference to the good practice on declaration of interests
suggested by HAD, he decided to declare his interest and be absent during the discussion.
The Vice-Chairman said that according to Order 48(14) of the Standing Order, the meeting
would be temporarily presided over by a Temporary Chairman. The Temporary Chairman must
not have any direct personal or monetary interests with applicant organisations.
32. A Member proposed that Mr MAK Ip-sing to serve as the Temporary Chairman and
the arrangement was agreed by Members.
(The Temporary Chairman presided over the meeting.)
33. Mr LEUNG Ming-kin declared that he was the Vice-Chairman of Ecopark
Association.
34. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Temporary Chairman
concluded that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation of $495,289 to fund 40 social
services activities to be organised in 2018-19 (3rd quarter).
(The Vice-Chairman presided over the meeting.)
Item 3: The financial position of YLDC in 2018-19 (as at 6 July 2018)
(FC Paper No. 43/2018)
35. The Vice-Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 43. The paper
reported the financial position of the YLDC in 2018-19.
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36. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Vice-Chairman
concluded that Members noted the above report. As at the above date, the actual expenditure
of YLDC was $13,383,137, which accounted for about 39% of the total amount of DC funds.
Item 4: Funding application by Yuen Long Primary School Heads Association in respect
of “Yuen Long Quality Education Carnival cum Primary Schools Exhibition
2018”
(FC Paper No. 44/2018)
37. The Vice-Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 44. The purpose of
the paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $79,980 to fund “Yuen Long Quality
Education Carnival cum Primary Schools Exhibition 2018” organized by Yuen Long Primary
School Heads Association. The relevant application had been recommended by CRCS&HC.
38. The Vice-Chairman welcomed Mr LUI Ho-wai, Secretary of Yuen Long Primary
School Heads Association, to the meeting and asked Mr Lui to introduce the paper.
39. The Vice-Chairman said that before Members raised any enquiries, information
related to those FC Members who were concurrently members of Yuen Long Primary School
Heads Association had already been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. This
Member included Mr WONG Wai-shun as the Volunteer Legal Adviser. Members did not
need to declare their interests again unless the information was incorrect. Members could
refer to the good practice on declaration of interests suggested by HAD and assess the nature of
their titles to make appropriate declaration of interests.
40. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Vice-Chairman
concluded that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation of $79,980 to fund Yuen Long
Primary School Heads Association to organise the “Yuen Long Quality Education Carnival
cum Primary Schools Exhibition 2018”.
Item 5: Funding application by Yuen Long Primary School Heads Association in respect
of “Yuen Long‧Tin Shui Wai Quality Schools Exhibition 2018”
(FC Paper No. 45/2018)
41. The Vice-Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 45. The purpose of
the paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $69,445 to fund “Yuen Long‧Tin
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Shui Wai Quality Schools Exhibition 2018” organized by Yuen Long Primary School Heads
Association. The relevant application had been recommended by CRCS&HC.
42. The Vice-Chairman continued to welcome Mr LUI Ho-wai, Secretary of Yuen Long
Primary School Heads Association, to the meeting and asked Mr Lui to introduce the paper.
43. The Vice-Chairman said that before Members raised any enquiries, information
related to those FC Members who were concurrently members of Yuen Long Primary School
Heads Association had already been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat,
including included Mr WONG Wai-shun as the Volunteer Legal Adviser. Members did not
need to declare their interests again unless the information was incorrect. Members could
refer to the good practice on declaration of interests suggested by HAD and assess the nature of
their titles to make appropriate declaration of interests.
44. A Member pointed out that one of the expenditure items in the paper was 400
bottles of distilled water and opined that the purchase of disposable water bottles was not
environmentally friendly. Therefore, he suggested that the use of disposable water bottles
should be minimised when organising activities in future.
45. Mr Lui replied that he would take the suggestion of Members to the meeting of
Yuen Long Primary School Heads Association for consideration.
46. The Vice-Chairman concluded that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation
of $69,445 to fund Yuen Long Primary School Heads Association to organise “Yuen Long‧Tin
Shui Wai Quality Schools Exhibition 2018”.
(The Chairman resumed to preside over the meeting.)
Item 6: Funding application by Yuen Long District Arts Committee in respect of
“Modern Dance Training Programme for Schools in Yuen Long District”
(FC Paper No. 46/2018)
47. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 46. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $391,000 to fund Yuen Long District
Arts Committee to organise “Modern Dance Training Programme for Schools in Yuen Long
District”. The relevant application had been recommended by CRCS&HC.
48. The Chairman welcomed Ms Siu Yuet-chun, Treasurer of Yuen Long District Arts
Committee to the meeting and asked Ms Siu to introduce the paper.
