Mayors, deputy mayors, and councillors across Malta and Gozo will be seeing an increase of €1000 in the allowances allocated to them, the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government stated.

This increase in allowances, the ministry said, will be given to cover the costs associated with the performance of the councillors’ duties. It added that in addition to the allowance, mayors and regional council presidents are also paid an honorarium according to the size of the council.

Minister Owen Bonnici said that this increase in allowances is a concrete recognition of the work done by the mayors, deputy mayors, and councillors in Malta and Gozo. “They give much of their time and energy to serve their communities, in many cases, with dedication,” he commented. Bonnici continued that this measure is not only a recognition of the councillors’ efforts, but also supports them to be able to continue providing a better service to residents. He remarked that investment in local government means a direct investment in the citizens’ quality of life.

Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli said that the government is increasing councillors’ allowances because it believes that those elected are providing a valuable service while dedicating much of their time to their locality and community. She remarked that the increase is an appreciation for all mayors and councillors.

This was stated during a visit by the minister and parliamentary secretary to the offices of the Northern Regional Council following renovation work carried out at the offices. The parliamentary secretary commented that such renovation is evidence of how much the regional councils are taking on a more central role in their communities.

Northern Regional Council President Clifford Galea spoke of the work done by the Northern Regional Council. He said that it provides support to the local councils within the region and focuses on social, environmental, and cultural aspects in its work.

The Director General of Local Government, Emil Vassallo, said that the Local Government Division will be allocating funds to cover the payments of arrears for 2024 as a result of the new collective agreement for clerical workers, which was signed during early 2025.