SKIP NAVIGATION 香港申訴專員公署

Our Work & Reports

Cases on Mediation and
Inter-departmental Collaboration

This Office has been proactively promoting the use of mediation and fostering inter-departmental collaboration to resolve disputes and redress grievances in society. We also urge government departments and public organisations to team up for the public good and happiness as well as making joint efforts to enhance administrative arrangements for better services and bring about a stronger sense of happiness and fulfilment among members of the public.

Selected Cases

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Direct Investigation Operations

 

Section 7(1)(a)(ii) of The Ombudsman Ordinance (Cap. 397):

 

The Ombudsman may investigate any action taken by or on behalf of an organisation set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 in the exercise of his administrative functions, in any case where notwithstanding that no complaint has been made to him, he is of the opinion that any person may have sustained injustice in consequence of maladministration in connection with that action.

 

Considerations for Initiating Direct Investigation Operations

 

Major considerations for initiating a direct investigation operation include:

 

  • whether the matter involved is of significant public interest and concern
  • whether a complaint will otherwise not be actionable, e.g. it is made anonymously or not by an aggrieved person, where the matter is nevertheless of significant concern to The Ombudsman because of the magnitude or seriousness of the maladministration that may be involved
  • whether there is room for improving public administration or addressing systemic deficiencies
  • whether the time is opportune, weighing the consequences of not doing so among other priorities
  • whether there is duplication of efforts from other authorities

 

Procedure for Launching Direct Investigation Operations

 

Before deciding whether or not to launch a direct investigation operation, we may conduct a preliminary inquiry. If the inquiry points to the need for further study, we will formally notify the head of the organisation concerned of our launch of direct investigation operation. Where the circumstances warrant, we may launch a direct investigation operation without conducting a preliminary inquiry.

Latest Reports

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Leisure and Cultural Services

November 2024

Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s Handling of Obstructions to Passageways by Bicycles Owned by Operators of Bicycle Rental Services (Full report available soon)
Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
Enforcement by Planning Depart

October 2024

Enforcement by Planning Department and Lands Department against Unauthorised Land Developments (Full report available soon)
Planning, Land & Infrastructure
Transport Department s Arrange

September 2024

Transport Department’s Arrangements for Driving Tests (Full report available soon)
Transport
Regulation of Licensed Swimmin

March 2024

Regulation of Licensed Swimming Pools by Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (Full report available soon)
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
Effectiveness of 1823 in Handl

March 2024

Effectiveness of 1823 in Handling Complaints and Enquiries (Full report available soon)
Others
Food and Environmental Hygiene

December 2023

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s Regulation over Sale of Food in Hot/Cold Holding and Non-prepackaged Beverages by Means of Vending Machine
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
Repairs and Maintenance of Out

December 2023

Repairs and Maintenance of Outdoor Recreational and Sports Facilities under Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
Pilot Scheme on Community Care

August 2023

Pilot Scheme on Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly
Others
Government s Enforcement again

August 2023

Government’s Enforcement against Defective Sewage Works of New Territories Exempted Houses
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
Housing Department s Arrangeme

July 2023

Housing Department’s Arrangements for Housing for Senior Citizens and Converted One-person Units
Housing
Handling of Complaints Involvi

July 2023

Handling of Complaints Involving Trees on Government Land
Environmental Affairs
Education Bureau s Monitoring

April 2023

Education Bureau’s Monitoring of Boarding Sections of Schools for Children with Intellectual Disabilities
Education
Measures and Usage of On stree

April 2023

Measures and Usage of On-street Parking Spaces Designated for People with Disabilities
Transport
E book Lending Service of Publ

March 2023

E-book Lending Service of Public Libraries under Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
Government s Regulation of Ill

February 2023

Government’s Regulation of Illegal Occupation or Obstruction of Streets by Goods and Miscellaneous Articles
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
Government s Enforcement again

February 2023

Government’s Enforcement against Unauthorised Building Works in New Territories Exempted Houses
Planning, Land & Infrastructure
Operational Arrangements for S

February 2023

Operational Arrangements for Statutory Visits under Justices of the Peace Visit Programme
Constitutional Affairs & Legal Services
Problem of Alleged Illegal Ope

September 2022

Problem of Alleged Illegal Operation of Kaito Ferry Service
Transport
Website PR DI451

September 2022

Problem of Abandoned Vehicles on Government Land
Planning, Land & Infrastructure
Photo for DI446 Official small

May 2022

Effectiveness of Rodent Prevention and Control by Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
Civil Aviation Department s re

May 2022

Civil Aviation Department’s regulation of paragliding activities
Transport
DI444 case small size 444

April 2022

Management and effectiveness of waste separation bins
Environmental Affairs
DI447 photo mosaic small 0

