The Association of Local Councils Executive Secretaries has called for experts on EU funding programmes to be engaged to help the councils access EU structural funds.

In proposals for the Local Councils Reform, the association said these experts would assist councils prepare application documents, train employees and encourage participation in the various funding programmes.

The association also proposed that the responsibilities of local councils should be extended to include arterial roads, aspects of public health, urban planning and heritage protection.

Importantly, there was a need for an urgent revision of the current formula for the allocation of funds to the various councils, with councils having particular circumstances, such as those have an influx of tourists or day workers, receiving funds for the purpose.

The association also called for better funding to the councils in general and suggested that councils' meetings should be streamed on the internet for greater transparency.