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49. The Chairman said that before Members raised any enquiries, information related to
those FC Members who were concurrently members of Yuen Long District Arts Committee
had already been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These Members
included Mr SIU Long-ming and Mr LEUNG Ming-kin as the Honorary Presidents.
Members did not need to declare their interests again unless the information was incorrect.
Members could refer to the good practice on declaration of interests suggested by HAD and
assess the nature of their titles to make appropriate declaration of interests.
50. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Chairman concluded
that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation of $391,000 to fund Yuen Long District
Arts Committee to organise the “Modern Dance Training Programme for Schools in Yuen Long
District”.
Item 7: Revised budget for Yuen Long District Sports Festival 2018
(FC Paper No. 47/2018)
51. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 47. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the revised budget of Yuen Long District Sports Festival
2018, which included the title sponsorship of individual match cups. The revised budget had
been recommended by CRCS&HC.
52. The Chairman welcomed the following persons to the meeting and asked Ms Lee to
introduce the paper.
(i) Ms LEE Nga-fong, the Executive Secretary of Yuen Long Sports Association
Limited; and
(ii) Miss WONG Sze-wai, the Executive Coordinator (Sports) of Yuen Long Sports
Association Limited.
53. The Chairman said that before Members raised any enquiries, information related to
those FC Members who were concurrently members of Yuen Long Sports Association Limited
had already been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These Members
included:
(i) Mr SHUM Ho-kit as the Vice-Chairman of Yuen Long Sports Association
Limited;
(ii) Mr SIU Long-ming, Mr WONG Wai-shun and Ms YUEN Man-yee as the
Executive Directors of Yuen Long Sports Association Limited; and
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(iii) Mr LEUNG Ming-kin and Mr MAN Kwong-ming as the Directors of Yuen
Long Sports Association Limited.
54. Members did not need to declare their interests again unless the information was
incorrect. Members could refer to the good practice on declaration of interests suggested by
HAD and assess the nature of their titles to make appropriate declaration of interests.
55. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Chairman concluded
that Members endorsed the revised budget of Yuen Long District Sports Festival 2018. After
the revision, the amount of DC funds would remain unchanged ($2,500,000).
Item 8: Funding application by Ha Tsuen Rural Committee in respect of “Poon Choi
Feast for the Elderly”
(FC Paper No. 48/2018)
56. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 48. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $120,000 to fund Ha Tsuen Rural
Committee to organise “Poon Choi Feast for the Elderly”. The relevant application had been
recommended by CRCS&HC.
57. The Chairman said that according to the record of the Secretariat, there were no FC
Members who held positions in Ha Tsuen Rural Committee. If Members were aware of any
direct personal or monetary interests, they should make appropriate declaration of interests.
58. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Chairman concluded
that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation of $120,000 to fund Ha Tsuen Rural
Committee to organise the “Poon Choi Feast for the Elderly”.
Item 9: Funding applications for the activities in celebration of the 69th anniversary of
the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Yuen Long District
(FC Paper No. 49/2018)
59. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 49. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $800,000 to fund the Coordinating
Committee for the Celebration of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China in Yuen
Long District to organise the activities in celebration of the 69th anniversary of the founding of
the People’s Republic of China in Yuen Long District.
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60. The Chairman welcomed Ms CHEUNG Hiu-hung, Amy, Liaison Officer (Rural 4)
of Yuen Long District Office to the meeting and asked Ms CHEUNG to introduce the paper.
61. The Chairman said that before Members raised any enquiries, information related to
those FC Members who were concurrently members of the “Coordinating Committee for the
Celebration of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China in Yuen Long District” had
already been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These Members included:
(i) Mr SHUM Ho-kit as the Honorary President;
(ii) Mr WONG Wai-shun as the Honorary Vice-president; and
(iii) Ms CHIU Sau-han, Ms LAU Kwai-yung, Mr LEUNG Ming-kin, Ms MA
Shuk-yin, Ms WONG Wai-ling, Mr TANG Cheuk-him, Mr TANG Yung-yiu,
Ronnie, Mr SIU Long-ming and Mr LEE Yuet-man as the Executive Members.
62. Members did not need to declare their interests again unless the information was
incorrect. Since the activity was implemented by a committee under Yuen Long District
Office, Members did not need to declare their interests unless they were aware of any direct
personal or monetary interests.
63. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Chairman concluded
that Members endorsed the allocation of $800,000 to fund the Coordinating Committee for the
Celebration of the National Day of the People’s Republic of China in Yuen Long District to
organise the activities in celebration of the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People’s
Republic of China in Yuen Long District.
Item 10: Funding application for “Festive Lighting in Yuen Long District in 2018-2019”
(FC Paper No. 50/2018)
64. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 50. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $2,500,000 to fund “Festive Lighting in
Yuen Long District in 2018-2019” from Christmas to New Year and during Lunar New Year in
Yuen Long District to enhance the festive atmosphere in the district.
