The Executive Council restructuring plan will be in place within the year, Acting Chief Secretary for Administration Michael Suen says.

He told lawmakers today the Chief Executive wants to incorporate members from different social backgrounds to participate in the policy-making process.

This will enable the Government to collect a wide field of community views, enhancing its quality of governance and ensuring policies have social support.

Principal officials under the accountability system will continue to explain and defend Government policies to enlist community and Legislative Council backing.

On confidentiality and collective responsibility, Mr Suen said they ensure members can exchange views in a free, open and frank manner. The Government has no intention to change the system, which has proven effective.