February 2022

Government’s Regulation of Boarding Facilities for Foreign Domestic Helpers
Labour
DI 445 Official Photo small si

December 2021

Regulatory Work on Dog Keepers’ Obligations by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Environmental Affairs
DI448 Official Photo small siz

December 2021

Government’s Control of Illicit Fuelling Activities
Public Order
DI450 case TC n SC small size

November 2021

Transport Department’s Requirements for Physical Fitness Certification of Driving Licence Applicants/Holders
Transport
DI441 Website Banner Photo sma

July 2021

Effectiveness of Mosquito Prevention and Control by Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
DI443 Photo for  small size

July 2021

Government’s Arrangements for Engaging Outside Interpretation Services
Constitutional Affairs & Legal Services
DI438 EMSD Official small size

May 2021

Regulatory Regime for Lifts and Escalators
Planning, Land & Infrastructure
DI431 FEHD BD Official Photo s

May 2021

Management and Repair of Public Toilets by Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and Architectural Services Department
Planning, Land & Infrastructure
DI442 Official Photo small siz

March 2021

Government’s Mechanism for Monitoring Vaccines Provided by Private Healthcare Facilities
Health
DI440 Official Photo small siz

March 2021

Government’s Handling of Misconnection of Private Building Sewers to Stormwater Collection System
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
DI428 Official Photo small siz

December 2020

Effectiveness of Joint Office for Investigation of Water Seepage Complaints in Handling Water Seepage Reports
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
DI437 Official Photo small siz

December 2020

Arrangements for Production, Distribution, Stocktaking and Use of CSI Masks
Economic Development, Commerce & Industry
DI430 Full Report Small Size

October 2020

Monitoring of Outsourced Street Cleansing Services by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
DI439 Full Report Small Size

October 2020

Maintenance and Repair of Play and Fitness Equipment in Public Rental Housing Estates Managed by Housing Department
Housing
DI433 Cover Photo Small Size

July 2020

Utilisation of Low-charge Hospital Beds in Private Hospitals
Health
DI436 Small icon

July 2020

Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s Regulation of Public Coaching Activities at Public Swimming Pools
Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
DI424 Official Photo small ico

July 2020

Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s Allocation of Swimming Lanes in Public Swimming Pools and Its Monitoring Mechanism
Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
Official photo fo DI426

March 2020

The Issue of Idle Flyovers and “Bridges to nowhere”
Transport
Website Banner Small Icon 435

January 2020

Mechanisms for Verifying Travel Records of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance/Social Security Allowance Applicants and Recipients
Social Welfare
DI421 Cover Photo Small size

January 2020

Education Bureau’s Mechanisms for Approving Applications for School Fee Revision by Direct Subsidy Scheme/Private Schools and Collection of Other Charges by Private Schools
Education
DI425 Cover Photo Small size

January 2020

Lands Department’s Enforcement against Commercial Use of Public Pedestrian Passages and Public Atria in Private Malls
Planning, Land & Infrastructure
DI427 Website Banner HD small

December 2019

Allocation Mechanism of Ward Offices under Housing Department
Housing
DI434 Website Banner Park smal

December 2019

Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s Arrangements for Depositing Layout Plans of Public Pleasure Grounds in Land Registry
Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
DI429 small cover

November 2019

Notification Mechanism and Arrangements of Housing Department and Social Welfare Department for Imprisoned Singleton Public Rental Housing Tenants
Housing
Design for   small size for ic

October 2019

Government’s Planning and Arrangements for Ancillary Facilities for Electric Private Vehicles
Environmental Affairs
Design for   small size for ic

October 2019

Mechanism for Identifying and Reporting Suspected Child Abuse Cases
Others
Official Photo for BD small si

August 2019

Buildings Department’s Implementation of Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme
Planning, Land & Infrastructure
DI411

March 2019

Government’s Follow-up Mechanism Regarding Psychological Health Assessment of School Children
Health
DI418

March 2019

Marine Department’s Arrangements for Private Vessel Moorings
Transport
DI423

February 2019

Government’s handling of two trees in front of Tang Chi Ngong Building of University of Hong Kong
Environmental Affairs
DI422

February 2019

Government’s support for non-Chinese speaking students
Education
Government s Regulation of Pro

December 2018

Government’s Regulation of Proprietary Chinese Medicine
Health
Social Welfare Department s Mo

December 2018

Social Welfare Department’s Monitoring of Services of Residential Care Homes for the Elderly
Social Welfare
DI417

November 2018

Regulation of Illegal Burials outside Permitted Burial Grounds by the Home Affairs Department and the Lands Department
Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
DI413

October 2018

Housing Department’s Arrangement for Using Idle Spaces in Public Housing Estates
Housing
DI403

August 2018

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s Rental Management of Market Stalls
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
DI416

August 2018

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s Regulation of Market Stalls
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
DI391