65. The Chairman welcomed Miss TANG Chung Yi, Junney, Liaison Officer (Town 4)
3 of Yuen Long District Office to the meeting and asked Miss TANG to introduce the paper.
66. The Chairman said that before Members raised any enquiries, information related to
those FC Members who were concurrently members of the Coordinating Committee of
“Festive Lighting in Yuen Long District in 2018-2019” had already been included in the
17
document tabled by the Secretariat. These Members included Ms CHEUNG Muk-lam, Mr
SIU Long-ming, Mr YIU Kwok-wai and Ms CHIU Sau-han as Committee Members.
Members did not need to declare their interests again unless the information was incorrect.
Since the activity was implemented by a committee under Yuen Long District Office, Members
did not need to declare their interests unless they were aware of any direct personal or
monetary interests.
67. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Chairman concluded
that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation of $2,500,000 to fund the “Festive Lighting
in Yuen Long District in 2018-2019” activity to be held in Yuen Long District from Christmas
to New Year and during Lunar New Year to enhance the festive atmosphere in the district.
Item 11: Funding application for “Colourful Life @ Yuen Long” Community Building
Programme
(FC Paper No. 51/2018)
68. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 51. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $500,000 to fund “Colourful Life @
Yuen Long” Community Building Programme in 2018-19.
69. The Chairman welcomed Ms LI Yeuk Hei, Samantha, Liaison Officer (Town 3)2 of
Yuen Long District Office to the meeting and asked Ms LI to introduce the paper.
70. The Chairman said that since the activity was implemented by HAD staff, Members
did not need to declare their interests unless they were aware of any direct personal or
monetary interests.
71. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Chairman concluded
that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation of $500,000 to fund “Colourful Life @
Yuen Long” Community Building Programme in 2018-19.
Item 12: Funding application by Yuen Long District Fire Safety Committee
(FC Paper No. 52/2018)
72. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 52. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $192,402 to fund Yuen Long District
Fire Safety Committee to organise seven fire safety promotion activities.
18
73. The Chairman welcomed Mr LEE Ho Yin, Brian, Liaison Officer (Rural 2) of Yuen
Long District Office to the meeting and asked Mr LEE to introduce the paper.
74. The Chairman said that before Members raised any enquiries, information related to
those FC Members who were concurrently members of the Yuen Long District Fire Safety
Committee had already been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These
Members included Mr YIU Kwok-wai, Ms MA Shuk-yin and Mr LEUNG Ming-kin as
Committee Members. Members did not need to declare their interests again unless the
information was incorrect. Since the activity was implemented by a committee under HAD,
Members did not need to declare their interests unless they were aware of any direct personal
or monetary interests.
75. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Chairman concluded
that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation of $192,402 to fund the Yuen Long District
Fire Safety Committee to organise seven fire safety promotion activities.
Item 13: Funding application by Yuen Long District Fight Crime Committee
(FC Paper No. 53/2018)
76. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 53. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $650,000 to fund Yuen Long District
Fight Crime Committee to organise 18 fight crime promotion activities.
77. The Chairman welcomed Ms CHAN Wing-yee, Winnie, Liaison Officer (Town 1)1
of Yuen Long District Office to the meeting and asked Ms CHAN to introduce the paper.
78. The Chairman said that before Members raised any enquiries, information related to
those FC Members who were concurrently members of the Yuen Long District Fight Crime
Committee had already been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These
Members included Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr KWOK Keung, Ms LAU Kwai-yung, Mr
LEUNG Ming-kin, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr MAN Kwong-ming, Mr TANG Cheuk-him, Ms
YUEN Man-yee and Ms CHIU Sau-han as Committee Members. Members did not need to
declare their interests again unless the information was incorrect. Since the activity was
implemented by a committee under HAD, Members did not need to declare their interests
unless they were aware of any direct personal or monetary interests.
79. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Chairman concluded
that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation of $650,000 to fund the Yuen Long District
Fight Crime Committee to organise 18 fight crime promotion activities.
19
Item 14: Funding application by Yuen Long District Civil Education Committee
(FC Paper No. 54/2018)
80. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 54. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $330,000 to fund Yuen Long District
Civil Education Committee to organise six civil education activities.
81. The Chairman welcomed Miss YEUNG Ching -yui, Aston, Liaison Officer (Town
3)1 of Yuen Long District Office to the meeting and asked Miss YEUNG to introduce the
paper.
