Annual Report 2025

Members perform the functions of scrutinizing bills and subsidiary legislation, examining and approving public expenditure and monitoring the work of the Government through a committee system.

There are three standing committees of the Legislative Council, namely the Finance Committee, the Public Accounts Committee and the Committee on Members’ Interests. Standing committees, by virtue of section 9(1) of the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance (Cap. 382), may order any person to give evidence, while all other committees may also have this power, where so authorized by the Council, under section 9(2) of Cap. 382.

There are other committees of a standing nature with specific functions stipulated in the Rules of Procedure (“RoP”), namely the Committee on Rules of Procedure, the Committee on Access to the Legislature’s Documents and Records, the House Committee and Panels.

The Committee on Rules of Procedure reviews RoP of the Council and the committee system and proposes to the Council such amendments or changes as are considered necessary.

The Committee on Access to the Legislature’s Documents and Records determines whether a document or record of the Legislature (or its committee) should be made available for access earlier than the expiry of the closure period specified in the Policy on Access to the Legislature’s Documents and Records.

The House Committee considers any matters relating to the business of the Council and monitors progress made in studying bills and subsidiary legislation. Bills and subsidiary legislation that require more in-depth study are scrutinized respectively by Bills Committees and subcommittees, and these committees would report their deliberations to the House Committee.

The committees that monitor and examine policy issues are called Panels. There are currently 18 Panels, the formation and terms of reference of which were approved by the Council on the recommendation of the House Committee. Each Panel shall consist of not less than 6 members and not more than 20 members including the Chairman.

Apart from the above, an investigation committee may be established under RoP 49B(2A) (Disqualification of Member from Office) upon the moving of a censure motion under RoP 49B(1A). After completing its work, the investigation committee is required to report to the Council and is dissolved after tabling of its report.

Select committees may be appointed by the Council for in-depth consideration of matters or bills.

The Finance Committee is one of the three standing committees of the Council. It scrutinizes and approves public expenditure proposals submitted by the Financial Secretary (“FS”). Each year, upon FS’s presentation of the Appropriation Bill to the Council, the President refers the Estimates of Expenditure to the Committee for examination and the Committee holds a series of special meetings for this purpose. After the Appropriation Bill has been passed, the Committee carries out the function of approving proposals to change the approved Estimates. Besides, the Committee approves proposals from FS to expend money from certain Funds¹ established under section 29 of the Public Finance Ordinance (Cap. 2) pursuant to the resolutions on the Funds.

The Committee shall consist of not less than 50 members including the Chairman. Members of the Committee shall be those Members (other than the President) having signified membership in accordance with the Finance Committee Procedure.

Major work

• The Committee deliberated and approved 67 financial proposals involving a total commitment of about $126.8 billion;
• The major financial proposals approved by the Committee included:
  • 28 public works proposals involving a total commitment of about $108.2 billion. These included about $12.9 billion funding for the relocation of the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to caverns project; about $13.8 billion funding for works projects related to the development of the Yuen Long South New Development Area; and about $41.6 billion funding for the Capital Works Reserve Fund block allocations in 2025-2026;
  • 19 non-public works funding proposals involving a total commitment of about $18.6 billion. These included the some $2 ‍billion commitment for developing the Next Generation Communications System of the Hong Kong Police Force; the $3 ‍billion commitment for implementing the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme; and the $10 billion commitment for implementing the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund; and
  • 20 establishment proposals involving 38 directorate posts;
• The Committee held a series of special meetings, comprising 21‍ ‍sessions, from 7 to 11 April 2025 to examine the 2025-2026 Estimates of Expenditure; and
• Prior to the special meetings, Members raised about 3 900 written questions seeking written replies from the Government on the Estimates of Expenditure. About 130 supplementary questions and requests for additional information were referred to the Government for reply after the special meetings. The Council passed the Appropriation Bill 2025 on 30 April 2025.

[📄Report on the examination of the Estimates of Expenditure 2025-2026]

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  These Funds include Capital Works Reserve Fund, Capital Investment Fund, Loan Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, and Innovation and Technology Fund.

The Public Works Subcommittee examines the Government’s proposals to upgrade projects to or downgrade them from Category A of the Public Works Programme, or concerning changes to the scope of and approved estimates for Category A projects, and makes recommendations to the Finance Committee as appropriate. Projects belonging to Category A are those in all aspects ready for the award of contract and for construction works to proceed.

Major work

• During the session, the Subcommittee examined 28 proposals put forward by the Government, and recommended all of them to the Finance Committee for approval.

The Establishment Subcommittee examines and makes recommendations to the Finance Committee on the Government’s proposals for the creation, redeployment and deletion of permanent and time-limited directorate posts, and for changes to the structure of civil service ranks and grades.

Major work

• During the session, the Subcommittee examined 18 proposals put forward by the Government, and recommended all of them to the Finance Committee for approval.

The Public Accounts Committee is one of the three standing committees of the Council. It is responsible for considering the Director of Audit’s reports on the Government’s accounts, as well as the results of value for money (“VFM”) audits carried out on the Government and other organizations within the purview of public audit.

Major work

• The Committee considered the Director of Audit’s Report on the Accounts of the Government for the year ended 31 March 2025 (“Report on Government Accounts ended 31 March 2025”) and VFM Audit Report No. 84. The following subjects were examined by the Committee:
  
  • Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales;
  • Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications;
  • Lantau Conservation Fund;
  • Management of Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme by the Buildings Department;
  • Maritime and Aviation Training Fund;
  • Street cleansing services;
  • The Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers; and
  • Working Family Allowance Scheme;

• The Committee held four public hearings for detailed investigation of two subjects selected from the above, namely the management of the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme by the Buildings Department and street cleansing services. The Report containing the Committee’s recommendations and conclusions was tabled at the Council meeting of 23 July 2025; and
• Given that the Seventh Legislative Council (“LegCo”) stood prorogued from 24‍ ‍October 2025, the Committee made a special arrangement to consider the Report on Government Accounts ended 31 March 2025 in this session.² The Committee’s Report was tabled at the Council meeting of 15 October 2025.

