Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs

As from their conception, the Government of Malta adopted a policy of devolution of power and responsibilities to Local Authorities. In the beginning the first functions to be devolved included the provision of collection and removal of all refuse from any public or private place; the maintenance of cleanliness and for the establishment of dustbins and other receptacles for the temporary deposit and collection of waste. Local Councils were also given the responsibility for the making of any changes in traffic schemes directly affecting the locality in consultation with the competent authority and also planning or building schemes in consultation with the competent authorities. The naming or renaming of streets was also a responsibility devolved to our Local Authorities.

Local Councils were also responsible to give advise and be consulted by relevant authorities on decisions affecting the Council and the residents it is responsible for.

In 1995, Local Councils had new responsibilities. These included the provision of the upkeep and maintenance of any street or footpath not being privately owned, including the patching or resurfacing thereof, but does not include its reconstruction and the provision of the establishment, upkeep and maintenance of children’s playgrounds, public gardens and sport, cultural or other leisure centers. Local Councils also had to work on the provision of, and the maintenance of proper road signs and road markings, in conformity with national and international standards, to establish and maintain pedestrian and parking areas and to provide for the protection of school children in the vicinity of schools.

During the years Local Councils were entrusted with more responsibilities, including the assistance to citizens by providing, in conjunction with any competent authority, information relating to the rights of citizens in general, including information on consumers` rights, transport, communications, tourist facilities, taxation, social security, public health and other matters of public utility and interest; the establishment, upkeep and maintenance of crèches, kindergartens and other educational services or buildings; in conjunction with any competent authority, the establishment, upkeep and maintenance of health and rehabilitation centres, government dispensaries, health district offices and homes for senior citizens.

In January 1999, an agreement was signed with the Water Services Corporation. This controlled the way re-instatement was performed (by Local Councils) after Trenching works were carried out.

The administration of Regional and Local Libraries by Councils was introduced in March 1999. The following Councils have signed the relative Agreement with the competent authority:- Click here to view the updated list.

The Local (Wardens) Enforcement System was introduced in February 2000 and was applied by most Councils in Malta and Gozo, while the Devolution of Sports Facilities Administration by Councils was intitiated in November 2000 - Click here to view the updated list.

In November 2000 the Collection of Government Property Rents through Local Councils was established, while in April 2001 the Local Councils Association entered into an agreement, on behalf of Councils, for the provision, erection and maintenance of standard bus shelters in Malta`s localities.

Local Councils in Malta are also responsible for the maintenance of street lighting, and for the issue of temporary trading licences.

The functions of Local Councils are outlined in the Local Councils Act (Chapter 363, Laws of Malta) specifically in Section 33 of the same Act.