82. The Chairman said that before Members raised any enquiries, information related to
those FC Members who were concurrently members of the Yuen Long District Civil Education
Committee had already been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These
Members included Ms LAU Kwai-yung, Ms MA Shuk-yin, Mr SIU Long-ming, Mr TO Ka-lun
and Mr WONG Wai-shun as Committee Members. Members did not need to declare their
interests again unless the information was incorrect. Since the activity was implemented by a
committee under YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, Members did not need to declare their
interests unless they were aware of any direct personal or monetary interests.
83. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Chairman concluded
that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation of $330,000 to fund the Yuen Long District
Civil Education Committee to organise six civil education activities.
Item 15: Funding application by Tin Shui Wai South Area Committee
(FC Paper No. 55/2018)
84. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 55. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $120,000 to fund Tin Shui Wai South
Area Committee to organise the carnival activities in 2018-2019.
85. The Chairman welcomed Miss SO Man-yi, Jasmine, Liaison Officer (Town 3)3 of
Yuen Long District Office to the meeting and asked Miss SO to introduce the paper.
86. The Chairman said that before Members raised any enquiries, information related to
those FC Members who were concurrently members of the Tin Shui Wai South Area
Committee had already been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These
20
Members included Ms WONG Wai-ling as the Vice-Chairman, Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr
CHOW Wing-kan, Mr KWOK Keung, Mr LEE Yuet-man and Ms MA Shuk-yin as Committee
Members. Members did not need to declare their interests again unless the information was
incorrect. Since the activity was implemented by a committee under HAD, Members did not
need to declare their interests unless they were aware of any direct personal or monetary
interests.
87. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Chairman concluded
that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation of $120,000 to fund the Tin Shui Wai South
Area Committee to organise the carnival activities in 2018-19.
Item 16: Funding application by Tin Shui Wai North Area Committee
(FC Paper No. 56/2018)
88. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 56. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $120,000 to fund Tin Shui Wai North
Area Committee to organise four activities.
89. The Chairman welcomed Miss NG Yuen-yung, Iris, Liaison Officer (Town 4)2 of
Yuen Long District Office to the meeting and asked Miss NG to introduce the paper.
90. The Chairman said that before Members raised any enquiries, information related to
those FC Members who were concurrently members of the Tin Shui Wai North Area
Committee had already been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These
Members included Mr TANG Cheuk-him as the Chairman, Mr KWOK Hing-ping, Ms LAU
Kwai-yung, Mr YIU Kwok-wai and herself as Committee Members. Members did not need
to declare their interests again unless the information was incorrect. Since the activity was
implemented by a committee under HAD, Members did not need to declare their interests
unless they were aware of any direct personal or monetary interests.
91. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Chairman concluded
that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation of $120,000 to fund the Tin Shui Wai North
Area Committee to organise four activities.
Item 17: Funding application by Yuen Long Town Area Committee
(FC Paper No. 57/2018)
21
92. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 57. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $120,000 to fund Yuen Long Town Area
Committee to organise Carnival of Happy Sharing Caring Community.
93. The Chairman welcomed Ms TSE Chi-mei, Tammy, Liaison Officer (Town 1)2 of
Yuen Long District Office to the meeting and asked Ms TSE to introduce the paper.
94. The Chairman said that before Members raised any enquiries, information related to
those FC Members who were concurrently members of the Yuen Long Town Area Committee
had already been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These Members
included Mr SIU Long-ming as the Chairman; Mr MAK Ip-sing, Mr WONG Wai-shun and Ms
YUEN Man-yee as Committee Members. Members did not need to declare their interests
again unless the information was incorrect. Since the activity was implemented by a
committee under HAD, Members did not need to declare their interests unless they were aware
of any direct personal or monetary interests.
95. As there were no questions or comments from Members, the Chairman concluded
that Members unanimously endorsed the allocation of $120,000 to fund the Yuen Long Town
Area Committee to organise Carnival of Happy Sharing Caring Community.
Item 18: Funding application for YLDC funding scheme to further strengthen support
for DC in promoting arts and cultural activities in the district
(FC Paper No. 58/2018)
96. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 58. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $1,377,503.6 to fund local organisations
to organise eight community involvement activities to promote arts and culture in the district.
Meanwhile, Members were asked to endorse the funding applications of Pok Oi Hospital Wai
Yin Association Youth City and Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups - Jockey Club Tin
Yuet Youth S.P.O.T. as reserved activities. The relevant applications had been
recommended by CRCS&HC.
97. The Chairman asked the Secretary to briefly introduce the paper.
98. The Chairman said that before Members raised any enquiries, information related to
those FC Members who were concurrently members of the eight organisations had already
been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These Members included:
22
(i) Mr TANG Yung-yiu, Ronnie as the Chairman of Pat Heung North Environment
Attention Group;
(ii) Mr MAK Ip-sing as the Chairman of Highise Yuen Long Service CTR;
(iii) Ms MA Shuk-yin as the Vice-Chairman of Tin Shui Wai Women Association
Limited;
(iv) Ms CHIU Sau-han as the President of Tin Shui Wai Women Association
Limited;
(v) Mr SHUM Ho-kit as the Chairman of New Youth Dynamic Alliance; and
(vi) Mr LEUNG Ming-kin as the Vice-Chairman of New Youth Dynamic Alliance.
