The term “good governance” has become part of the vernacular of all organisational structures, be they private, non-government or government bodies.
The concept of good governance in public administration in today’s environment addresses two main issues: widening the scope of public administration by going beyond formal (that is, bureaucratic) government, and secondly, it is a democratic concept aimed at making public administration more open, transparent and accountable.
In general, good governance encompasses a set of principles that serve as indicators to gauge the manner in which an organisation is operating. The Council of Europe, an institution focused on promoting democracy and human rights, has established 12 principles for good governance at the local level, including guidance or tools for implementation.
The principles for good governance at the local level are: fair conduct for elections, responsiveness (that is, procedures that enable the local administration to respond to citizen requests in a reasonable time), efficiency and effectiveness, openness and transparency, rule of law (the manner in which the local authority abides by the law and judicial decisions), ethical conduct (effective measures in place to prevent corruption, conflict of interest and placing the public good before other interests), competence and capacity (ensuring that officers have the necessary skills and qualifications to carry out their duties in a professional way, as well as the necessary human and financial resources for effective and efficient delivery of service), innovation and openness to change (including the manner in which local authorities come up with new and innovative initiatives for the general benefit of the local citizens), sustainability and long-term orientation (the manner in which decisions are taken with a long-term vision), sound financial management (how prudence is observed in financial management), human rights, cultural diversity and social cohesion (ensuring that human rights are respected in all decisions, as well as taking into consideration cultural diversity and social cohesion, including respecting the rights of minorities, such as migrants living within the locality), and accountability (operating in a manner where decision makers take responsibility for their actions and offer remedies for maladministration).
New funding schemes for financial assistance to local councils are being considered for the budget
Since the inception of local government in Malta 23 years ago, several legislative provisions and institutional frameworks have been instituted to assist locally elected representatives and the administrative back-up to operate according to good governance practices. Among these, local government auditors appointed by the Auditor General audit the financial management and adherence to local government legislation by local councils. The Local Governance Board set up in 2010 has the authority to evaluate and recommend decisions about any complaints that might arise regarding inadequate administration by local councils. Regular training for local council executive secretaries and staff is carried out with a view to strengthening their competencies in local administration. Sustainability is encouraged, including the submission of a checklist whenever a local council makes proposals for bye-laws. Legislative provisions are in place that render it a criminal offence if a local councillor is found guilty of having pecuniary (that is, financial) interest in any matter discussed by the council or the evaluation of a nomination for office with the council;
The Monitoring Unit within the Department for Local Government carries out ongoing monitoring of council agendas, minutes and operations in order to ensure that operations and decisions are in accordance with local government legislation (in particular tender, financial and audit regulations).
The Parliamentary Secretariat responsible for local government, conscious of the deficiencies still not addressed by local councils, including those highlighted by the National Audit Office, has undertaken several measures, both of a structural and a procedural nature.
On a structural level, a restructuring process has begun with respect to the Department for Local Government, including the recruitment of competent and experienced staff and advisors. Several procedures and processes that were ineffective, outdated or inefficient are being reviewed and overhauled. A new vision and policies for local government are being developed under the general theme of ‘stronger communities’, that is, strengthening the local communities, including the well-being of local citizens, which in turn will result in a stronger national community.
New issues and concerns such as migration, sustainability and creative thinking are being considered and addressed. New funding schemes for financial assistance to local councils and initiatives that are socially, economically and culturally sustainable are being considered for the forthcoming budget. In addition, the issue of innovation at local government level is being promoted following the evaluation of examples of good practice and cooperation with European and international institutions with the necessary expertise.
The strategy, policies and intiatives currently being developed through the input of competent, experienced and professional officials and bodies that have recently been taken on board, including close cooperation with established statutory institutions (such as the National Audit Office), are aim to address generally the issue of good governance at the local level.
Instilling public trust in local government, ensuring transparency and accountability, training personnel and recruiting competent officials, strengthening the monitoring bodies of local government and closer cooperation and consultation with key stakeholders and other national and international bodies are but a few of the short, medium and long-term strategies being adopted by the Parliamentary Secretariat responsible for local government.
Good local governance is also essential to ensure that the administration of the public purse (approximately €40 million is allocated by the central government to local government each year) is properly managed.
Stefan Buontempo is Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government.