June 2018

Immigration Department’s mechanism for following up cases of unregistered birth
Public Order
DI414

April 2018

Government Departments' Handling of the Problem of Air-conditioner Dripping
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
DI390 Website banner  small si

March 2018

Water Supplies Department's Maintenance of Government Water Mains and Risk Management (Full report in Chinese version only)
Environmental Affairs
DI369 small icon for website

February 2018

The Mechanism of the Food and Health Bureau and the Department of Health for Handling Smoking Offences (Full report in Chinese version only)
Health
DI410 Website banner  Small Ic

February 2018

Government’s Control over Fly-tipping of Construction Waste and Landfilling Activities on Private Land (Full report in Chinese version only)
Planning, Land & Infrastructure
DI386 small icon for PC websit

January 2018

Social Welfare Department’s Support Services for Persons with or Suspected to Have Mental Health Problems and Their Families/Carers and Neighbours (Full report in Chinese version only)
Social Welfare
DI393  for small icon

November 2017

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s System of Safety Control for Imported Fruits and Vegetables (Full report in Chinese version only)
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
DI412 press release

October 2017

Transport Department’s handling of a road section enclosed and left idle for prolonged period (Full report in Chinese version only)
Transport
DI357 banner

September 2017

Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s Criteria and Procedures for Procuring and Withdrawing Library Materials (Full report in Chinese version only)
Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
DI406 cover

September 2017

Lands Department’s Enforcement against a Village House with Irregularities (Full report in Chinese version only)
Planning, Land & Infrastructure
DI408 Website banner   FR 0

June 2017

The arrangement between Housing Department and Water Supplies Department regarding payment of water charges for common areas and vacant units in public housing estates (Full report in Chinese version only)
Environmental Affairs
DI381 Website banner   FR

June 2017

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s criteria for publicising list of traders involved after issuing Food Safety Order (Full report in Chinese version only)
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
DI405 Website banner   Small s

May 2017

Government’s Regulation of Factory Canteens (Full report in Chinese version only)
Planning, Land & Infrastructure
DI409 Website Banner  Airport

April 2017

Hong Kong Airport Authority’s mechanism for issuing Airport Restricted Area Permits
Transport
DI404 Website Banner   small s

March 2017

Housing Department’s Mechanism for Taking Follow-up Action against Unauthorised Alterations by Public Housing Tenants (Full Report in Chinese version only)
Housing
DI407 Website Banner   For ful

March 2017

Education Bureau’s Regulation of Institutions Offering Non-local Higher and Professional Education Courses (Full report in Chinese version only)
Education
IR360 Website Banner   full re

March 2017

Government Regulation of Special Transport Services to Persons with Mobility Difficulties (Full report in Chinese version only)
Transport
DI383 Cover photo small size

January 2017

Arrangements on Display of Publicity Materials in Public Housing Estates (Full report in Chinese version only)
Housing
DI373 For DI report  EBD

December 2016

Education Bureau’s Regulation of Kindergarten Application Fees
Education
DI371 Report Cover

September 2016

Lands Department’s System of Regularisation of Illegal Occupation of Government Land and Breach of Lease Conditions (Full report in Chinese version only)
Planning, Land & Infrastructure
DI368 report cover

September 2016

Temporary Closure of Public Swimming Pools / Beaches under Leisure and Cultural Services Department Due to Shortage of Lifeguards (Full report in Chinese version only)
Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
small size Banner  399

June 2016

Government’s Follow-up Actions regarding Insufficient Provision of Public Columbarium Niches (Full report in Chinese version only)
Others
DI334 Banner for DI cover

June 2016

Marine Department’s Follow-up Mechanism on Recommendations Made in Marine Incident Investigation Reports (Full report in Chinese version only)
Transport
DI310 Full Report Banner

June 2016

Government’s Tree Management Regime and Practices (Full report in Chinese version only)
Environmental Affairs
DI401 Banner for DI

June 2016

Government’s Handling of Four Stonewall Trees along Bonham Road (Full report in Chinese version only)
Environmental Affairs
DI400 HAD cover small size

March 2016

Home Affairs Department’s Management of Booking and Use of Facilities of Community Halls and Community Centres
Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
DI380 FSD cover small size

March 2016

Problems Relating to Enforcement of Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance (Full report in Chinese version only)
Public Order
DI376 draft 5

January 2016

Government’s Implementation of Strengthened Control of Exhaust Emissions from Petrol and LPG Vehicles (Full report in Chinese version only)
Transport
DI248 For Cover

December 2015

Management of Permitted Burial Grounds (Full report in Chinese version only)
Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
DI374 Public housing for DI

December 2015

Method of Calculation of Waiting Time for Public Rental Housing and Release of Information (Full report in Chinese version only)
Housing
DI364 iStock 000060179360 Doub

