Government Boosts Local Council Funding to €12.8 Million Over Next Two Years

Malta’s local councils are set to receive a significant funding increase, with €12.8 million earmarked for community projects across the country over the next two years, a €2.8 million rise on the previous €10 million allocation.

The new agreement, struck between the Public Works Department and Malta's local councils, will fund a broad range of works, from pavement and accessibility improvements to maintenance and upgrades to public spaces. It was announced by Local Government and Public Works Minister Alison Zerafa Civelli, alongside Permanent Secretary Emil Vassallo and Community Projects Division Director General Nadia Gatt.

"We are increasing investment in our communities to €12.8 million to give Local Councils more tools to implement the projects their residents genuinely need," Zerafa Civelli said, adding that the move delivers on a pledge made within the government's first 100 days in office.

Individual councils will retain full discretion over which projects to prioritise, with Vassallo stressing that local authorities are best placed to make those calls given their proximity to residents. The new agreement is also designed to bring more structure to that process, with clearly defined budgets, timelines and responsibilities attached to individual projects.

The increased funding builds on a track record of delivery: the previous two years of cooperation between the Public Works Department and local councils resulted in 123 completed infrastructure projects across Malta. With accessibility and mobility flagged as key priorities going forward, residents in localities across the island can expect to see further upgrades take shape as the new allocation is rolled out over the coming two years.