Central/local government relations

Abstract

The institutionalized dependency of local councils upon central government calls for an unassailable relation between both levels of government. These relations are partially dented by disputes and litigations arising from time to time. The initial problems encountered in the first few years of local councils in Malta have been dealt with and predominantly eliminated. Meanwhile new responsibilities and powers were delegated to local councils throughout these past twelve years, strengthening their means of operations, while enhancing the services provided to citizens. An investigation was carried out to evaluate the inter-relation presently experienced by central and local government. The information extracted from a questionnaire, collected from 23 Executive Secretaries, together with short interviews and consultations with competent officers, brought out both encouraging and upsetting practices where the latter resulted in hindering the effective operations of our local councils. Three outstanding issues emerged from this study: the lack of consultation by central government, the sweeping bureaucracy which haunts the public domain and the lack of financial resources which triggers off unwarranted practices by local councils. By studying other countries' mechanism, such as the UK, one may select those practices which bring both levels of government to work harmoniously together for the benefit of all.