August 2015

Water Supplies Department’s Mechanism for Handling Leaks of Private Water Pipes (Full report in Chinese version only)
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
DI342 EVA website banner

August 2015

Regulation of Fire Safety Measures for New Territories Exempted Houses (Full report in Chinese version only)
Public Order
DI367 DSC 2426

May 2015

Rating and Valuation Department’s Regulation of Display of Building Numbers (Full report in Chinese version only)
Economic Development, Commerce & Industry
DI320  3

May 2015

Safety Regulation of Eco-friendly Refrigerants (Full report in Chinese version only)
Planning, Land & Infrastructure
IR FEHD 15 0656 Trad Chin

March 2015

Procedures for Approval of Loan Applications and Recovery of Debts under the Non-means-tested Loan Scheme (Full report in Chinese version only)
Financial & Monetary Affairs
IR FEHD 15 0656 Trad Chin

March 2015

Education Bureau’s Non-disclosure of Teachers’ Registration Status (Full report in Chinese version only)
Education
IR FEHD 15 0656 Trad Chin

January 2015

Mechanisms Used to Review and Monitor Eligibility of Existing Tenants in Subsidised Public Housing (Full report in Chinese version only)
Housing
IR FEHD 15 0656 Trad Chin

October 2014

Government’s Regulation of Guesthouses
Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
IR FEHD 15 0656 Trad Chin

June 2014

Regulatory Measures and Enforcement Actions against Street Obstruction by Shops (Full report in Chinese version only)
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
IR FEHD 15 0656 Trad Chin

June 2014

Management and Release of Patient Records by Hospital Authority
Health
IR FEHD 15 0656 Trad Chin

March 2014

The Access to Information Regime in Hong Kong
Constitutional Affairs & Legal Services
IR FEHD 15 0656 Trad Chin

March 2014

Public Records Management in Hong Kong
Constitutional Affairs & Legal Services
IR FEHD 15 0656 Trad Chin

January 2014

Mechanism of Transport Department for Monitoring the Frequencies of Franchised Bus Services (Full report in Chinese version only)
Transport
IR FEHD 15 0656 Trad Chin

January 2014

“Special Procedures” of Buildings Department for Handling UBW Cases Involving Celebrities
Planning, Land & Infrastructure
IR FEHD 15 0656 Trad Chin

October 2013

Control of Healthcare Professions Not Subject to Statutory Regulation
Health
IR FEHD 15 0656 Trad Chin

October 2013

Regulation of Sale of Chilled Meat (Full Report in Chinese version only)
Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene

Full Investigation

A full investigation is conducted if a complaint is complex, especially if it involves issues of principle, systemic flaws, gross injustice or serious maladministration. After thorough investigation, we will produce a full investigation report with our findings and comments, and where applicable, our recommendations for possible remedies or improvements.

Latest Reports

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October 2023

Implementation of HKeToll by Transport Department and loss of vehicle tags in post

Transport

September 2023

Housing Department’s tendering arrangement for the lease of a shop in a housing estate

Housing

September 2023

Reporting of unexpected serious adverse events following immunisation with COVID-19 vaccines by Health Bureau, Department of Health and Hospital Authority

Health

September 2023

Measures taken by Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and Home Affairs Department in handling complaints about obstruction and noise caused by a wholesale market

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture

August 2023

Failure to handle properly a complaint about damaged and faded national flags and regional flags by Home Affairs Department, Chief Secretary for Administration’s Office and 1823

Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture Others

August 2023

Department of Health mistakenly issuing a Compulsory Testing Order and letters to a foreign domestic helper arriving in Hong Kong

Health

July 2023

Transport Department’s handling of an application for cross-boundary private cars quota

Transport

June 2023

Electrical and Mechanical Services Department’s repeated requests for a supplier’s submission of information on electrical products regarding safety requirements

Planning, Land & Infrastructure

May 2023

Department of Health’s handling of request for Isolation Orders/Records

Health

May 2023

Environmental Protection Department’s enforcement actions against two concrete batching plants operating without a valid licence

Environmental Affairs

April 2023

Decision to Terminate the Mutual Aid Committee Scheme by the Former Home Affairs Bureau

Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture

April 2023

Transport Department’s handling of the application for postponing a driving test by a candidate under isolation order

Transport

April 2023

Department of Health, Education Bureau and Social Welfare Department Quarantine and class resumption arrangements for COVID-19 recovered persons when their family members were subsequently tested positive

Economic Development, Commerce & Industry Health Others

March 2023

Department of Health’s Dissemination of Information of the Latest Quarantine and Testing Requirements for Foreign Domestic Helpers

Health

March 2023

Electrical and Mechanical Services Department’s handling of a report of electrical unsafety

