Introduction

Participatory budgeting (PB) is a democratic innovation that empowers residents to directly decide how to allocate part of a public budget. Originating in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 1989, PB has grown into a global movement that strengthens transparency, deepens civic engagement, and fosters more inclusive decision-making at the local level. As governments strive to rebuild trust and encourage active citizenship, participatory budgeting is emerging as a valuable tool for involving people in shaping their communities.

What is Participatory Budgeting?

Participatory budgeting is a process where community members are involved in proposing, discussing, and voting on specific projects or policies that will be funded through a designated portion of the public budget. It typically involves several key steps:

1. Idea Collection – Citizens Submit Proposals

The idea is to allow every resident to contribute ideas to improve their community.

The process of such an initiative can take different forms. Residents are invited to share ideas for how to spend a portion of the public budget. Their submissions can be collected through public meetings, suggestion boxes, community outreach events, online platforms, or mobile apps. Ideas can range from physical infrastructure (like park benches or sidewalks) to social initiatives (like cultural events or youth programs).

The impact is positive because it encourages creativity, ownership, and engagement from a broad community. It also surfaces needs that local authorities may have overlooked and ensures that the PB starts with a bottom-up approach.

2. Proposal Development – Ideas Are Reviewed and Shaped into Feasible Projects by Working Groups

The main purpose of such working groups would be to turn these raw ideas into concrete, realistic, and costed project proposals.

A technical team (often composed of local council staff and elected members, civil society representatives, and sometimes volunteers) evaluates the ideas for feasibility. The proposals are refined to include location, estimated cost, timeline, and alignment with legal and planning regulations. Then, residents may be invited to participate in proposal development workshops to help prioritize and shape ideas.

This process ensures proposals are achievable and compliant with public policy and laws. It also builds a deeper understanding of budgeting and project planning among residents and encourages collaboration between technical experts and residents.

3. Voting – Residents Vote on the Projects They Want Funded

The community should directly choose which proposals should be implemented.

This can be achieved by creating a list of vetted projects and presenting it to the public. The voting methods can include in-person voting, online platforms, mobile apps, or ballots at community centres, libraries, or the local council’s office. Voting should be open to all residents (not citizens) of that particular defined area, sometimes with age lowered to encourage youth and child participation, depending on the proposal being put forward.

This process not only empowers residents but it also gives them a sense of belonging towards that particular project, a sense of ownership. Residents feel that they are truly part of the decision-making process. This increases transparency and legitimacy of public spending and strengthens democratic habits and trust in local government

4. Implementation – Local Authorities Carry Out Winning Projects

Here, the idea is to transform community decisions into concrete actions that improve the quality of life.

This way, the Local Council is responsible for delivering the winning projects using the allocated budget and project timelines and providing updates to the residents. This can be done through newsletters, emails, council meetings, social media, and local noticeboards.

Demonstrating civic engagement, building confidence in participatory processes, and reinforcing the accountability of local institutions will produce visible results.

5. Monitoring – Residents Help Track the Progress of Implementation

Residents should be involved in the monitoring process to ensure transparency and accountability in how public funds are spent and how decisions are made.

This can be achieved by inviting community members to form oversight committees or participate in regular check-ins. This way, updates on project progress (including delays, cost changes, or adjustments) are made available to the public. Such feedback mechanisms (like surveys or public forums) help keep the process dynamic and responsive.

The impact on the community will be a very positive one. It strengthens the culture of accountability, builds long-term trust in participatory governance, and encourages continuous improvement in future PB cycles.

Why It Matters

1. Empowering Communities

Participatory budgeting redistributes power by giving residents, especially marginalized groups, a say in how public resources are used. It helps create a sense of ownership and strengthens the social contract between citizens and institutions.

2. Improving Transparency and Trust – PB fosters accountability in an age of declining trust in institutions. Residents can see where their taxes go, reducing perceptions of corruption or inefficiency.

