Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera and Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi presided over the signing of a partnership agreement between the Local Government Division (LGD) and the Local Councils’ Association (LCA) for partnership projects between both organisations.
Through this MoU the Local Government Division will be providing €47,000 (Norwegian Grants 2014-2021) to the Local Councils’ Association in support of training for elected members of the LCA and local council staff on matters dealing with good governance, transparency and accountability.
Minister Herrera stated that through this agreement that was signed today, funds will be allocated to offer an academic experience to the elected members of the local councils. He stated that this initiative complements one of the ten pillars of the local government policy reform, that of good governance. He continued that through this training, local councils will be able to provide a better and more transparent service to citizens.
Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi said that this agreement between the Local Government Division and the Local Councils Association will be funded from Norwegian Grants and is intended to fund training for Local Councils.
The Parliamentary Secretary explained that this training will include strengthening knowledge in management, leadership skills, financial and procurement procedures, ethical behaviour, and team development. These will lead to better accountability and good governance. He concluded by saying that these funds are going to cover training which will be of great benefit not only for local councils but indirectly for the local people as well