Planning, Land & Infrastructure

March 2023

Department of Health and Office of the Government Chief Information Officer mistakenly changing a member of the public’s QR code in the “LeaveHomeSafe” mobile application to Red Code

Health Media, Communications & Information Technology

March 2023

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s monitoring of the issuance of certificates for columbarium niches in Islands District

Others

March 2023

Department of Health’s shortcomings in issuing isolation documents to COVID-19 infected persons

Health

March 2023

Chaotic arrangements of Health Bureau and Department of Health in a “restriction-testing declaration” operation

Health

February 2023

Door-to-door specimen collection for people with impaired mobility arranged by the former Food and Health Bureau, Home Affairs Department and Housing Department in a “restriction-testing declaration” operation

Housing

February 2023

Transport Department’s handling of applications for residents’ service

Transport

February 2023

Arrangements by Transport Department and Post Office Delivery of renewed Vehicle Registration Document during the epidemic

Economic Development, Commerce & Industry Transport

January 2023

Department of Health’s handling of the declaration and issuance of quarantine documents of a confirmed patient’s household members

Health

January 2023

Handling of illegally parked bicycles at an uncovered Public Transport Interchange by the Home Affairs Department, Transport Department and Lands Department

Planning, Land & Infrastructure Transport Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture

January 2023

Housing Department’s enforcement actions against unauthorised laundry racks installed by public housing tenants

Housing

December 2022

Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s handling of street sleepers gathered at a park

Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture

December 2022

Transport Department’s approval of applications for residents’ service

Transport

December 2022

Housing Bureau’s handling of transitional housing projects

Housing

November 2022

Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s new measures for booking of sports venues

Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture

November 2022

Post Office and the then Food and Health Bureau’s implementation of declaration of non-local COVID-19 vaccination records at designated post offices

Health Others

November 2022

Food and Health Bureau’s arrangement for distribution of Rapid Antigen Test kits to the elderly

Health

November 2022

Employees Retraining Board’s guidelines on and definition of the term “highest educational attainment” in the course application form

Education

November 2022

Health Bureau’s handling of a report of suspected contraventions of Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance and subsidiary legislation

Health

October 2022

Arrangements by 1823 and Transport Department for handling public email sent to the department during the epidemic

Transport Others

October 2022

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s enforcement actions against of unlicensed restaurants

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene

September 2022

Department of Health’s handling of a complaint about a residential building being mistakenly put on the list of buildings with infection cases of COVID-19

Health

September 2022

Education Bureau’s arrangements for resumption of full-day face-to-face classes during the COVID-19 epidemic

Education

July 2022

Buildings Department’s monitoring of repair works by consultant and contractor under the Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme

Planning, Land & Infrastructure

June 2022

Transport Department’s handling of an application for motor cycle learner’s driving licence

Transport

April 2022

Enforcement against the irregularities of a plastics recycling yard by Environmental Protection Department, Planning Department, Lands Department and Buildings Department

Planning, Land & Infrastructure Environmental Affairs
TD_vehicles_1_small-size

March 2022

Transport Department’s handling of a media organisation’s application for a Certificate of Particulars of Vehicle

Transport
DH_CAS_website

January 2022

Handling of a large-scale compulsory quarantine exercise by Department of Health and Civil Aid Service

Health
FEHD_IR_EN202201

January 2022

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s failure to provide oath-taking or declaration services for hawker licensing matters

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
TD_IR_EN202112

December 2021

Publicity about minibus section fares under the Government Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme for the Elderly and Eligible Persons with Disabilities by Labour and Welfare Bureau and Transport Department

Social Welfare
Lands_IR_EN202111

November 2021

Lands Department’s handling of occupation of Government land by an arch canopy

Planning, Land & Infrastructure
HD_IR_EN202111

November 2021

Housing Department’s processing of applications for “Priority Scheme for Families with Elderly Members”

Housing
HD_IR_EN202110

October 2021

Housing Department’s assessment of an application for paying original rent

Housing
FEHD_IR_EN202107

July 2021

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s handling of illegal extension of shops and fixed hawker pitches and accumulation of polyfoam boxes

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
EDB_IR_EN202106_3

June 2021

Education Bureau’s handling of a complaint about withdrawal from religious study

Education
FEHD_IR_EN202106

June 2021

Ineffective enforcement of Food and Environmental Hygiene Department against obstruction of passageways by a market stall

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
Lands_IR_EN202105

May 2021

Lands Department’s continual renewal of a short-term tenancy of a Government Land for dangerous goods storage

Planning, Land & Infrastructure
HAB_IR_EN202104

April 2021

Home Affairs Bureau’s arrangements for convening the NGO Forum on Community Development

Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
LandsD_IR_EN202103

March 2021

Lands Department’s handling of a case of Government land occupation

Planning, Land & Infrastructure
FSD_LD_IR_EN202101

January 2021

Drawing up and publishing guidelines on dangerous goods vehicles by Fire Services Department and Labour Department