The Committee on Members’ Interests is one of the three standing committees of the Council. It examines the arrangements made for the compilation, maintenance and accessibility of the Register of Members’ Interests. It considers and investigates complaints in relation to Members’ registration and declaration of interests and their conduct concerning claims for the reimbursement of operating expenses or applications for advance of operating funds. It also considers matters of ethics in relation to Members’ conduct in their capacity as such, and gives advice and issues guidelines on such matters, etc.

Major work

• To tie in with the proposals to improve the system on performance of duties by Members of the Legislative Council (“LegCo”), including the implementation of the Code for Members of the Legislative Council and the renaming of the Committee as the Legislative Council Supervisory Committee, the Committee agreed to:

(a) amend the Procedure of the Committee on Members’ Interests for Handling Complaints;
(b) include gifts worth HK$1,000 or more received by Members arising out of their membership of the Council as “registrable interests”, and clarify the requirements of Rule 83(5) of the Rules of Procedure; and
(c) update and merge the Guidelines on Registration of Interests and the Registration Form on Members’ Interests.

The motions giving effect to the proposals were passed at the Council meeting of 23 July 2025. The proposals will take effect from the Eighth LegCo; and

The Committee on Rules of Procedure (“CRoP”) reviews the Council’s Rules of Procedure (“RoP”) and the committee system, and proposes to the Council any amendments or changes it considers necessary.

Major work

• Improving the system on performance of duties by Members of LegCo and introducing the Code for Members of the Legislative Council (“the Code”). To tie in with the implementation of the Code, the functions of the Committee on Members’ Interests (“CMI”) would be expanded and it would be renamed as the Legislative Council Supervisory Committee starting from the Eighth LegCo;

• Enhancing the operation of committees by allowing non-Panel members to join policy subcommittees under Panels and enhancing the arrangements for duty visits of committees;

• Rationalizing and streamlining the election procedures of the Public Accounts Committee, CMI, CRoP, and the Committee on Access to the Legislature’s Documents and Records; and

• Introducing some textual or technical amendments to RoP and the House Rules.

[📄Report of the Committee]

The Committee on Access to the Legislature’s Documents and Records determines whether a document or record of the Legislature (or its committee) should be made available for access earlier than the expiry of the closure period specified in the Policy on Access to the Legislature’s Documents and Records (“the Policy”) (Schedule 2 to the Rules of Procedure); sets guidelines for implementing the Policy; considers any objection against the denial of access to such a document or record by the Clerk to the Legislative Council; and considers any other matter relating to or arising from the Policy.

Major work

• The Committee approved access requests from Members/the Administration/public organizations/members of the public for closed documents and records of the Legislature before expiry of the closure period specified in the Policy [List of approved cases and list of denied cases]; and
• In accordance with the Policy, the Committee conducted reviews on the time-expired documents and records to see whether access could be made available [List of time-expired documents and records disclosed].

The House Committee normally meets weekly on Fridays to prepare for meetings of the Council and considers matters relating to the Council’s business while the Council is in session. An important function of the Committee is to decide on the manner of consideration of bills introduced into the Council and subsidiary legislation tabled in Council or presented to the Council for approval. The Committee also serves as a focal point for establishing a formal and regular dialogue with the Government. The Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Committee meet with the Chief ‍Secretary ‍for ‍Administration on a regular basis to discuss matters of mutual concern.

The Committee shall consist of not less than 50 members including the Chairman. Members of the Committee shall be those Members (other than the President) having signified membership in accordance with the House Rules.

Major work

• The Committee considered 32 bills introduced into the Council and formed 27 Bills Committees to scrutinize bills; and
• The Committee considered 200 items of subsidiary legislation and instrument, including 15 ‍proposed resolutions presented by the Government, and formed‍ 11 subcommittees to study 25 items of subsidiary legislation subject to negative vetting and two ‍proposed resolutions which relate to subsidiary legislation subject to positive vetting.

Subcommittees of the House Committee

The House Committee may appoint a subcommittee to assist its consideration of (a) an item of subsidiary legislation or an instrument made under an ordinance; or (b) an issue of public concern which falls outside the purview of Panels or straddles the purview of a number of Panels; or (c) any other matter relating to the business of the Council. A‍ ‍subcommittee appointed to consider items (a) and (c) shall consist of not less than 3 members and not more than 15 members including the Chairman whereas a subcommittee appointed to consider item (b) shall consist of not less than 3 members and not more than 20 members including the Chairman. The following subcommittees were in operation during the session.

The House Committee may allocate bills, other than the Appropriation Bill and bills not referred to the House Committee by the Council, to Bills Committees for detailed scrutiny. A Bills Committee will consider the principles and merits of the bill concerned and its detailed provisions, and may propose amendments to the bill. It shall consist of not less than 3‍ ‍members and not more than 15 members including the Chairman. The Chairman of each Bills Committee is elected from among its members. After a Bills Committee has completed scrutiny of a bill, it notifies the House Committee and advises the Committee in writing of its deliberations. Bills Committees are dissolved upon passage of the bills concerned or as decided by the House Committee.

The maximum number of Bills Committees that may be in operation at any one time is limited to 16. When more than 16 Bills Committees are formed, a queuing system will automatically be activated.

The House Committee may appoint subcommittees to assist its consideration of subsidiary legislation and instruments made under relevant ordinances. A subcommittee will consider the policy aspects of the subsidiary legislation/instrument concerned, its detailed provisions and amendments, if any, to the subsidiary legislation/instrument. It shall consist of not less than 3 members and not more than 15 members including the Chairman. The Chairman of each subcommittee is elected from among its members. A subcommittee reports its deliberations to the House Committee upon completion of scrutiny work. There is no restriction on the maximum number of such subcommittees operating at any one time.