99. Members did not need to declare their interests again unless the information was
incorrect. Members could refer to the good practice on declaration of interests suggested by
HAD and assess the nature of their titles to make appropriate declaration of interests.
100. The Chairman declared that she was the President of Tin Shui Wai Women
Association Limited. With reference to the good practice on declaration of interests
suggested by HAD, she decided to declare interest and be absent during discussion. Hence,
the Vice-Chairman presided over the meeting.
101. The Vice-Chairman declared that he was a member of the Hong Kong Federation of
Trade Unions, but did not hold any position in Federation of Trade Unions Employment
Development Service Limited.
102. A Member opined that although the Vice-Chairman did not hold any position in
FTU Employment Development Service Limited, the Vice-Chairman’s political affiliation was
the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, and therefore opined that it was not appropriate
for the Vice-Chairman to preside over the meeting.
103. The Secretary supplemented that the good practice on declaration of interests is
suggested by HAD in response to the Audit Commission’s recommendations to the 18 DCs.
Among the recommendations, it was pointed out that if a Member held a substantive position
in the applicant organisation that Member must remain silent in the relevant discussion and
should not participate in the resolution or voting of the funding application concerned.
However, the Audit Commission did not specifically make recommendations to the HAD of
the arrangement for the declaration of interest in respect of the political affiliations of
Members.
104. A Member proposed Mr MAN Kwong-ming to serve as the Temporary Chairman.
23
105. The Chairman said that since Members had different opinions on the
Vice-Chairman presiding over the meeting, in order to let the meeting proceed smoothly, Mr
MAN Kwong-ming was invited to serve as the Temporary Chairman which was agreed by
Members.
(The Temporary Chairman presided over the meeting.)
106. The Temporary Chairman said that Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary had applied before
the meeting to attend this meeting and was approved by the Chairman. However, since Mr
WONG Wai-yin, Zachary was the Chairman of one of the applicant organisations (Yuen Long
District End Child Sexual Abuse Committee), although the funding application of Yuen Long
District End Child Sexual Abuse Committee had not been recommended by the CRCS&HC,
the funding application of the activity was still pending the approval of the FC. With
reference to the good practice on declaration of interests suggested by HAD, the post of
chairman was a substantive position, Mr WONG Wai-yin, Zachary was required to declare his
interest and should remain silent in the relevant discussion and should not participate in the
resolution or voting of that funding application.
107. Members and the Member in attendance’ views and enquiries were summarised as
follows:
(i) A Member said that Yuen Long District End Child Sexual Abuse Committee
was not mentioned in the paper and opined that the DC Member in attendance
could participate in the discussion and pointed out that the funding application
of Yuen Long District End Child Sexual Abuse Committee was not
recommended by the CRCS&HC and opined that the DC Member in attendance
should have the right to speak;
(ii) Enquired which Members could speak in this agenda item;
(iii) Suggested the Secretariat enquire with HAD about the appropriate arrangement
for declaration of interests;
(iv) Pointed out that Members and the Member in attendance should strictly adhere
to the procedures in the declaration of interests and have the responsibility to
make appropriate declaration of interests on their own. It was opined that Mr
WONG as the Chairman of the applicant organisation (Yuen Long District End
Child Sexual Abuse Committee) should declare his interests and remain silent
during the discussion;
(v) New Territories People’s Association had sent a letter to the Secretariat
regarding the funding application of “I Have a Date with Spring Film Show and
Sharing Session”. The letter mentioned that Mr WONG questioned the
effectiveness of the activity through the media. Although DC Members had
24
the responsibility to monitor the activity and its effectiveness, they were also
required to follow the mechanism on declaration of interests. DC Members
could route through the Secretariat to enquire the organization about the
situation of the activity;
(vi) A member pointed out that the letterhead of the letter submitted by New
Territories People’s Association was that of New Territories People’s
Association, but the official chop on the letter was that of Tin Wah Estate
Residents Association. Hence, the identity of the sender was not clear;
(vii) With regards to the funding application of “I Have a Date with Spring Film
Show and Sharing Session”, a Member was concerned about the “the expected
benefits/ contributions/ achievements on promoting the culture, art, and customs
of Yuen Long District by the proposed activities” listed by the applicant
organisation on the application form. In the application form, it was stated that
“at least 400 audiences indicated that they were satisfied with the performance
in the questionnaire after the event and residents of the district had increased
their interests in film art through the activity.” A Member opined that the
expected number of participants of the activity was 6 000, but the organisation
only expected more than 400 audiences expressing satisfaction with the
performance, hence the effectiveness was unreasonable. There was also
concern about the effectiveness of other activities including Cantonese opera
and carnival activities. It was opined that DC had the responsibility to ensure
DC funds were well spent. In addition, a Member pointed out that “allowing
residents in the district to increase their interests in film art” in the application
form was unquantifiable effectiveness. A Member opined that if there was
doubt about the benefit indicators of the activity, it should be raised at the
meeting of the CRCS&HC before recommending the funding application; and
(viii) A Member pointed out that although the copyright fee of “I Have a Date with
Spring Film Show and Sharing Session” accounted for a quarter of the budget,
there were ten film shows, with a copyright fee of $5,000 for each show, which
was considered reasonable.
