Malta Urged to Boost Local Council Competencies

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The Council of Europe Congress has urged Malta to enhance the competencies of its local councils, citing inadequate funding and excessive central government supervision as major concerns. Malta’s local councils, established in 1993, have limited autonomy and rely heavily on government grants, which restricts their ability to manage expenditures effectively. The country’s Local Councils Act, amended in 2019, introduced a new subnational government level but failed to address the issue of financial autonomy for local councils.

Currently, municipalities in Malta cannot levy or collect local taxes and charges, relying solely on tariffs and fees for revenue. This limited financial autonomy hinders local councils’ ability to deliver quality public services, respond to community needs, and make decisions that benefit their constituents. Furthermore, excessive central government oversight restricts local councils’ decision-making power, undermining their effectiveness and legitimacy.

To address these challenges, the Council of Europe Congress recommends decentralizing powers, devolving more responsibilities to local councils, and enabling them to make decisions closer to the citizens. Additionally, granting local councils the authority to levy taxes and collect charges would ensure financial autonomy and empower them to manage their resources effectively. Capacity building through training and resources for local council members and staff is also crucial to enhance their competencies.

By implementing these reforms, Malta can strengthen its local councils, promote decentralization, and improve the delivery of public services to its citizens. Empowering local councils will foster greater accountability, transparency, and community engagement, ultimately enhancing democratic governance and civic participation in Malta. The Council of Europe Congress’s recommendations offer a critical opportunity for Malta to reassess its local governance structure and create a more effective, responsive, and citizen-centered system.