Panels are committees of the Council. They provide a forum for Members to deliberate on policy matters and study issues relating to the policy areas of their corresponding policy bureaux which are of public concern. Items for discussion can be brought up by members of the Panel, referred to it by the House Committee or other committees, proposed by the Government, or raised by other Members following meetings with District Councils or upon receipt of complaints or representations. Panels also give views on major legislative and financial proposals before their introduction into the Council or the Finance Committee.

A Panel may appoint subcommittees to study specific issues and present reports to the Council as it considers appropriate. A Panel or its subcommittee may meet jointly with other Panel(s) or its subcommittee(s) to consider any matter of common interest to the Panels.

The chairman and deputy chairman of a Panel are elected by and from among its members.

The 18 Panels are:

• Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services
• Panel on Commerce, Industry, Innovation and Technology
• Panel on Constitutional Affairs
• Panel on Development
• Panel on Economic Development
• Panel on Education
• Panel on Environmental Affairs
• Panel on Financial Affairs
• Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene
• Panel on Health Services
• Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports
• Panel on Housing
• Panel on Information Technology and Broadcasting
• Panel on Manpower
• Panel on Public Service
• Panel on Security
• Panel on Transport
• Panel on Welfare Services

The Panel monitors and examines, consistent with maintaining the independence of the Judiciary and the rule of law, policy matters relating to the administration of justice and legal services.

Major work

• The Panel received views from legal profession bodies on fostering the development of Hong Kong’s legal profession and exchanged views with the Administration in this regard. Members commended the Administration for its efforts to assist Hong Kong’s legal profession in “going global” and expanding into markets beyond Hong ‍Kong by, among others, leading delegations comprising representatives of the legal and other professional sectors to other jurisdictions. They suggested that such delegations be regularized to enable Hong Kong’s legal profession to gain a deeper understanding of the latest market and regulatory developments;
• The Panel deliberated on and supported the Administration’s initiatives to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. These measures included strengthening legal cooperation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, deepening mediation culture, promoting the development and use of LawTech, and enhancing the rule of law education in Hong Kong. Members called on the Administration to facilitate the legal sector in the adoption of LawTech, and to encourage the provision of paid practice opportunities for mediators to attract talent and facilitate professional development;
• The Panel received a briefing by the Legal Aid Department on the latest situation of its legal aid services, as well as those by the Judiciary Administration on the procedural reforms for the family justice system and the use of technology to enhance court operations. In respect of the former, members requested the Administration to address the legal sector’s concern in relation to the timely conduct of the biennial review of criminal legal aid fees. As for the latter, members urged the Judiciary to expedite the drafting of the proposed Family Procedure Rules, which would be applicable to all family and matrimonial proceedings, with a view to providing clear, comprehensive and detailed procedural guidance to enhance litigation efficiency. Meanwhile, the Judiciary should, in members’ views, consider further leveraging generative artificial intelligence for enhancing court operations; and
• The Panel was consulted on and supported the making of subsidiary legislation for safeguarding national security. Meanwhile, the Panel was also briefed on the progress of the systematic review of statutory laws of Hong Kong. Members called on the Administration to devise a clearer and more concrete timetable for the adaptation of law exercise under the above review and looked forward to the early completion of such exercise.

[📄Report of the Panel]

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to commerce, industry, business and services promotion, innovation and technology (“I&T”), intellectual property (“IP”) protection and inward investment promotion.

Major work

• The Panel discussed and supported the Administration’s initiatives to promote the development of I&T, including the proposed establishment of a $3 ‍billion Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme and a ‍$180 ‍million Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Fund, which aimed to attract international top-notch talents and foster the growth of start-ups in Hong ‍Kong;
• On the progress of achieving new industrialization in Hong ‍Kong, the Panel suggested that the Administration should strengthen collaboration among the Government, industry, academia, research and development (“R&D”) and investment sectors, and actively encourage more private investors to participate in and support Hong‍‍‍ ‍Kong’s R&D;
• The Panel gave views on the Administration’s measures to support and assist small and medium enterprises (“SMEs”) in Hong Kong, and welcomed the proposed injection into the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales, as well as various measures to support the development of local enterprises and help them “go global”. Members urged the Administration to consider providing more support to SMEs when the overall economic situation stabilizes in the future;
• The Panel welcomed the additional liberalization measures introduced by the Amendments to the Agreement on Trade in Services of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, which created more favourable conditions for Hong Kong enterprises and professionals to explore the Mainland market. Members called on the Government to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and explore the strategy of building the commodity trading ecosystem with the cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area; and
• The Panel supported the Administration’s continued efforts to implement various IP-related initiatives, including a review of the registered designs regime, and enhancements to the Copyright Ordinance (Cap. 528) regarding protection for artificial intelligence technology development. Members also suggested that the Administration should review and strengthen the alignment of IP ‍protection regimes in Hong‍ ‍Kong and the Mainland.

[📄Report of the Panel]

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to the implementation of the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, relations between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (“HKSAR”) Government and the Central People’s Government and other Mainland authorities, electoral matters, district organizations, human rights, personal data protection and press freedom.

