The proposal to allow 16-year-olds to run for the post of mayor has been ditched following public consultation on the local councils' reform that will kick in after May 25.

Sixteen-year-olds will however be able to contest local elections.

The reform will see a "substantial increase in the honoraria" handed out to regional presidents, mayors, deputy mayors, local councillors, and the head of the local councils' association.

The proposal to do away with administrative committees has been included in the reform. Instead, a councillor will be responsible for particular hamlet communities.

Each councillor will also be assigned particular responsibilities such as taking care of cleanliness, physical education and activities in the locality, social integration and animal welfare among others.

Meanwhile, Regional Committees will be rebranded into Regional Councils. Both regional and local councils will enjoy the same Local Government status, and the Constitution will be amended to reflect this change.

Among others, regional councils will have the responsibility to coordinate the public's access to school facilities during after-school hours.

They will also carry out scientific research to gather feedback from residents.

Presenting the finalised reform, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Governance Silvio Parnis said the changes will not remain on paper and once implemented will ensure "local councils of excellence" after May 25.

The reform is being implemented 25 years following the introduction of local councils in Malta.

The consultation about the reform included the participation of the Opposition, the councils, people living in the south and north of Malta and Gozitans.

Other changes:

-The simplification of rules regulating activities, which would also make their application uniform across localities.

-Increased autonomy in the employment of people by the local government

-Participation by residents in the local councils' business plan