In the first weekend of September I had the pleasure to attend the two-day conference for mayors and deputy mayors organised by the Local Councils Association. The main theme of the meeting was the Local Councils Reform and the Local Councils Association presented its document containing the association’s proposals for the reform.

The mayors and deputy mayors attending the meeting had the opportunity to comment on the proposals and also make new suggestions. Though participation was very strong, the association did not in any way try to limit discussion and all those who wanted to make a point were given ample time to do so.

I have to say it was a very interesting experience for me. Having been on the other side of the fence I could very well understand the mayors’ and deputy mayors’ concerns while expressing their opinions on the association’s document and how we can strengthen the local councils in Malta.

As I have already experienced in my meetings with the individual local councils, there was a good number of common concerns topped up by other original proposals undoubtedly influenced by the particular and individual characteristics of the locality they were coming from.

One of the main concerns is the lack of consultation with public departments and entities. Local councils feel they are being left out of the decision-making processes concerning development projects in their localities. I can well understand these concerns. Local councils rightly feel that they know their localities’ characteristics and needs very well and they should have the opportunity to give their input in the decision making process which will after all affect the locality and its residents.

Another common concern was about the local enforcement system. It is very clear that all councils are in favour of a revamp of the system. The speakers were in agreement that we should look for ways to improve the system, make it more efficient and eventually yield better results. This should in turn lead to more secure and cleaner localities.

The social and educational aspects were also on the agenda of a good number of mayors. I have to say that it is really satisfying to see that local councils are realising the importance of these two spheres of interest and the crucial role they should play in these areas.

The conference tackled other issues such as the term of the local councils and of the mayor, the financial allocation, the option of having mayors on a full-time basis, problems encountered by councillors who work in the private sector and a myriad other themes.

My colleague and opposition spokesman for local councils, Stefan Buontempo, also called for training courses for councillors and the strengthening of the local councils’ code of ethics.

The concerns aired during the conference will not fall on deaf ears. I have the advantage of having been in the mayors’ position and I can understand some of the difficulties they encounter. It is true that there should be a greater synergy between local councils and public departments and entities. After meeting all councils in Malta and Gozo it is now the turn of these same departments and entities to play their part in the consultation process. I will be meeting these entities and will strive to find a way to get the two parts nearer to each other. I believe in the status of local councils and it is my conviction that each council should be a very important cog in the machine of decision-making processes that affect the locality.

We have also taken note of the local councils’ comments about the local enforcement system. In this regard we will organise a one-day seminar wherein we will invite all sectors involved in the system. Together we will kick off a process that will eventually see a revamp of the whole system and lead us to a much more efficient and practical structure which will benefit our localities.

The government also agrees that local councillors should receive training. We cannot keep expecting councillors to become experts in law, architecture, planning and what else as soon as they take office. The process has already started and the Department of Local Government will be organising a training course for newly elected councillors next month.

We also want to pass on more social and educational responsibilities to councils. It is only natural that these responsibilities will entail more financial constraints but we have to find a way how to help local councils adopt and cope with the responsibilities that make them closer to the people. Involving the residents has always been my credo and taking over social and educational responsibilities will go a long way towards achieving this goal. Together we have to come up with a strategy that will see us reach our aspirations of solidarity, subsidiarity and sustainability.

Chris Said is parliamentary

secretary in the Office

of the Prime Minister