108. The Temporary Chairman replied that Members who could participate in the
discussion of this agenda item include Mr CHAN Sze-ching, Mr CHOW Wing-kan, Mr
KWOK Keung, myself (Mr MAN Kwong-ming), Mr SIU Long-ming, Ms WONG Wai -ling,
Ms YUEN Man-yee, Ms CHEUNG Muk-lam, Mr KWOK Hing-ping, Ms LAU Kwai-yung, Mr
TANG Cheuk-him, Mr TO Ka-lun and Mr YIU Kwok-wai. He also pointed out that if the FC
refused to accept the funding applications of eight applicant organisations recommended by the
CRCS&HC, other funding applications not recommended by the CRCS&HC might still be
reconsidered, so Members and the Member in attendance of the 24 applicant organisations
were required to assess the nature of their titles to make appropriate declaration of interests.
25
109. The Secretary’s reply was summarised as follows:
(i) It had been stated in the paper that the Secretariat had received a total of 24
eligible funding applications, of which eight funding applications were
recommended by the CRCS&HC. Although other funding applications were
not recommended by the CRCS&HC, the review results of the entire funding
scheme including those unsuccessful applications were pending the endorsement
of the FC. Further, although the information of all funding applications was
not listed in the paper, all relevant application information was detailed in the
meeting documents of the CRCS&HC, which Members could refer to; and
(ii) With regards to the opinion of Members on the letter submitted by New
Territories People’s Association, the Secretariat would withdraw the letter and
enquire with the organisation to understand the situation after the meeting.
110. The Temporary Chairman concluded that Members endorsed the allocation of
$1,377,503.6 to fund eight local organisations to organise community involvement projects
recommended by the CRCS&HC to promote arts and culture in the district. In addition, the
funding applications of Pok Oi Hospital Wai Yin Association Youth City and Hong Kong
Federation of Youth Groups - Jockey Club Tin Yuet Youth S.P.O.T. were endorsed as reserved
activities. With regards to the funding application of “I Have a Date with Spring Film Show
and Sharing Session”, a Member was concerned about “the expected
benefits/contributions/results to advance/promote the culture, art, and customs of Yuen Long
District by the proposed activities” listed by the applicant organisation on the application form.
After discussion, Members suggested the Secretariat write to the organisation requesting to
further quantify and list out the details.
(Post-meeting note: The Secretariat had sent a letter to New Territories People’s Association on
27 July 2018 (see Annex I), and the reply from New Territories People’s Association was at in
Annex II.)
(The Chairman resumed to preside over the meeting.)
Item 19: Funding application for YLDC funding scheme to implement major sports
promotion activities
(FC Paper No. 59/2018)
111. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 59. The purpose of the
paper was to ask Members to endorse the allocation of $1,327,532.8 to fund eight local
26
organisations to organise community involvement projects in the major sports promotion
activities scheme. Meanwhile, Members were asked to endorse the funding applications of
Yuen Long Livelihood Serving Agency and Resident Friends of New territory as reserved
activities. The relevant applications had been recommended by CRCS&HC.
112. The Chairman asked the Secretary to briefly introduce the paper.
113. The Chairman said that before Members raised any enquiries, information related to
those FC Members who were concurrently members of the eight organisations had already
been included in the document tabled by the Secretariat. These Members included:
(i) Mr SHUM Ho-kit as the Chairman of Yuen Long Youth of Basketball
Association Limited;
(ii) Mr LEUNG Ming-kin as the Director of Yuen Long Youth of Basketball
Association Limited;
(iii) Mr SHUM Ho-kit as the Vice-Chairman of Yuen Long Sports Association
Limited;
(iv) Mr SIU Long-ming, Mr WONG Wai-shun and Ms YUEN Man-yee as the
Executive Directors of Yuen Long Sports Association Limited;
(v) Mr LEUNG Ming-kin and Mr MAN Kwong-ming as the Directors of Yuen
Long Sports Association Limited;
(vi) Mr LEUNG Ming-kin as the Vice-Chairman of Ecopark Association; and
(vii) Mr MAK Ip-sing as the Chairman of Highise Yuen Long Service CTR.
