In session: Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui (right) chairs the first meeting of Committee on Social Development & Quality of Life.

District councillors have affirmed the Government's political reform proposal is a step towards universal suffrage, Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui says.

Concluding his visits to 18 district councils in the past six weeks, Mr Hui said councillors who have shown their support of the political reform proposal also indicated their wish to achieve universal suffrage as soon as possible and work out a timetable at an appropriate time.

The number of councillors supporting the reform package is higher than those opposing.

Noting councillors do not want Hong Kong's democratic development to halt, Mr Hui said he will work to secure lawmakers' support for the package.

Meanwhile, he said the Commission on Strategic Development's Committee on Social Development & Quality of Life will devise long-term and strategic directions for preliminary policy ideas before the Government formulates policies.

Speaking after chairing the committee's first meeting today, Mr Hui said members have touched on matters relating to the community and certain core values. Views will be collated to set priorities and allow more focused discussions.

He expects the committee will work out broad directions for some preliminary policy ideas in a year's time. The committee will meet again February 13.