Public Order
FEHD_LandsD_HyD_IR_EN202101

January 2021

Handling of on-pavement construction materials/demolition materials by Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Lands Department and Highways Department

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
ImmD_IR_EN202012

December 2020

Immigration Department’s handling of a request by newspaper journalists for search of marriage record of two persons and to obtain a certified copy of their marriage certificate

Public Order
FEHD_IR_EN202012

December 2020

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department failing to resolve obstruction problem caused by illegal extension of shops

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
FEHD_LandsD_IR_EN202009

September 2020

Regulating cages of carton recycler occupying public places by Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and Lands Department

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
PO_IR_EN202007

July 2020

Conveyance of air mail by surface route by Post Office due to the coronavirus pandemic

Economic Development, Commerce & Industry
DEVB_FHB_IR_EN202007_0

July 2020

Procedures of Food and Health Bureau and Development Bureau for engaging contractors to build a quarantine centre

Health
AFCD_IR_EN202006

June 2020

Handling of wild pig nuisance by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

Environmental Affairs
ImmD_IR_EN202006

June 2020

Immigration Department’s handling of application for search of marriage records in Hong Kong and birth registration records by a newspaper journalist

Public Order
WSD_IR_EN202005

May 2020

Complaint against Water Supplies Department: An incident of anomaly in drinking water quality in a housing estate

Environmental Affairs
CHO_AMO_DEVB_IR_EN202005

May 2020

Complaint against Development Bureau for failing to assume responsibility for preserving some heritage items

Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
TD_IR_EN202005

May 2020

Inadequacy in Transport Department's Procedures for Vehicle Particulars Certificate Applications

Transport
AFCD_IR_EN202004

April 2020

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s handling of a report on police officers’ alleged violation of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance by sending a police dog to the scene where tear gas was used

Environmental Affairs
AA_IR_EN202004_2

April 2020

Airport Authority's airport management and contingency measures taken to safeguard interests of passengers

Transport
AA_IR_EN202004_1

April 2020

Airport Authority's measures taken to safeguard passengers' safety

Transport
SWD_IR_EN202004

April 2020

Handling by Social Welfare Department of a complaint against a residential care home for the elderly

Social Welfare
FHB,FEHD,LandsD,HyD_IR_EN202003

March 2020

Handling by Food and Health Bureau, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Lands Department and Highways Department of unauthorised display and affixing of bills and graffiti in public places

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
LandsD_IR_EN202003

March 2020

The handling by Lands Department of a short-term tenancy at nominal rent

Planning, Land & Infrastructure
FEHD,LandsD_IR_EN202003

March 2020

Complaint against Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and Lands Department about the handling of prolonged occupation of a bicycle parking space by a suitcase

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
HD_IR_EN202001

January 2020

Housing Department failing to inform complainant that some pipeworks of his flat were located at the flat below such that he had not requested related pre-sale maintenance before he purchased the flat under the Tenants Purchase Scheme

Housing
HD_IR_TC202001

January 2020

Housing Department issued Flat Selection Notification twice under different schemes

Housing
FEHD_IR_EN201912

December 2019

Complaint against Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for failing to properly handle the hygiene problem caused by roadside car washing activities of car washing shops

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
CSD_IR_EN201911

November 2019

Correctional Services Department failed to use video-recording equipment to collect evidence when an inmate was suspected of violating discipline

Public Order
FEHD_IR_EN201911

November 2019

Mishandling query and request repeatedly by The Joint Office for Investigation of Water Seepage Complaints

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
HA_IR_EN201910

October 2019

Complaint against Hospital Authority about dispensing arrangements at St. John Hospital

Health
FSD_IR_EN201909

September 2019

Complaint about blindly granting more time to mini-storage premises operators to abate fire hazards and failing to inform the public of those non-compliant mini-storage premises

Public Order
DH, SWD_IR_EN201908

August 2019

Omission by Department of Health and Social Welfare Department to include persons with disabilities receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance as an eligible group under the Vaccination Schemes

Health Social Welfare
AFCD,HA_IR_EN201907

July 2019

Complaint against Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and Hospital Authority for improper handling of a dog biting incident in which the complainant was injured

Health Environmental Affairs
EDB_IR_EN201906

June 2019

Complaint against Education Bureau for delay in provision of hearing aid fitting services

Education
AFCD_IR_EN201906

June 2019

Handling by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of a dog arriving in Hong Kong from Thailand

Environmental Affairs
FSD_IR_EN201905

May 2019

Complaint about imposition of unreasonable requirements for compliance by the mini-storage industry

Public Order
PO,RVD_IR_EN201904

April 2019

Complaints against the Post Office and Rating and Valuation Department for Discontinuation of Postal Service to an Address in a Village in the New Territories

