Nearly all councils have submitted their management financial accounts for auditing within the stipulated time, the government said.

This is the first time, since councils were set up, that all councils but one submitted their accounts on time.

The government said this was in contrast with the situation last year when only three councils submitted their accounts on time.

The department had imposed a fine on those submitting their accounts late.

Only the Zebbug council will be submitting its accounts late this year because of revisions needed in the accounts as presented by the council's accountant.

The council is working to conclude this exercise in the shortest time possible, the government said.