114. Members did not need to declare their interests again unless the information was
incorrect. Members could refer to the good practice on declaration of interests suggested by
HAD and assess the nature of their titles to make appropriate declaration of interests.
115. Members and the Member in attendance’s views and enquiries were summarised as
follows :
(i) Since the budget of Yuen Long New “Camp” Site 2018 included the expenditure
item of “Camping Sites and Camp Facilities”, there was concern whether the
organisation had any connection in Yuen Long Tai Tong Organic EcoPark;
(ii) It was suggested to endorse the funding application of Yuen Long New “Camp”
Site 2018 first, and then write to the organisation requesting to provide further
information on its relationship with Yuen Long Tai Tong Organic EcoPark; and
(iii) Since some of the expenses for Yuen Long New “Camp” Site 2018 would be
borne by the organisation itself, there was concern that the organisation might
27
eventually cancel the activity as it might not be able to afford too much of the
expenditures.
116. The Secretary replied that according to the budget of Yuen Long New “Camp” Site
2018, the estimated expenditure for “Camping Sites and Camp Facilities” was $50,000, of
which DC funds accounted for $30,000, while the amount borne by the organisation/participant
fee accounted for $20,000. To further understand why the organisation selected that camping
site, the Secretariat would write to the organisation requesting for further information after the
meeting.
117. The Chairman concluded that Members endorsed the allocation of $1,327,532.8 to
fund eight local organisations to organise community involvement projects recommended by
the CRCS&HC in the major sports promotion activities scheme. In addition, the funding
applications of Yuen Long Livelihood Serving Agency and Friends Club of New Territories
Residents were endorsed as reserved activities. With regards to the funding application of
Yuen Long New “Camp” Site 2018, since its budget included the expenditure item of
“Camping Sites and Camp Facilities”, Members were concerned about the organisation
choosing to hold the activity at Yuen Long Tai Tong Organic EcoPark. In addition, Members
were concerned whether the organisation had any connection with Yuen Long Tai Tong
Organic EcoPark. After discussion, Members suggested that the Secretariat write to the
organisation requesting to provide further information on its relationship with Yuen Long Tai
Tong Organic EcoPark.
(Post-meeting note: The Secretariat had sent a letter to Ecopark Association on 27 July 2018
(see Annex III). The reply of Ecopark Association was at Annex IV.)
Item 21: Matter arising: Discussion on the proposed amendments to “Manual on the Use
of District Council Funds for YLDC”
(FC Paper No. 64/2018)
118. The Chairman asked Members to take note of Paper No. 64. The purpose of the
paper was to discuss the matters arising and to ask Members to endorse the proposed
amendments to the Manual. The FC had endorsed several proposed amendments at its
meeting on 29 May 2018 and the remaining proposed amendments were detailed in the paper.
119. The Chairman asked the Assistant Secretary to briefly introduce the paper.
120. Members’ views on the proposed amendments were summarised as follows:
28
(1) Amendment of the Notes of Clause (K) of the Appendix B2: Addition of subsidy for
performers of activities for elderly and disabled persons (excluding elderly home visits, trips,
residential camps and day camps for elderly and disabled persons)
121. Members unanimously endorsed the relevant amendment.
(2) Amendment of Clause (E) of the Appendix B1: New requirement for applicant
organisations organising activities other than cultural activities, recreation and sports
activities, and social services activities to provide information of three responsible persons to
be submitted in the related documentary proof
122. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:
(i) Enquired whether a limited company registered under the Inland Revenue
Ordinance could submit information of one responsible person only; and
(ii) It was pointed out that a company registered under the Inland Revenue
Ordinance must have a chairman, a secretary and a treasurer and hence should
be able to provide information of three responsible persons.
123. The Secretary replied that whenever the funding applications were received, the
Secretariat would check the registration documents. The list of responsible persons of a
limited company registered under the Inland Revenue Ordinance would depend on the
organisational structure of the individual company. Therefore, spaces would be provided on
the application form for the applicant organisations to fill in the information of one to three
responsible persons at their own discretion.
124. Members unanimously endorsed the relevant amendment.
(3) Amendment of Clause (l) of the Appendix C: New requirement that publicity materials
(including notices, leaflets, game vouchers and pamphlets) shall display the name of DC and
as far as practicable, the logo of the DC (specifications to enquire with the Secretariat) and
state that the activities are funded by the DC (i.e. stating the words “Subsidised by YLDC”)
125. Members unanimously endorsed the relevant amendment.
(4) Amendment of Clause (o) of the Appendix C: New requirement that publicity materials
(including game vouchers and pamphlets) shall not publish the names of the Legislative
Council and DC Members and the names of their offices, nor the names of any political
parties or political organisations.
