Be the first to comment!More responsibilities and concrete assistance for local councils
 Email item
|  Print item
|
|
The Local Government Reform White Paper for public consultation has been launched by the Parliamentary Secretary for Local government and Communities Silvio Parnis.
“The 25th anniversary of local government offers the appropriate opportunity to undertake an in-depth assessment of the sector and to embark on a reform built on decentralisation and greater autonomy for our local government, said the Parliamentary Secretary.
He added that “the process leading to the present reform involved an objective assessment of the local government set-up, which enabled us to determine which aspects of the system were functioning properly and which failed to meet expectations, proposals were subsequently drawn up with a view to addressing the shortcomings identified.
The aim of this reform is to strengthen both local and regional councils, said the Parliamentary Secretary. “This reform is expected to deliver in the social sphere, so that no person is denied the opportunities, or the services offered. In this regard, the reform is to secure an improvement in the quality of life for everyone, including senior citizens and persons with special needs.”
“There is also a need to deliver more, in terms of both quality and quantity, in relation to cultural events, sport and education, thereby ensuring that no one is excluded.”
Silvio Parnis concluded by stating that this is the right time for us to register significant progress in terms of the quality of the quality of services rendered. “This will ensure that local government will continue building on past achievements and, above all, that it will continue making a real difference in the lives of residents.”
The main proposals are:
The regions
“These would be allocated specific roles and increased responsibilities, as well as the necessary resources to carry out their functions.
The social, educational and community sector
Local councils should offer the best possible service whilst supporting and assisting citizens, particularly in the social and educational spheres. Such initiatives would strengthen the sense of community.
Administrative committees
The functions of the administrative committees shall be reinvested in the respective local councils and the respective administrative committees be dissolved.
It is being proposed that a councillor should be entrusted with responsibility for these zones so that their requirements would be taken into account in each local council meeting.
Permits by local councils
Permits issued by local councils for the organisation of activities are regulated by SL 441.04, the Activities requiring Permit by Local Councils Regulations.
These regulations fall under the Trading Licences Act (Cap. 441 of Laws of Malta). Over the years the need to amend these regulations has been felt, particularly with a view to simplifying procedures and ensuring uniformity in the application of the relevant provisions by local councils.
Moreover, it is necessary to make better use of information technology so that permits would be requested and issued online.
The office of the mayor
The possibility of having mayors serve on a full-time basis should be considered. The possibility of laying down a maximum term of office of three legislatures for the mayor should also be considered.
Local councillor responsibilities
In order for councillors to perform effectively within a local council they should be assigned responsibility for matters falling within the ambit of the local council.
Increased youth participation
The opportunity for youths aged 16 to contest in local elections is also being considered.
Increased local citizen participation
With a view to strengthening and enhancing effective local citizens’ participation in local government operations, it is being proposed that citizens would be invited to contribute to the work plan during the first three months of the new local council legislature.
Strengthening of human resources
Investment in human resources will be required in order for regional councils and local councils to function more efficiently and effectively.
Regional councils and local councils would have to be given greater autonomy with regard to the number of employees they recruit.
Employees should have opportunities for promotion; an incentive to perform better knowing that the quality of their work is being acknowledged.
A name change for the act
It is proposed that the Local Councils Act should be renamed Local Government Act in recognition of the importance given to the concept of local government.
Amendment to the Maltese constitution
In 2001, a new chapter was added to the Maltese constitution, the highest law of the country, which recognises local councils as a form of local government in our country.
It is proposed that this clause be amended in order to reflect the concept of local government which will be composed of two levels – the regional and the local.
The full White Paper as well as other information can be found by clicking here.
All comments and suggestions can be sent by e-mail on riforma.localgov@gov.mt or by post on Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government and Communities, 230, Casa Gaspe, Republic Street, Valletta.
Photograph: DOI/Clifton Fenech