Major work

• The Panel was briefed on the publicity arrangements for the 2025 Voter Registration Campaign, as well as the practical arrangements for the 2025 Election Committee Subsector By-elections and the 2025 Legislative Council General Election. Members expressed support for adopting more electronic measures to enhance efficiency, while urging the Administration to ensure system stability and prepare contingency plans. Members also made suggestions on measures to facilitate electors to cast their votes, with a view to boosting voter turnout rates;
• The Panel commended the Administration’s efforts in promoting the Constitution, the Basic Law and patriotic education. Members expressed support for integrating key historical milestones and mega events, such as the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong, and the 15th National Games, into the promotion of patriotic education;
• The Panel supported the HKSAR Government in deepening regional cooperation with the Mainland, including its ongoing efforts to promote closer alignment of rules and mechanisms in different fields within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Members also gave views on leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems” to actively assist Mainland enterprises in “connecting to the world”;
• The Panel was briefed on the follow-up work relating to the Court of Final Appeal’s judgment in the judicial review case of Sham Tsz Kit v Secretary for Justice (FACV 14/2022). Members gave various views on the proposed establishment of an alternative framework for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships; and
• The Panel received briefings by the Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission (“EOC”) and by the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (“PCPD”) on the work of EOC and the office of PCPD respectively.

[📄Report of the Panel]

Local visit

Visit to observe a demonstration of the electronic counting system

On 13 October 2025, the Panel visited the Registration and Electoral Office to observe a demonstration of the operation of the electronic counting system for the functional constituency election of the 2025 Legislative Council General Election.

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to lands, buildings, planning, water supply, development-related heritage conservation, Public Works Programme and other works matters.

Major work

• The Panel continued to monitor the Government’s work in taking forward various initiatives to increase land and housing supply. In ‍particular, the Panel supported accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis (“NM”) and welcomed the Administration’s move to raise the decision-making level for NM development by establishing the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis chaired by the Chief Executive. The Panel also supported the Administration’s proposal to introduce dedicated legislation to “accelerate the development of NM”, and implement various innovative land administration measures (such as a “phased development” approach or large-scale land disposal, flexible land-grant arrangements, and a pilot scheme on “Pay for What You Build”), with a view to reducing the initial capital cost of development and enhancing market incentives to invest in NM;
• The Administration briefed the Panel on the preliminary development proposals of sites around MTR Hung Hom Station and waterfront‍ areas, including developing yacht berthing facilities at the water body adjacent to the sites to promote yacht tourism. The Panel welcomed the Administration’s proposal to develop the‍ sites into a‍ new‍ harbourfront landmark, so as to enhance Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a premier tourist destination and transform Hung Hom into a‍ ‍community integrating housing, leisure and entertainment;
• The Panel was consulted on the innovative measures to expedite urban renewal as announced in the 2025 Policy Address, and received a ‍briefing on the progress of work of the Urban Renewal Authority (“URA”). The Panel supported the Administration and URA to review the acquisition and compensation policy of URA, including the Seven-year Rule (i.e. compensation based on seven-year-old flat in the same locality) and the “Flat-for-Flat” arrangement; and
• Between May and June 2025, multiple water main bursts or‍ leaks occurred in Tuen Mun District, arousing wide public concern. The Panel urged the Administration to monitor the condition of water mains by actively leveraging technologies, so as to help identify water mains with leakage and burst problems as early as possible and conduct the necessary water mains replacement and rehabilitation works to reduce the risk of water main leaks and bursts. The Panel also urged the Administration to strengthen emergency management of water supply incidents, particularly in terms of information dissemination and communication with local stakeholders, so‍ that the affected residents and business operators may make appropriate preparations.

[📄Report of the Panel]

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to economic infrastructure and services, including air and sea transport facilities and services, postal services, consumer protection, competition policy and tourism.

Major work

• The Panel supported the development of the Airport City and Hong Kong International Airport Dongguan Logistics Park to further promoting Hong Kong’s aviation-related industries and enhancing sea-air intermodal connectivity;
• The Panel closely monitored the development of low-altitude economy, and urged the Administration to ensure that it could create new opportunities and drive the growth of new quality productive forces;
• The Panel supported the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering, and called for the provision of more incentives to attract global investments and talents at all fronts in light of the support of the motherland in developing Hong Kong as an international green fuel bunkering centre;
• The Panel echoed with the Administration’s proposals to enhance existing tax concessions for the maritime service industry and introduce a half-rate tax concessionary regime for physical commodity trading, so ‍as to provide impetus for the development of high value-added maritime services in Hong Kong;
• The Panel supported the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development for developing Hong Kong into a sustainable international smart logistics hub focusing on high-value goods and e-commerce markets, and urged the expedition of relevant planning of Hung Shui Kiu/ Ha ‍Tsuen modern logistics clusters;
• The Panel was briefed on the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 as well as the nine tourist hotspot projects. Members urged the Administration to maximize the synergistic impact across industries and create a spread-out effect of Hong Kong’s characteristic tourism;
• The Panel received an update from the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort on its operation in fiscal year 2024, and put forward the suggestions of site development and ways to cope with the decline in the park’s local attendances;
• The Panel exchanged views with the Administration on how to further develop the silver economy, step up retirement protection and increase employment opportunities for the elderly; and
• The Panel was briefed by the Competition Commission on its work. Members asked the Administration to enhance awareness among small and medium enterprises on the Competition Ordinance (Cap. 619) and competition rules.

[📄Report of the Panel]

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to education.

Major work

• The Panel received updates on the latest progress of building Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub and put forward a number of suggestions to promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand more effectively;
• The Panel continued to follow up with the Administration and the Vocational Training Council on the promotion of the vocational and professional education and training;
• The Panel received briefings on the implementation of the Native-speaking English Teacher Scheme, digital education and life planning education in schools;
• The Panel discussed the development of international schools and other private schools offering formal curriculum. Members asked the Administration to continue to support their vibrant development, with a view to attracting more high-calibre talents to Hong Kong;
• The Panel exchanged views with the Administration on ways to enhance the Kindergarten (“KG”) Education Scheme to provide better KG education to students;
• The Panel attached great importance to the mental health of students and discussed with the Administration measures to further support students with mental health needs (including enhancing student guidance services);
• The Panel received a briefing on measures pertaining to the enhancement and empowerment of teacher and administrative manpower in public sector schools and continued to follow up closely on matters relating to teachers’ professional conduct;
• The Panel was consulted on a Member’s Bill to amend the Hong Kong Baptist University Ordinance (Cap. 1126) and a number of financial proposals, including the start-up loan to the Hong Kong Metropolitan University, development of the Lift and Escalator Technology Centre by the Vocational Training Centre and construction of two public sector primary schools; and
• The Subcommittee on Promoting the Development of Hong Kong into an International Education Hub established under the Panel completed its work in this session and submitted its report to the Panel in June 2025.

