The Local Councils’ Association (Malta) advocates for residents’ participation in decision-making processes, as local democracy is at the heart of local government.

The active participation of residents in the decision-making process that directly or indirectly impacts their quality of life is essential for sustainable development. This necessity holds particular importance and relevance at the local level, where residents live, work, where essential services are provided and where businesses flourish.

The community members all have a shared commitment to defining goals and working together to discover ways to enhance and simplify services, guarantee a fair distribution of resources, foster social inclusion, improve oversight, and boost transparency in governmental organisations. This includes establishing systems for responsibility and accountability.

Being near residents, local councils possess a unique advantage over other institutions. They are responsible and obligated to advocate for residents, mobilise civil societies, and, most importantly, act as catalysts for change.

This role becomes especially significant in an era of enhanced public administration efficiency, more inclusive development, stronger relationships with local associations, non-governmental organisations, other entities, and the pursuit of solutions and aid for pressing challenges local communities face. These challenges encompass social exclusion, immigration, poverty, deficient basic infrastructure and access, urbanisation complexities, public safety concerns, and issues related to violence, abuse, and law enforcement, not to mention the adverse impacts of climate change.

Good governance is imperative for ensuring sustainable, universally shared development. It also fosters a more effective and inclusive development process. The quality of governance primarily stems from the central government's political will to create a local-level environment that empowers Local Councils with sufficient autonomy to execute their duties and responsibilities effectively, bolstered by increased professional resources and capacity.

Quality governance at the local level also thrives through relationships and communication with other public entities, commercial communities, and residents who often rely on the resources at the disposal of Local Councils.

The expansion of public services at the local level, whether through the extension of existing services or the introduction of additional services by Local Councils, should be accompanied by strengthening local governance structures and more significant investments in administrative capabilities and human resources.

Similarly, other local entities with the capacity and capability to promote increased transparency and accountability should also receive support. It's vital to ensure that Local Councils have the necessary resources and incentives to provide residents with the highest level of accountability swiftly and transparently.

This is particularly important because, in the principle of subsidiarity, the central government must actively promote the role of Local Councils as governing authorities with a significant and active role in policy development for national progress. These authorities should be able to make local decisions with the utmost transparency and accountability to provide the highest quality services to the community.

This reinforcement ultimately contributes to more significant local development across various areas, including social justice, human rights, equality, active community involvement, and increased participation of women, youth, and the elderly in the community.

Their involvement at social and political levels, environmental protection, local urban planning, introducing and implementing technology for more efficient management, sustainable mobility management, and preserving and developing public assets all encourage a strong sense of participation and ownership. This should be accomplished with transparency and accountability, in conjunction with public entities, societies, and associations.

This framework of territorial development, characterized by a bottom-up approach and a long-term process, is an integral part of the national government's implementation strategy. Guided by Local Councils, this territorial system enhances the quality of life and the well-being of its residents.