The National Strategic Vision for Local Governments from 2023-2030 proposes implementing a new mechanism that will ensure equality in the representation of genders in local governments.

A study will be carried out on this, which will be concluded just in time for this to be implemented for the 2024 local council elections. The strategy mentioned how this will be similar to the gender quota which was implemented in parliament where both PN and PL had to have six women MPs, however, there may be some differences to make it suitable for local governments.

This was announced during a press conference on Monday addressed by Local Governments Minister Owen Bonnici and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Governments Alison Zerafa Civelli.

The government hosted this event in commemoration of the 30 year anniversary that local councils were established - 30 years after the Labour Party boycotted the first local council elections and had fielded “independent candidates,” as the party had not liked the idea of local councils that much at the time.

Bonnici praised the local councils for being dedicated and ensuring that the community was cared for.

He mentioned how although there have been challenges and issues over the years, what is good always prevails.

He said that local governments are “instrumental” for the good of the community.

He said that over the past 30 years, the local councils have played an important role and they have increasingly been given more responsibility.

For example, he said that local councils have been given more importance with regard to the cultural sector, where they are encouraged to hold their own cultural events.

When mentioned Regional Councils were established a few years ago, he praised the work that they have done in unifying the local councils, but he also expressed his wish for more women to the role of regional presidents.

With regard to the National Strategic Vision for Local Governments, Zerafa Civelli spoke more extensively on this.

“It was the local governments that made our localities a lot nicer,” she said praising the work local governments do.

Initially, she mentioned how following a consultation process last year, the strategy is now built on five main pillars: Good and effective governance, regional resources for local councils, localities with a cleaner environment, local councils close to people, and digital priority in local governments.

The strategy mentioned implementing “holistic training” for elected members within the local council to improve governance.

It also encourages local councils to achieve the European label of Governance Excellence (EloGE).

To improve regional resources for local councils, the strategy said that local councils will be sure to receive a percentage from the income of activities that take place in their locality.

Zerafa Civelli said that people are more aware than ever that they need a cleaner environment to live a better quality of life.

In relation to this, the strategy spoke about implementing more efficient methods of waste collection, electric cars for the local council and a more efficient way of cleaning the road.

The strategy also proposed having community policing in more localities and seeing whether it would be viable to have the community police work out of the local council building.

The last pillar is digitalisation, the strategy mentioned plans to implement a mobile application, where residents can have access to all services offered by the local councils. It also proposed that permits for events and activities issued by the local council will be able to be given digitally.