One of the hallmarks of a country's respect for democracy is its commitment to strengthen civic participation in the decision-making processes. This includes measures regarding consultation with the public on proposed legislation, addressing major issues through public policies, ensuring freedom to participate in general and local elections, facilitating access to information, and ensuring that the decisions taken are for those who would be directly affected by them.

The recent developments in Local Government in Malta are tangible and significant proof of the commitment to renew local governance in a way that would positively affect the lives of local citizens.

For the first time, central government acknowledged the need for a central authority that would not only monitor the operations of local government, but also provide them with the necessary assistance and support. The move in early 2017 to set up a Local Government Division having a director general and two directors is ample proof of such commitment. In addition, an overarching reform in local government was started in mid-2017 that has, as its main focus, the strengthening of Local Government in order to effectively respond to citizens' legitimate expectations.

In November of last year, Malta hosted the Commonwealth Local Government Conference, which brought together around 500 top local government policy makers from 53 countries. The theme of the conference was 'Resources and Capacity for Effective Local Government'. Besides the relevance of the subject matter discussed, a topic which is common to local governments throughout the world, it was also another positive sign of Malta's commitment to local democracy. This commitment was summed up by our Prime Minister in his keynote speech, who stated: "Keeping families at the centre of governance is the way to improving people's lives."

By its very nature, public governance is dynamic. Technology, work processes and objectives change and develop continuously. It follows, therefore, that what was applicable yesterday is no longer applicable today. Public governance is regulated through legislation and policies. These provide the statutory framework for the implementation of initiatives for the common good of society.

The last Local Government reform in Malta was implemented nearly a decade ago. The 2009 reform saw the introduction of measures and systems that at the time were deemed necessary. Since then, major technological, economic, environmental, political, social and legal changes have taken place that necessitates a revisit of local governance. 

Some of the issues that need to be addressed in the Local Government reform include the allocation of more responsibilities to the Regional Committees, the role of mayor and councillors, broadening citizen participation in local elections, strengthening the administrative arm of local authorities, and empowering more civic participation in Local Government. 

More importantly, rendering local government relevant as a public administrative institution through instigating public trust in local and regional authorities should be the ultimate aim. After all, what use should there be for a reform process if such exercise does not address the needs and concerns of the ultimate beneficiary?