Councils' Association wants vote on ODZ applications
The Local Councils Association is proposing that when outside development zone applications are considered by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa), the respective local councils should sit on the Mepa board with the right to vote.
This is one of a series of proposals the association is making for local councils reform.
Another development proposal is that when changes required only a development notification order, they should be approved by councils with the applicant retaining the right to appeal to Mepa.
A good number of the association’s proposals deal with funding. Association president Michael Cohen told a news conference this morning that the government could give councils funds for projects it intended to carry out in localities for the councils to carry out the projects themselves.
If councils managed to do the work at a lower cost, they would be entitled to the difference to spend on similar projects.
Mr Cohen stressed the importance that local councils continued to evolve but said they needed more resources.
He called for more funds to be given to councils saying that at the moment they got less than three per cent of the central government’s expenditure.
Another proposal is for the setting up of a special fund for councils which would be administered by a committee set up between the association and the government.
The association is asking the government to set up a €1 million fund to co-finance projects carried out by councils or the association with EU funds.
Other proposals are for council elections to be held every four years, for the mayor’s role to become a full time post and for councillors to be given an allowance to cover the expenses they incurred while carrying out their duties.
The proposals will be debated in a meeting for councillors being held in the beginning of September.
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DVella
Aug 25th 2008, 20:58
Excellent idea my foot . . . so every crack-pot council with a political axe to grind (and there are several in case you haven't noticed!!) can subvert the planning process according to the diktat of his or her party?? Get REAL!! As if things weren't already bad enough at MEPA!!!
James A. Tyrrell
Aug 25th 2008, 19:35
I think this is an excellent idea and about time if you ask me. Local Councils are there to represent their people, and that should mean that they have the ability to influence the decision making process.
@Joseph Cauchi. Thankfully I'm not a local councillor or a politician with a small "p" as you referred to them. Personally I find that remark very offensive, as I'm sure will many local councillors. Just remember Joseph decisions like the new Nadur cemetery was taken by so called competent professional people. The decision to build villas on the slopes above Ramla Bay was taken by so called competent professional people, until one of your politicians with a small "p" pointed out that it was illegal!
The Mistra scandal was down to so called competent professional people. God help Hondoq ir-Rummien if the marina decision is left to so called competent professional people. The entire country is being ruined by these people and it is high time the people who are effected most, the residents of the area, have a say.
Joseph Cauchi
Aug 25th 2008, 17:21
I absolutely do not agree that Local Councils should sit on the board of MEPA, to take such decisions.
We all know that most local councils are not run or managed by professional people, I don't mean lawyers, doctors, etc... but people who are competent and not biased, both politically or for self-interest.
These decisions are to be taken by serious professional people and NOT by politicians (with a small "p"). They are just not up to the job.
In Maltese we say "Il-hobz tiegh lill min jaf jieklu", and let the experts decide.
Cheers.
A Mangion
Aug 25th 2008, 14:05
I disagree with this proposal. I think that the current format of our local councils is not professional enough to decide on technical points on the MEPA board. I believe that MEPA should be totally restructed but local councils should not interfere with its operations. Unfortunately some local councils are led by unprofessional and low level of education mayors who serve only their political parties and not the interest of citizens. I'd rather reduce their power than increasing it. I will give them more power if and only if they are managed professionaly, which is just wishfull thinking!!
Charles Sammut
Aug 25th 2008, 12:41
This idea is way overdue. The Local Councils should have a say in what goes on in their Municipality. After all who knows best the local area? Case and point the proposed mammoth development Plan for Hondoq. The Qala Council is vehemently opposed to the plan because it simply would ruin for ever a perfect recreation venue for many. Yet it would be outsiders like Mepa officials that finally will make the decision with potentially affronting the majority of the local residents and those that love the place. Surely on such a controversal decision those affected the most should have a voice before the die is cast.
M. Brincat
Aug 25th 2008, 11:47
I fully agree. Councils should be given more (much more) powers to act and to be consulted within their geographical borders.