[📄Report of the Panel]

Local visit

Visit to Hong Kong Metropolitan University

On 23 April 2025, the Subcommittee on Promoting the Development of Hong Kong into an International Education Hub visited the Hong Kong Metropolitan University to learn about the role played by vocational and professional education and training in developing Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub.

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to environmental matters, energy matters (including energy supply and safety), conservation, sustainable development and weather information services.

Major work

• The Panel received updates on the improvement of environmental quality in Hong Kong and the latest progress of the key measures set out in Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050. Members also exchanged views with the Administration on the formulation of the Generalized Green Framework for the Planning of New Development Areas;
• The Panel was consulted on the legislative amendments to include hydrogen as fuel in the safety regulatory framework. Members provided suggestions on the implementation of the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong, expansion of the charging network for electric vehicles, and the Fast Charger Incentive Scheme;
• The Panel supported the Administration’s proposals to further reduce the emission allowances for specified pollutants for power plants, update the Hong Kong Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, and gradually phase out mercury-added products listed in the Minamata Convention on Mercury;
• The Panel discussed the legislative amendments to revise the service scope of the district cooling system (“DCS”) project at Kai Tak, facilitate the commencement of operation of the DCSs at Kwu Tung North and Tung Chung East, and enhance the energy efficiency management regime;
• The Panel noted the promising results achieved by the Administration’s waste reduction and recycling initiatives, and the level of public participation in reducing municipal solid waste (“MSW”). Members in general shared the Administration’s view to continue suspending the implementation of MSW charging;
• The Panel deliberated on the legislative proposals to establish a common legislative framework for Producer Responsibility Schemes, and commission the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1, the North East New Territories Landfill Extension, and the West New Territories Landfill Extensions; and
• The Panel received progress updates on the implementation of the Hong ‍Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan as well as the feeding ban on wild animals and feral pigeons.

[📄Report of the Panel]

Local visit

Visit to CLP Power Hong Kong Limited’s innovative technology projects

On 3 June 2025, the Panel visited the Shatin Centre of the CLP Power Hong ‍Kong Limited to gain a deeper understanding of the power company’s latest developments and innovative technology projects.

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to financial and finance matters.

Major work

• The Panel exchanged views with the Financial Secretary on matters relating to Hong Kong’s macroeconomic situation. Members discussed the measures to boost the consumption market and stabilize the non-residential property market, as well as efforts to attract enterprises and investment, and ‍consolidate cooperation among different “Hong Kong Inc.” partner ‍organizations;
• During briefings by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Panel discussed with the Authority various subjects, including cases of residential mortgage loans in negative equity, support measures for small and medium enterprises, performance of the Exchange Fund and strategies to counter the tariff war;
• The Panel received the Administration’s briefing on the progress of implementing various measures to enhance the competitiveness of the securities market, as well as a series of further enhancement measures such as the “technology enterprises channel” established by the Hong ‍Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited. Members also discussed the roadmap and implementation timetable for further deepening mutual access between the financial markets of the Mainland and Hong ‍Kong;
• The Panel continued to monitor the progress of the development of the electronic mandatory provident fund platform (“eMPF Platform”) project. Members noted that the migration of all MPF account information would be completed by the end of 2025. Members discussed the measures put in place by the eMPF Platform Company Limited and the contractor to ensure that the system’s information security and cybersecurity complied with the requirements under the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Ordinance (Cap. 653) (effective from 1 January 2026) while addressing national security considerations; and
• The Panel was briefed by the Administration on the latest developments in promoting green and sustainable finance in Hong ‍Kong. Members made a number of suggestions to attract capital and promote green and sustainable finance, including subsidizing financial institutions for risk assessment and certification costs related to green asset securitization, and exploring the feasibility of establishing green investment banks and a green energy exchange.

[📄Report of the Panel]

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to food safety, environmental hygiene and agriculture and fisheries.

Major work

• The Panel generally supported the Administration’s legislative proposal to regulate konjac-containing jelly confectionery products. Members expressed views on the size of, and the labelling requirements for, the products concerned. They also urged the Administration to collect statistics on choking accidents caused by konjac jellies, so as to provide a scientific basis for relevant reviews and risk assessments in future;
• Members acknowledged the Administration’s food surveillance work. They were particularly pleased to note that, while the Administration maintained food safety standards, batches of hairy crabs from the Mainland had arrived in Hong Kong via direct shipments in the 2025 session, following members’ repeated calls. This, in members’ view, not only shortened transit time and reduced the trade’s operating cost, but also provided more choices to the public;
• The Panel expressed strong appreciation for the swift implementation of a number of enhanced anti-mosquito measures and public health emergency preparedness measures by various government departments in response to chikungunya fever. Members called for the introduction of new biological technologies and methods, as well as the utilization of artificial intelligence technology to predict and eliminate mosquito infestation, in order to enhance the effectiveness of mosquito prevention and control;
• The Panel welcomed the Administration’s plan to establish a unified new brand for high-quality local agricultural and fisheries products in 2025-2026 to enhance product awareness and market competitiveness. Members also made suggestions on how to enhance the Administration’s measures for promoting the development of pond fish culture, urban farming, as well as leisure farming and fisheries; and
• Members appreciated that the quarantine period for cats and dogs imported from the Mainland and other Group IIIA places had been significantly shortened from 120 days to 30 days, provided that they met the relevant quarantine requirements. Members also supported the introduction of the International Organization for Standardization standard microchip for dog identification to further facilitate the movement of dogs into and out of Hong Kong.