Economic Development, Commerce & Industry
TRAN_IR_EN201810

October 2018

Transport Department’s Improper Arrangement for Implementation of Two-way Toll Collection at the Lantau Link That Caused Serious Traffic Congestion

Transport
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April 2018

Handling of a Complaint by Highways Department and Labour Department about Inadequate Safety Measures for Lifting Operations in a Government Infrastructure Project

Labour Transport
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November 2017

Handling of an Application for Housing Transfer by Social Welfare Department and Housing Department

Social Welfare Housing
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December 2016

Complaints against Buildings Department for Defective Follow-up Actions on Removal Orders

Planning, Land & Infrastructure
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January 2016

Handling of Food Safety Complaints by Food and Environmental Hygiene Department

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
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September 2015

Complaint against Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for Delay in Collecting Food Sample for Testing

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
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January 2015

Complaint against Airport Authority for Mishandling Enquiries about CCTV System

Annex_2_E-13_10_2014

October 2014

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s arrangements in allocating columbarium niches

Others
Annex_3_E-13_10_2014

October 2014

Water Supplies Department and Lands Department for refusal to take over and maintain waterworks in Government road areas

Planning, Land & Infrastructure Environmental Affairs
Complaint against Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for Delay in Collecting Food Sample for Testing

October 2013

Complaint against Transport Department about Handling of Taxi Complaints

Transport

Cases on Code on Access to Information

The Ombudsman Ordinance gives us mandate to investigate matters concerning the performance of Government departments/public organisations under the Government’s Code on Access to Information (“Code”), including public complaints about their non-compliance with the Code.

 

By publishing these selected Code-related complaint cases that we have investigated, we hope the public can better understand their right to information kept by Government departments/public organisations. We also expect Government departments and public organisations to learn from these cases and avoid unreasonably refusing to disclose information. Our goal is to eventually develop these into a repository of reference materials on the subject of access to information.

Selected Cases

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November 2023

Leisure and Cultural Services Department refusing to provide information of library materials removed from library shelves or withdrawn

Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture

August 2023

Buildings Department failing to properly handle a request for historical documents of a building

Planning, Land & Infrastructure

March 2023

Security Bureau refusing to provide daily occupancy statistics of community isolation facilities

Public Order

January 2023

Information Services Department refusing to provide a list of media organisation invited to cover the July 1 Reunification Anniversary celebrations/festivities

Media, Communications & Information Technology

November 2022

Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau refusing to provide information on allocations of Hong Kong Growth Portfolio of Future Fund

Financial & Monetary Affairs

September 2022

Planning Department refusing to provide assessment reports for a strategic study

Planning, Land & Infrastructure

June 2022

Security Bureau, Immigration Department, Customs and Excise Department, Correctional Services Department, Fire Services Department, Hong Kong Police Force and Government Flying Service failing to provide statistics on disciplined services staff’s acceptance of advantages

Public Order

May 2022

Education Bureau’s refusal to provide the number of dropouts and dropout rate of primary schools in Hong Kong

Education

May 2022

Home Affairs Department, Transport and Housing Bureau and Lands Department being late in responding to a request

Planning, Land & Infrastructure Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
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March 2022

Transport Department’s handling of a media organisation’s enquiry about application procedures for Certificate of Particulars of Vehicle

Transport
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November 2021

FEHD refused to disclose the full report on the Site Selection Feasibility Study of the Tin Shui Wai public market

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
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September 2021

DEVB refused to disclose information about AMO’s grading of a structure

Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
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September 2021

HKPF refused to provide copies of donation records of Police Welfare Fund (Case 1) and donation information of Police Children’s Education Trust and Police Education and Welfare Trust (Case 2)

Social Welfare
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August 2021

CEDB’s handling of request for the list of members of the dedicated team for reviewing the governance and management of RTHK

Media, Communications & Information Technology
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June 2021

DH refused to disclose the voting results and advice of its two Scientific Committees and Government’s Expert Advisory Panel on COVID-19 vaccine procurement by Government

Health
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April 2021

HKPF refused to provide information about fixed penalty notices issued pursuant to two subsidiary regulations under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance

Public Order

March 2021

REO failing to provide statistics on registered electors

Constitutional Affairs & Legal Services
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September 2020

GLD refused to provide information about distribution of Personal Protection Equipment between 2017 and 2019

Economic Development, Commerce & Industry
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August 2020

CSD refused to provide information about sale of its manufactured masks to non-governmental organisations between 2017 and 2019

Economic Development, Commerce & Industry
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August 2020

SWD refused to provide the number of “places of agency quota” of a residential care home for the elderly

Social Welfare

July 2020

SB refused to disclose information regarding the written submissions received by the Government on the proposed amendments to the Mutual Legal Assistance Ordinance and the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance

