GonziPN needs to start listening to the demands of the Local Councils

GonziPN cannot keep ignoring the demands made by the councillors as these are the representatives of the Maltese and Gozitan families. This was stated by the Labour Party spokesperson for the Local Government Stefan Buontempo in a news conference today.

During this event, Dr Buontempo said that even though the responsibilities of the local councils have increased greatly,  the Government is not giving then the tools and the resources necessary to be able to perform these responsibilities.

Stefan Buontempo said local councils manage 1.2% of capital expenditure, but have major challenges due to ever rising costs.  While the Labour Party has always considered the Local Councils as an important toold to improve the life of each member of the community, GonziPN keeps ignoring their demands.

Due to the Government's shortcomings, residents are putting all the blame on the councillors. Stefan Buontempo remarked that unless the Government steps up and starts giving more resouces to the local council, the people will remain skeptical about their true importance. 

The Labour Spokesperson mentioned a complete list of expenses which have increased dramatically in recent months. These included the collection of bulky waste and refuse, tipping fees, tarmac and road patching, replacement of services, the price of fuel, together with other expenses associated with the operation Local Councils.

Stefan Buontempo concluded by saying that because of GonziPN, the local counsils can not carry out their duties and this is leading to neglect and abandonment in various localities.