[📄Report of the Panel]

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to medical and health services.

Major work

• The Panel generally supported the Administration’s initiatives to develop primary healthcare services and gave views on the implementation of the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme, integration of women health services, and development of the Community Drug Formulary and Community Pharmacy Programme;
• The Panel was briefed on the intention of the Administration and the Hospital Authority to merge the Hong Kong East Cluster and the Hong ‍Kong West Cluster into a single cluster. While some members supported the proposal if the merger could achieve more effective resource utilization, some other members expressed concern about the effects of the merger on healthcare personnel and services provided to the public;
• The Panel gave views on the Administration’s plan to reform public medical fees (such as ways to simplify medical fee waiver procedures), with the hope to effectively divert patients with minor illnesses;
• The Panel supported the Administration’s ongoing efforts to improve public healthcare services and made a number of suggestions, including increasing quotas for evening general outpatient services; providing eligible women with preventive screening and care services; taking measures to address prolonged waiting times for specialist outpatient services; and prevent medical incidents in public hospitals;
• The Panel gave views on the Administration’s cancer screening programme as well as provision of treatment and support to patients with cancer and rare diseases;
• The Panel supported the legislative proposals on enhancing price transparency of private healthcare services, lifting the legal restrictions on storage periods for gametes and embryos for own use, and the technical amendments to the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap. 549); and
• The Panel was consulted on two financial proposals, namely loan arrangement for CUHK Medical Centre and Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong Campus Re–development Project–Construction of Clinical Training and Amenities Centre.

[📄Report of the Panel]

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to district, community and rural matters, civic education, building management, youth matters, women matters, Family Council, provision of leisure and cultural services, development of arts and culture, public entertainment, sports and recreation.

Major work

• The Panel was briefed on the outcome of the public consultation on the regulatory regime on basketball betting and the proposed amendments to the Betting Duty Ordinance (Cap. 108). While supporting the proposed regulatory regime, members requested the Administration to adopt a multi-pronged strategy to minimize the negative impact of basketball betting on the public, especially on young people;
• The Panel received updates on the progress of Hong Kong’s preparation for hosting the 15th National Games, and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games. Members asked the Administration to devote the fullest efforts in preparation for these two national sports events which were co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao for the first time;
• The Panel closely monitored the implementation progress of the Youth Development Blueprint, and was briefed on the youth-related measures newly introduced by relevant bureaux in key areas like promoting diversified and high-quality education, enhancing the housing ladder, taking care of physical and mental well-being of the youth, and expanding space and network for youths;
• The Panel supported the proposed amendments to the Chinese Permanent Cemeteries Rules (Cap. 1112A), which aimed to, among others, introduce the extendable niches arrangement in projects of the Board of Management of the Chinese Permanent Cemeteries;
• The Panel received briefings on the Administration’s efforts in facilitating building management and property management. Members urged the Administration to enhance the strategies to facilitate building management and maintenance of aged buildings (especially “three-nil” buildings), and encourage owners to participate in the Pilot Scheme on Joint Property Management; and
• The Panel was briefed on the latest developments of the West Kowloon Cultural District (“WKCD”). Members asked the WKCD Authority to continue pressing ahead with its “Bringing in, Going Global” strategy through WKCD’s global partnership network, presenting diverse international arts and cultural programmes to local audiences and taking various local arts programmes to the international stage.

[📄Report of the Panel]

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to private and public housing.

Major work

• While supporting the Administration’s introduction of the relevant bill into the Legislative Council based on the latest proposals for the Basic Housing Unit (“BHU”) regulatory regime, the Panel urged the Administration to enhance the incentives for timely BHU recognition and monitor the supply of rental subdivided units (“SDUs”). Members also generally supported the proposal to introduce Category C tenants for transitional housing, in order to provide temporary accommodation for SDU tenants who were affected by the BHU regulatory regime and did not meet the current eligibility criteria;
• The Panel supported the Administration’s proposal to amend the Housing Ordinance (Cap. 283) to strengthen enforcement against public rental housing (“PRH”) tenancy abuse. Meanwhile, members stressed the need to step up measures to prevent inadvertent law breaches by tenants, and reminded the Administration to give compassionate and reasonable consideration when handling cases of PRH tenancy abuse;
• In discussing the outcome of the review of the 2025-2026 PRH income and asset limits, members opined that the income limits derived from the existing review mechanism were too low, particularly for two-person dual-income households. Members suggested that the review mechanism be examined promptly following the increase in PRH supply, with a view to encouraging capable grass roots and young people to actively pursue work while adequately meeting their needs for PRH; and
• The Panel was briefed by the Administration on the promotion of smart construction and management of PRH estates. Members advised the Administration to analyze and demonstrate the effectiveness of utilizing various innovative technologies in reducing construction costs and enhancing project cost-‍effectiveness as well as the quality of PRH. Members also emphasized the importance of applying innovative technologies to address the needs of elderly residents.

[📄Report of the Panel]

Visit to Choi Hing Road Light Public Housing

On 2 October 2025, the Panel toured the Choi Hing Road Light Public Housing (“LPH”) project in Ngau Tau Kok to learn about the latest progress of LPH projects and the living conditions of the residents.

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to information technology, telecommunications, broadcasting, film services and creative industry.

