Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Stefan Buontempo stressed that the whole area of local government should be conducted on good governance and good practices, which also include sound financial management.

Parliamentary Secretary Buontempo said this while addressing a Mayors and Deputy Mayors meeting held in Gozo.

He reiterated that local councils are autonomous and distinct despite offering the government related services.

He called on councils to be more creative with their resources which are increasing every year, saying that at the beginning of the legislature local councils had accumulated debt amounting to €22 million.

Parliamentary Secretary Buontempo stressed that taxpayers’ money should not be fragmented, and pointed to weaknesses such as paying for work without invoices, work done without being agreed upon and expired contracts issued, according to findings in the National Audit Office Report from December.

He stressed that these situations would not be tolerated. Local Councils riddled with debts and without any hint of how to make good.

Parliamentary Secretary Buontempo mentioned how councils should be involved in the REACH out Programme social programmes in aid of their communities.

Dr Buontempo also spoke about the role of councillors and mayors, saying that they are there to improve the quality of life of their communities and it is their duty to attend council meetings and the various initiatives made by this government from the beginning of the legislature.

Photograph: MGOZ/George Scerri

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