29
126. Members unanimously endorsed the relevant amendment.
(5) New requirement for DC Members who participate in the inspection of activities to
declare their interests in the Appendix G: “Declaration of interest: I_______ (the
name of the DC Member) am associated with the organisation of which the inspection of
activities is undergoing. I am the __________ (the relationship with the organisation) of
__________ (the name of the applicant organisation).”
127. A Member pointed out that as at times many Members responsible for the
inspection were invited as guests of the activities under inspection and therefore suggested that
more restrictions be imposed to make the inspections fair.
128. The Chairman concluded that Members unanimously endorsed the relevant
amendment and suggested that in the invitation letter it should remind that if the Member was
invited and/or would serve as the guest of the activity under inspection, the Member should
inform the DC Secretariat to arrange for another Member to carry out the inspection.
(6) Addition of Clause 6.5.5: “All grantees should ensure the programmes and activities
subsidised by DC funds are implemented appropriately. Any act which will harm the
reputation and/or image of YLDC is prohibited.”; Addition of Clause 6.5.6: “Grantees of
large-scale activities (i.e. activities with allocation of more than $100,000 DC funds) should
not only follow the terms and conditions in Appendix C, but also bear all the remaining
amount if the approved funding is less than the proposed budget under application.
Grantees should ensure the actual scale of activity is tally with the expected situation as
stated in the application.”; and amendment of Clause 8.5.4: “The DC may issue a warning
letter to those grantees who fail to comply with the terms and/or conditions of this Manual in
implementing the activities. The applications of those applicants will not be considered in
the following quarter after the applicants were issued a warning letter by the DC (including
the quarter before the date of issue of the warning letter, when the application had been
closed and the application was received but had not been approved by the DC.) In the case
of an applicant which had been approved to organise a large-scale activity (i.e. activities with
allocation of more than $100,000 DC funds), the DC may, in addition to issuing a warning
letter to the applicant, at the same time refuse to accept any funding applications of
large-scale activities submitted by that applicant in that financial year and/or the next
financial year (including the year before the date of issue of the warning letter, when the
application had been closed and the application was received but had not been approved by
the DC ).”
30
129. A Member opined that a large-scale activities should be defined as “activities with
with allocation of more than $50,000 DC funds”, but other Member had concern that the
threshold of $50,000 was too low.
130. The Chairman concluded that Members unanimously endorsed the relevant
amendments and defined large-scale activities as “activities with allocation of more than
$80,000 DC funds”.
(7) Amendment of Clause 11.1(j), Clause (k) of the Appendix A, Clause (O) of the Appendix
B2 - Others – Note to beverages: New requirement that the grantees should follow the
principle of environmental protection and comply with the waste reduction guidelines issued
by the Environmental Protection Department from time to time in the purchase of beverages,
light refreshments and light meals.
131. Members unanimously endorsed the relevant amendments.
(8) Extending the participation in the inspection of activities subsidised by DC funds to the
CRCS&HC Members
132. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:
(i) A Member opined that inspection of the activities subsidised by DC funds
should be the responsibility of the FC Members, and there was no need to invite
other DC Members to participate;
(ii) A Member pointed out that there was insufficient manpower to inspect activities
subsidised by DC funds and opined that the inspection work was an independent
duty and therefore all DC Members should participate; and
(iii) A workshop was suggested to allow Members to discuss and set up standards for
inspection of activities subsidised by DC funds.
133. The Chairman concluded that Members endorsed extending the participation in the
inspection of activities financed by DC funds to all DC Members (except Co-opted Members).
(9) Amendment of the Appendix B2 – Meal Allowance for the Elderly and the disabled
persons: Increasing the funding limit to $76 per person and raising the upper limit to 500
persons.
134. Members’ views and enquiries were summarised as follows:
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(i) It was opined that the amount of increase for the elderly meal allowance from
$50 per person to $76 per person was too big and suggested that it should be
gradually increased to $60 per person;
(ii) It was opined that setting the upper limit for the elderly meal allowance at 500
persons was too large and suggested to change to 300 persons; and
(iii) It was opined that prices at restaurants were getting more and more expensive
and agreed to increase the elderly meal allowance to $76 per person.
135. The Chairman concluded that Members endorsed to increase the funding limit of
the elderly food allowance to $76 per person and raise the upper limit to 300 persons.
136. The Chairman concluded that Members noted that the newly revised amendments
of the Manual would apply to activities subsidised by DC funds starting from 2019-20 and
would not affect DC funded activities in 2018-19.
Item 22: Any other business
137. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:25 p.m.
Yuen Long District Council Secretariat
September 2018
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