Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

The following FAQs are based on the feedback from the Customer Support Unit within the Department for Local Government – Monitoring & Support, within the Local Government Division

How would I know whether an issue or complaint lies within the responsibility of Central Government, Local Council or any other Public/Private Entity?

The Customer Support Unit within the Department for Local Government – Monitoring & Support will help you direct your complaint to the right entity and through the proper channels. This may include determining whether a particular street is under the jurisdiction of a Local Council or Central Government or if the responsibility for a public service, such as the upkeep and maintenance of traffic signs and road markings in a particular road lies within the Council or any other Government entity.

I have been advised that the issue I raised is a service request not a complaint. What’s the difference?

If you are requesting a service, for instance, a request for information related to refuse collection, we would normally treat this as a service request rather than a complaint.  

How can I make a complaint?

You can make a complaint online, by telephone, by calling personally, or by sending a written complaint, as follows:

Customer Support Unit address:  

Department for Local Government (Monitoring and Support)
26, Archbishop Street, Valletta VLT 1000

Opening Hours:

1 Oct -15th June (Winter Time)
Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 3.00 pm

16th June - 30th Sept (Summer Time)
Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 3.00 pm

Telephone: (+356) 22052300 / (+356) 22052353

You may also use the Contact Form.

If I make a complaint, when can I expect to hear from the Department?

Each incoming request for information or guidance received through e-mail will be checked and acknowledged within twenty-four (24) hours from the time they are received. Whenever a request that is received is not fully complied with, the client shall be duly informed of the required missing data/documentation, within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of the receipt of the request. 

Incoming requests/queries which can be addressed by the receiving organization, and decisions thereof do not require further internal/external consultation, shall be replied within twenty-four (24) hours from their receipt.
Incoming complaints/queries which are of a complex nature and/or require consultation with internal/external stakeholders and therefore cannot be replied to within the timeframes stipulated above, shall still be acknowledged.

If for any reason beyond our control, your complaint cannot be dealt with, you will be duly notified and if there lies any alternative redress then this will be indicated.

I want to make a complaint on behalf of a friend or relative. Am I allowed to do so?

Yes you are. However, it is your responsibility to see that permission is sought from the person that you are acting on behalf of, before we can release any information.

I was satisfied with the service I received from the Council. How do I go about saying thank you?

You can contact our Customer Support Unit or the Local Council directly in the same way that you would if you was to make a complaint.

I’m taking legal action against the Council. Can I still make a complaint?

If the complaint concerns the same subject matter of the legal action, then we will not be able to follow-up your complaint.  

How does the Council ensure that it is doing its best to deal with my complaint?

Local Councils use complaints and feedback to improve the way that they deliver their services.  The Department for Local Government (Monitoring & Support) can also assist a local council to improve on their standards and service delivery.

What will the Council do to resolve my complaint?

When we receive your complaint, we will review and follow-up with the relative Local Council and if possible, a solution will be discussed and provided through the Local Council concerned or the competent entity/authority. ​
 

The following FAQs are based on circulars issued by the Strategy and Policy Implementation Directorate within the Local Government Division in relation to the processes involved in the functions indicated below:

• Administration of Public Property;

• Twinning by a Regional/Local Council;

• Financing of Grant Schemes to the Regional/Local councils. 

What procedure and processes are to be followed when applying for a Grant Scheme?

 https://localgovernment.gov.mt/en/DLG/publications/spiCirculars/Documents/SPI.SCI.9.2021.Il-Pro%C4%8Bess%20u%20l-Finanzjament%20ta'%20Grant%20Schemes.pdf 

Reference should always be made to Circular SPI/SCI/9/2021 issued on the 17th November 2021 by the Strategy and Policy Implementation Directorate - The Process and Financing of Grant Schemes to Regional/Local Councils - (click on the link provided), whereby a detailed step-by-step guide is provided on the process involved, from the application stage through to the implementation and monitoring phase. Any additional queries could be addressed through a clarification email on: skemi.dlg@gov.mt 

What procedure and processes are to be followed when applying for a Twinning venture?

 https://localgovernment.gov.mt/en/DLG/publications/dlgCirculars/Documents/%C4%8Airkulari%20SPI-TW-8-2021%20-%20Pro%C4%8Bess%20ta%20%C4%A0emela%C4%A1%C4%A1%20-%20Oct%202021.pdf

 https://localgovernment.gov.mt/en/DLG/publications/dlgCirculars/Documents/%C4%8Airkulari%20SPI-TW-8-2021%20-%20Appendi%C4%8Bi%20I%20%E2%80%93%20Linji%20Gwida%20-%20Oct%202021.pdf 

 https://localgovernment.gov.mt/en/DLG/publications/dlgCirculars/Pages/DLG-Circulars-2021.aspx

Reference should always be made to circular number SPI/TW/8/2021 issued on the 14th October 2021 by the Strategy and Policy Implementation Directorate - Twinning Process from a Region/Local Council - (click on -Link provided) whereby the whole process, in its entirety, is explained in detail together with a copy of the specific guidelines to be followed (click on the link provided) and the application to be used for this Objective (Download through the link provided). In case of any clarification that is not addressed through this Circular, kindly forward an email to the respective section on: spi.localgov@gov.mt  

What procedure and processes are to be followed when applying for the Administration of a Public Property (Devolution)?

 https://localgovernment.gov.mt/en/DLG/publications/spiCirculars/Documents/SPI.APP.6.2021.%20Emendi%20fil-Pro%C4%8Bess%20g%C4%A7all-Amministrazzjoni%20ta%E2%80%99%20Proprjeta%E2%80%99%20Pubblika%20(Devoluzzjoni).pdf

 https://localgovernment.gov.mt/en/DLG/publications/spiCirculars/Documents/Appendi%C4%8Bi%20I.%20POLICY%20DOCUMENT%20%20-%20Devoluzzjoni%20Lokali.pdf

 https://localgovernment.gov.mt/en/DLG/publications/spiCirculars/Documents/Appendi%C4%8Bi%20II.%20Applikazzjoni%20g%C4%A7all-Amministrazzjoni%20ta'%20Proprjeta%20Pubblika.pdf

Reference should always be made to circular number SPI/App/6/2020 issued on the 3rd June 2021 by the Strategy and Policy Implementation Directorate - Amendments in the process involved for the Administration of Public Property (Devolution) - (click on the link provided) whereby, a detailed description is given on the process to be followed in relation to the policy document (click on the link provided) and the relevant application to be used for this objective (download via the link provided). This circular also addresses claims with respect to embellishment projects. In case of any further clarifications that are not addressed, through both the circular and the policy document, can always be forwarded on the email address of the respective section:  app.localgov@gov.mt​