Project Select Committee rejects LCA project

The Local Councils Association expressed concern at a decision by the local Project Selection Committee (PSC) to reject an application for a training programme under the European Social Fund.

Association president Michael Cohen and executive secretary Jimmy Magro said the reason for the rejection given by the PSC - that the auditors' certificate was received half a day behind the deadline established by the committee - was just an excuse to stop the association from continuing on its project.

The association's project was themed Capacity Building For Female Decision-Makers, Politics And The Labour Market and was directed at mayors, councillors, employees and other persons interested in working in local councils. The application was submitted last April 29. Mr Cohen said the association would not be appealing the PSC's decision because it did not have confidence in the adjudicating process and in the draconian systems applied by the PSC in regard to the association.

Mr Cohen and Mr Magro said the association is also worried at comments made in regard to the local councils' reform and on proposals for changes in the responsibilities of local councils.