Major work

• The Panel monitored the Administration’s work in fostering development of innovation and technology, including the use of artificial intelligence (“AI”). Members supported the Administration’s proposal to establish the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute (“AIRDI”), and hoped that AIRDI could play an ‍active role in contributing to Hong Kong’s alignment with the national “AI+” initiative. Members also urged the Administration to actively utilize AI and other technologies in enhancing services, including the attainment of “single portal for online government services” through integration of mobile applications of various government departments into “iAM Smart”;
• The Panel supported the Administration’s proposal to enhance the Real-name Registration Programme for Subscriber Identification Module Cards. Members expressed concern about the relatively low participation rate in the SMS Sender Registration Scheme, and urged the Administration to consider requiring all government departments, as well as public and private organizations, to register and obtain their Registered Sender IDs before sending SMS messages to the public, thereby helping to combat fraudulent SMS messages involving identity impersonation;
• The Panel was briefed by the Administration on various measures to enhance mobile communications, including the Subsidy Scheme to Extend 5G Coverage in Rural and Remote Areas, and the plan to conduct an auction of 50 MHz of spectrum in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band in 2025. Members called on the Administration to coordinate with mobile network operators to improve the mobile network capacity at boundary control points and major public event venues. There was also a ‍suggestion that the Administration should align its planning and supply of spectrum with the low-altitude economy; and
• The Panel noted that the existing three free television (“free TV”) broadcasters had submitted applications for the renewal of their domestic free TV programme service licences. Members urged the Administration to suitably relax the regulations for advertising on free TV so as to enhance the industry’s competitiveness.

[📄Report of the Panel]

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to labour, manpower planning, vocational training and education, and qualifications framework.

Major work

• The Panel was briefed on the Administration’s latest initiatives in trawling for talents, including the Talent List update and the admission of technical professionals. The Administration was urged to collect statistics on the age and employment status of dependants approved for admission to Hong Kong under various talent admission schemes and assess the impact of incoming talents’ spouses on the local labour market;
• The Panel received the Administration’s briefing on the implementation of the Statutory Minimum Wage (“SMW”) and the arrangements for implementing the new annual review mechanism of SMW. Members expressed views on the effectiveness of the SMW regime, the formula for adjusting the SMW rate and the inspection and enforcement work of the Labour Department;
• The Panel continued to follow up with the Administration on Hong Kong’s occupational safety and health performance. The Panel was also briefed on the Administration’s response and follow-up actions on the recommendations made in the Office of The Ombudsman’s direct investigation report entitled “Government’s Regulation of Occupational Safety and Health in the Construction Industry”;
• The Panel supported the Administration’s proposal to amend the Trade Unions Ordinance (Cap. 332) to enhance its work on safeguarding national security and improve the regulatory regime for trade unions. Members considered that the proposed amendments were effective in ‍preventing trade unions from being exploited for political purposes and used as tools to endanger national security, while facilitating the healthy development of trade unions;
• The Panel exchanged views with the Administration on the key measures to protect the employment rights of imported workers. Members were concerned about the measures taken by the Administration to protect exploited imported workers who had filed reports, and suggested that the Administration should strengthen collaboration with relevant Mainland authorities to combat the exploitation of imported labour by intermediaries; and
• The Subcommittee on Issues Relating to Human Resources Training and Planning established under the Panel completed its work in this session and submitted its report to the Panel in June 2025.

[📄Report of the Panel]

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to the civil service and the staff of government-funded public bodies and other public service organizations.

Major work

• The Panel received briefings on the policy and related matters on the conditioned hours of work of the civil service, as well as the provision of medical and dental benefits for civil service eligible persons. Members put forward a number of suggestions, which included standardizing the conditioned hours of work of civil servants, providing paid meal breaks for all civil servants, and reviewing the service needs for both Chinese and Western medicine services for better resource allocation;
• The Panel received updates on the family-friendly employment measures for government employees. Members urged the Administration to fully implement the five-day week initiative in the Government and review the criteria for compassionate leave application;
• The Panel supported the Administration’s plan to enhance the civil service disciplinary mechanism, including streamlining the disciplinary procedures, extending the scope of interdiction and tightening the arrangement of withholding emoluments during interdiction;
• The Panel discussed the leadership and talent development programme for civil servants and the Civil Service College’s work in enhancing training;
• The Panel exchanged views with the Administration on the various commendation and award schemes for civil servants, as well as volunteer service in the civil service; and
• The Panel monitored the use of resources by government-funded public bodies and other public service organizations, including non governmental organizations operating subvented welfare services, the Hospital Authority and public sector schools.

[📄Report of the Panel]

Visit outside Hong Kong

Duty visit to Shenzhen

On 26 May 2025, the Panel visited the Futian District People’s Government of the Shenzhen Municipality and the Shenzhen Intermediate People’s Court to understand the latest developments in the use of artificial intelligence to assist public officers in handling government administrative work.

[📄Report of the visit]

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to security, public order, public safety, corruption-related matters, and nationality and immigration matters.

Major work

• The Panel fully supported the Administration’s work to enhance the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, including the making of two items of subsidiary legislation to provide the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region with better support and protection in effectively performing its mandate, as well as the legislative exercise to amend the Prison Rules (Cap. ‍234A) to, among others, prevent any person from endangering national security;
• The Panel was pleased to note that the Administration continued to roll out new initiatives to combat deception, drug abuse and other crimes. Members suggested that collaboration among the Hong Kong Police Force and various stakeholders as well as law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions be further stepped up to crack down fraud syndicates. Having regard to the sharp rise in serious drug cases involving etomidate, members called on the Administration to intercept the illegal import of drugs into Hong Kong at source and further raise awareness about the harmful effects caused by the drug;
• To protect the security of the computer systems of Hong Kong’s critical infrastructure, the Panel supported the establishment proposal for the dedicated office under the Security Bureau responsible for implementing the Protection of Critical Infrastructure (Computer Systems) Ordinance (Cap. 653). Meanwhile, members urged the Administration to step up its efforts in combating illegal employment and illicit manufacturing of firearms; and expedite the legislative amendment exercise relating to the laws on sexual offences. They also called on the Administration to provide up-‍to-‍date skills training and strengthen communication with professional regulatory bodies as appropriate to assist rehabilitated persons in returning to society and their professions;
• The Panel expressed support for the Administration’s various funding proposals to leverage technology to enhance enforcement and rescue operation efficiency. Members’ views on lowering the projects’ estimated costs had been taken on board by the Administration. Members also made a number of suggestions on the new technologies that should be adopted by the Administration, such as incorporating facial recognition technology in the closed-circuit television management system of “SmartView” to enable timely identification of suspects and missing persons;
• The Panel welcomed the Administration’s efforts to enhance the flow of people and goods within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, thereby consolidating Hong Kong’s role as “super-connector”. Members called on the Administration to further facilitate cross-boundary travel by applying facial recognition technology at various control points to achieve contactless clearance; and
• The Panel commended the efforts of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (“ICAC”) in the anti-corruption cause, especially its outstanding performance in raising international anti-corruption collaboration since it took over the presidency and secretariat of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (“IAACA”). Against the above, members supported the prudent establishment proposal put forth by ICAC to support the operation of the IAACA secretariat.

