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Code on Access to Information
The Government exists to serve the community well within available resources. To this end, it recognises the need for the community to be well informed about the Government, the services it provides and the basis for policies and decisions that affect individuals and the community as a whole.
The Code on Access to Information (the Code) defines the scope of information that will be provided, sets out how the information will be made available either routinely or in response to a request, and lays down procedures governing its prompt release.
The Code authorises and requires civil servants, routinely or on request, to provide information unless there are specific reasons for not doing so. These reasons are set out in Part 2 and will normally be referred to if a request for information is refused.
Requests for information will be handled as promptly and helpfully as possible and if necessary, members of the public may be approached to clarify their requests or the requests may be directed to the most appropriate department. Procedures will be kept as simple as possible.
The Code also sets out procedures for review or complaint if a member of the public considers that the provisions of the Code have not been properly applied.
The Code can be accessed at http://www.access.gov.hk.
General Enquiries on Social Services / Social Security
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For general enquiries on social services/social security, please contact the Departmental Hotline at 2343 2255. Telephone numbers of different offices of the department are also provided through the Departmental Hotline.
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Procedures for Access to Information
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The department has designated Chief Executive Officer (Administration)2 as the Access to Information Officer who is responsible for ensuring that requests for access to information under the Code are properly dealt with in accordance with the specified procedures.
Requests for information or records held by the department may be made by letter or application form obtainable from reception counters of the Headquarters, 11 District Social Welfare Offices of the department or at all District Offices of the Home Affairs Department. Oral requests will also be accepted if the information sought is simple or readily available for distribution free of charge.
The completed application and general enquiries related to the Code should be addressed to:
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Access to Information Officer
Social Welfare Department
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By post to:
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10/F, Wu Chung House
213 Queen's Road East
Wanchai
Hong Kong
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By phone:
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2892 5619 (during office hours)
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By fax:
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2151 0572
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By email:
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daioenq@swd.gov.hk
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Other than publications which are available free of charge, a photocopying charge will be levied if an applicant wishes to obtain a copy. The standard photocopying charge (black and white copy) is HK$1.40 per photocopy on A4 size paper and HK$1.60 per photocopy on A3 size paper. Photocopying made on both sides of a sheet is counted as two copies. For obtaining information in a PDF file, the prevailing scanning charge is HK$0.50 per page. If there are other charging schemes provided by enactment or approved by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, those charging schemes will be followed. Regarding the request for information in a form for which no standard charge exists, the charge is calculated on a case-by-case basis and subject to approval of Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau.
The above charge is subject to change from time to time.
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Lists of information / records held by Social Welfare Department
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Disclosure Log
The disclosure log provides summary descriptions of the nature of information requested and released under the Code by this department. The disclosure log will be updated on a quarterly basis.
If any member of the public wishes to obtain any information listed in the disclosure log, an information request should be made to our Access to Information Officer. Such requests will be handled in accordance with the Code.
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