Public Order
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June 2020

HKPF's refusal to disclose the composition and brands of tear gas rounds used and coloured solution sprayed by specialised crowd management vehicles

Public Order

June 2020

HKPF refused to provide the costs and particulars of tear gas rounds procured between 2014 and 2019

Public Order

May 2020

HKPF refused to provide headings of all chapters in Police General Orders

Public Order
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March 2020

HKPF refused to provide the names and identification numbers of police officers engaged in certain operations

Public Order
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March 2020

HKPF refused to provide information relating to procurement and disposal of tear gas rounds

Public Order
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February 2020

DEVB refused to provide tenancy agreements for two revitalisation projects of historic buildings

Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture
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December 2019

JA refusing to provide information about the dates of taking the Judicial Oath for assuming office of three judges and names of the officers administering their oath

Constitutional Affairs & Legal Services
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November 2019

Complaint against BD for refusing to provide investigation reports and other relevant information about alleged defective waste water pipes on the complainant’s premises

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene
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September 2019

Complaint of delay and excessive masking in providing a report on traffic and transport impact assessment

Transport
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August 2019

TD refused to provide the list of tenderers and selection result of operators of three new franchised bus routes

Transport
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May 2019

Complaint against OFCA for refusing to provide the service options menus of its telephone hotline voice system

Media, Communications & Information Technology

March 2019

SWD refused to provide annual accounting inspections records of an elderly home

Social Welfare

February 2019

TD refused to provide the Code of Practice for the examination of private cars and light goods vehicles at designated car testing centres

Transport

February 2019

Complaint against Lands Department for refusing to disclose the amounts of premium and administration fee paid by an applicant for change of land use who was granted a waiver in the form of a letter of no objection

Planning, Land & Infrastructure

January 2019

LCSD refused to provide the investigation report submitted by a sports association and the list of members of an investigation panel

Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture

December 2018

CSD failed to provide Mr A with various items of information related to his complaints against CSD in a timely manner

Public Order

September 2018

ICAC refused to provide Mr B with documents related to his complaints against ICAC officers (“the Documents”)

Public Order

July 2018

HAD refused to provide an unabridged version of the Model Rules for Rural Committee Elections and the Constitutions of all Rural Committees

Constitutional Affairs & Legal Services

July 2018

LandsD refused to provide squatter inspection records

Planning, Land & Infrastructure

June 2018

EPD refused to provide a breakdown of the cost of an outsourced project

Environmental Affairs
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April 2018

SWD refused to provide Mr C with the manual on its Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (“CSSA”) Scheme (“CSSA Manual”) and had delay in responding to his information request

Others

March 2018

LCSD refused to provide CCTV footage of a public library

Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture

January 2018

CSD refused to provide information on complaints about use of unnecessary force by officers of its correctional institutions

Public Order

April 2017

REO refused to provide the complainant with statistics of the 2016 Legislative Council Election

Constitutional Affairs & Legal Services

March 2017

LCSD refused to disclose the full text of a deed that it had signed with a company on the management of a waterfront promenade

Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture

January 2017

HD refused to provide a tenant with rental information relating to other tenants in its factory estate

Housing

December 2016

Leisure and Cultural Services Department failed to provide tree inspection report

Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture

February 2016

Leisure and Cultural Services Department refused to release its tree inspection reports

Home Affairs, Recreation, Sports and Culture

February 2016

Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau refused to provide records and details of the Government’s discourse with various political groups and Legislative Council Members on the 2015 political reform package

Constitutional Affairs & Legal Services

November 2015

Lands Department refused to provide Mr A with the personal data of an individual who had expressed an opinion on the Department’s proposal

Planning, Land & Infrastructure

November 2015

Housing Department refused Mr A’s request for the management and maintenance records and CCTV footage of an estate shopping mall

Housing

October 2015

Correctional Services Department erased the names of health care personnel from the medical records provided to Mr A

Public Order

September 2015

Marine Department refused to provide Mr A with the list of members of its Disciplinary Panel

Transport

August 2015

Government Property Agency refused Mr A’s request for the full investigation report regarding a noise nuisance complaint prepared by a property management company (“the Company”) engaged by Government Property Agency

Others

February 2015

The Food and Health Bureau refused to provide information pertaining to its meeting in Chengdu with the State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine on updating the list of pesticide residues in food under the relevant legislation

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene

January 2015

The Narcotics Division refused to provide information regarding its opinion polls on the RESCUE Drug Testing Scheme

Public Order

May 2014

The Education Bureau refused to disclose the days on which it had inspected the premises suspected to be used as an unlicensed tutorial centre

Education
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December 2013

The Drainage Services Department refused to provide the investigation report on a road subsidence case

Food Safety & Environmental Hygiene