[📄Report of the Panel]

Visit outside Hong Kong

Duty visit to Guangzhou

On 24 April 2025, the Panel conducted a duty visit to Guangzhou with the Secretary for Security and other officials of the Security Bureau to learn about Guangzhou’s work on enhancing crime prevention and enforcement efficiency, as well as its experience in providing services for public convenience.

[📄Report of the visit]

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to transport matters (including those on railways).

Major work

• The Panel welcomed the Administration’s legislative proposal to regulate online hailing hire car (“ride-hailing”) services and supported its three-pronged approach of regulating platforms, vehicles and drivers that provided ride-hailing services;
• The Panel was consulted on the Administration’s proposal to commence toll collection for the Central Kowloon Bypass (“CKB”) in tandem with its full commissioning in mid-2026, with an all-day fixed toll of $10 for all vehicle types. After considering feedback from the Panel and the community, the Administration subsequently proposed to lower the CKB toll to $8, which was supported by the Legislative Council and would be implemented;
• The Panel discussed the MTR Corporation Limited’s fare adjustment for 2025, and noted that the MTR fares in 2025 would remain unchanged in accordance with the MTR Fare Adjustment Mechanism (“FAM”). Nevertheless, some members suggested that future FAM reviews should set a time limit or percentage cap on unrecouped fare increases to avoid exerting pressure on future fares;
• The Panel discussed the challenges faced by the public light bus trade with the Administration and made various suggestions on how to improve the operating environment for the trade;
• The Panel was consulted on the Administration’s proposal of adjusting the fixed penalty levels for traffic contraventions, which included a ‍proposed increase in the fixed penalty for illegal parking from $320 to $400. In the course of discussion, members urged the Administration to expedite the provision of additional parking spaces for commercial vehicles and to allow them to park on non-busy road sections without posing road safety risks;
• The Panel was briefed on the latest developments in various smart mobility initiatives, among which members welcomed the promotion of smart mobility and supported the integration of technology into traffic management to enhance overall transport efficiency, promote road safety and realize the digitalization of transport services; and
• The Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways established under the Panel completed its work in this session and submitted its report to the Panel in October 2025.

[📄Report of the Panel]

Local visits

Visit to Station Rail Voyage exhibition at MTR Hung Hom Station

On 17 January 2025, the Panel visited the Station Rail Voyage exhibition at MTR Hung Hom Station to view newly added exhibits on Hong Kong’s railway culture and development history.

Visit to observe a demonstration of eTraffic Penalty Ticket Platform

On 1 April 2025, the Panel visited the Hong Kong Police Headquarters to observe a demonstration of how the eTraffic Penalty Ticket Platform works.

Visit to Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Ma Tei Section)

On 20 October 2025, the Panel visited the Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau ‍Ma ‍Tei Section) to gain a better understanding of its latest progress, tunnel facilities and project features.

The Panel monitors and examines government policies and issues of public concern relating to welfare, rehabilitation services, poverty and social enterprise.

Major work

• The Panel reviewed the Administration’s policies on support for underprivileged groups, covering community-based care, services for the elderly, carers and persons with disabilities, and community mental health support. The Administration also updated the Panel on its targeted poverty alleviation initiatives;
• The Panel monitored the manpower situation in elderly and rehabilitation care sector, focusing on the Special Scheme to Import Care Workers for Residential Care Homes, the implementation progress of the Residential Care Homes Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2023, and the enforcement mechanism of the Incentive Scheme to Encourage Provision of Residential Care Home for the Elderly Premises in New Private Developments;
• The Administration briefed the Panel on cross-boundary elderly care initiatives, including the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong and the Pilot Scheme for Elderly Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Recipients to Reside in Residential Care Homes in Guangdong;
• Regarding welfare service resources, the Panel monitored the use of the dedicated fund for social welfare organizations, examined the proposed enhancements to the “Purchase of Premises for Provision of Welfare Services” Scheme, and evaluated the funding arrangements for new welfare infrastructure projects under the Capital Works Reserve Fund; and
• On legislative and policy development, the Panel provided recommendations on the preparatory work for implementing the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (Cap. 650) (effective from 20 January 2026), offering feedback on the electronic Decision Tree designed to assist mandated reporters in identifying and reporting suspected child abuse cases. The Panel also reviewed the Administration’s proposal to adjust the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme, involving an increase in the application threshold and a reduction of assistance amounts.

[📄Report of the Panel]

Local visit

Joint visit to Siu Lam Integrated Rehabilitation Services Complex

On 15 April 2025, the Panel, jointly with the Subcommittee on Issues Relating to the Support for Persons with Disabilities, visited Siu Lam Integrated Rehabilitation Services Complex to gain a deeper understanding of the Complex’s operation and service delivery since its commencement of service in late February of the same year.