The government's consultation process leading to a reform in local council policy is most welcome. Having been a local councillor in Sliema since 2003, representing Alternattiva Demokratika, I would like to make certain proposals which I hope will be taken on board. I have already put forward these proposals in a recent positive meeting which the Sliema council had with Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said.

Local councillors frequently encounter situations in which illegal or irregular practices take place. In many instances we are powerless, especially when such practices occur after office hours, in the evenings or on a weekend. Hence, a mechanism should be introduced whereby councillors can make direct contact with enforcement officials in various sectors (such as environment, transport, health and safety and security). Besides, given that to date we councillors carry out our duties on a voluntary basis, it would be only fair to compensate us for costs related to mobile phone use, hence making it easier for us to contact the enforcement authorities.

Local councils should be at the centre of public consultation. I am proud that the Sliema council regularly carries out public consultation meetings with residents on various issues, ranging from traffic management to environmental matters. Yet, unfortunately, in many instances the council is not consulted properly by the respective authorities. At best, councils are consulted in a token act, as a matter of procedure. For example, Mepa only sends notice of DCC meetings a few days before they are held. Besides, the stipulated time for feedback on planning applications is too short to allow a proper study and debate among councillors. When local councils do pronounce their opinions, they are often not given the weight they deserve. Sliema council has repeatedly asked for a Social Impact Assessment, with proper sociological surveys and analysis, of the Fort Cambridge Project, but Mepa has consistently ignored this proposal.

Social Impact Assessments should form an integral part of Environmental Impact Assessments. They should be based on proper sociological methods which measure both the perceptions of residents and other stakeholders as well as the projected impacts of the proposed development. Such impact assessments should not be commissioned by developers, but by local councils at the developers' expense. The studies to be carried out by the Nadur local council in Gozo on the proposed development at Ħondoq ir-Rummien, which studies are being financed by the central government, are a precedent which can and should be followed. The cost incurred should, however, be borne by the developer and not by the taxpayer.

Workers such as those taking on early retirement schemes, dockyard workers being a case in point, can be assigned with local councils - but to do work which gives them dignity. Councils should be empowered to do more in this area, assigning such workers various types of skilled work.

Councils should be empowered to have more legal authority in connection with revenue initiatives. As things stand, the councils are restricted in carrying out such initiatives, requiring approval from the respective minister. If the necessary reforms take place, the councils would be in a position to collect realistic amounts from activities such as the harmful side-effects of construction works.

There are various other areas which call for reform, including the need for better budgeting methodologies, easier access to EU funds, and longer legislatures for local councils, in order that planning may be more realistic.

There is also more need for regional cooperation among councils. The fact that the government has initiated the reform process is a step in the right direction. Let's hope that the results are just as fruitful.

Mr Briguglio represents Alternattiva Demokratika on the Sliema local council.