Legco supports HK$66m funding package for councillors
Lawmakers on Friday approved the government's plan for the provision of more than HK$66 million to pay expenses of district councillors. By a show of hands, members of the Finance Committee voted for the funding proposal that provides reimbursement for the cost of setting up and closing down offices.  Despite voicing their support, a number of lawmakers said they were concerned as to whether or not the amount would be sufficient. In response, home and youth affairs chief Alice Mak said authorities will conduct a review in 2025 after the new term begins. "In our review, we have to ensure that all members have sufficient resources to honour their duties, to discharge their duties, and serve their community," she said.  "Even if there are lots of ward offices near electors, my concern is whether [district council] members are diligent. That's why we have a performance monitoring mechanism. We have to ensure that ward offices set up would be open for business to serve the public."