Malta Unitary state

Structures and competences

Local level :

68 local councils (kunsill lokali)

The local council (kunsill lokali) is the local government’s deliberative body. Its members are elected by direct universal suffrage via a system of proportional representation for a period of five years. The number of councillors varies according to the demographic size of the local government.

The mayor (sindku) is the political representative of the local council. He/she is the local council member to have received the highest number of votes within the political party that gained overall majority during the local election. The mayor holds a five-year mandate and chairs local council meetings.

The executive secretary (segretarju ezekuttiv) is designated by the local council for three years. He/she is the executive, administrative and financial head of the council.

COMPETENCES

• Maintenance of road infrastructure (not including reconstruction) and road signs
• Waste management
• Maintenance and upkeep of children’s playground, public gardens and other leisure centres
• Recommendations in the field of planning or building schemes
• Restoration, design or alteration of the facade of buildings
• Support to citizens with regards to their rights (transport, communications, taxation)
• Establishment and maintenance of Child care Centres, Kindergartens and other educational services*
• Establishment and maintenance of health and rehabilitation centres*
• Health district offices, Homes for Senior Citizens and Night Care Centre*
• The promotion of social policy initiatives
• Safeguard local identity
• Provide assistance to artists, musicians and sports individuals
• Cultural activities
• Protection of the urban Environment
• Promotion of sports activities
• Promotion of lifelong learning
• Provision and maintenance of local library services
• Promotion of entrepreneurship policy

*In conjunction with any competent authority.