3. Better-Targeted Public Spending – Who knows a community’s needs better than its residents? PB often results in funding projects that align more closely with actual needs, such as street repairs, playgrounds, safety improvements, or cultural activities.

4. Boosting Civic Education – Participatory budgeting provides a hands-on experience of democracy, especially for young people. It teaches how public finance works, builds negotiation skills, and encourages civic responsibility.

Success Stories Around the World

• New York City, USA: Over 30 city council districts have implemented PB, engaging thousands of residents, including immigrants and youth.
• Paris, France: Since 2014, Paris has allocated €100 million annually to PB, funding community gardens, accessibility projects, and youth programs.
• Madrid, Spain: residents have proposed and voted on everything from new sports facilities to green infrastructure, with over 400,000 participating in 2022 alone.
• Lisbon, Portugal: One of the first cities in Europe to introduce PB, Lisbon made the process fully digital, increasing accessibility and participation.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its benefits, PB is not without challenges:

• Limited Budgets: Often, the portion of the budget allocated is too small to create systemic change.
• Participation Gaps: Vulnerable or less vocal groups may still be underrepresented.
• Administrative Complexity: Coordinating proposals, evaluations, and implementation requires strong institutional support and dedicated staff.
• Risk of Tokenism: If not genuinely supported by political leadership, PB can become a symbolic exercise rather than a meaningful process.

Participatory Budgeting in Malta: A Missed Opportunity or a Future Priority?

In Malta, the concept of participatory budgeting is still in its early stages. While some local councils have consulted residents on specific projects, there is no formalized national framework for PB. Given Malta’s strong local government system and high levels of community engagement, introducing PB could:

• Enhance transparency in local councils
• Encourage youth and vulnerable group participation
• Promote social cohesion in towns and villages

The Local Councils’ Association could pilot PB in a few localities, evaluate results, and progressively expand the initiative.

What are we recommending?

1. Pilot Projects at the Local Level Start with small-scale participatory budgeting projects in a few local councils with diverse populations. Instead of introducing participatory budgeting (PB) nationwide or across all local councils at once, this approach suggests starting small, by launching PB pilot projects in a select number of towns or cities.

This allows authorities to test and refine the process before a wider rollout. It helps gather data on what works, what doesn’t, and how citizens engage, and it creates “success stories” that can inspire other localities.

How to do it:

• Select 3 to 5 local councils with different demographics and sizes.
• Allocate a small, clear budget (e.g., €30,000–€100,000) for community-driven projects.
• Ensure strong coordination with council staff and local stakeholders.
• Document the entire process for transparency and learning.

2. Capacity Building for Local Authorities Train council staff and councillors on the process, facilitation, and digital tools needed for PB.

Participatory budgeting requires skilled facilitation, financial management, and outreach. Local councillors and staff need training to effectively manage the process and ensure it’s inclusive and transparent.

PB efforts may fail or be poorly managed without adequate knowledge and resources. So well-trained officials can facilitate genuine citizen involvement rather than just “consulting” them. But if administered properly, it helps shift mindsets toward a more participatory, service-oriented governance model.

How to do it:

• Organise national workshops or online training modules on PB.
• Create a toolkit or manual tailored to the Maltese local governance system.
• Offer ongoing mentoring or peer-learning exchanges between councils.
• Encourage collaboration between experienced NGOs and local authorities.

3. Engage Civil Society and Youth Organisations Partner with NGOs and schools to reach a broader demographic and increase participation.

Civil society organisations (CSCs), schools, and youth groups are key to mobilising participation, especially among those who might not otherwise engage, such as young people, immigrants, or the elderly.

This matters because Civil Society Committees, have grassroots connections and can reach underrepresented communities. On the other hand, youth engagement fosters early civic awareness and long-term democratic participation. At lower age groups, schools can use PB as an educational tool to teach democracy in action.

How to do it:

• Partner with youth centres, student councils, and community organisations.
• Involve NGOs in co-designing outreach campaigns and facilitating discussions.
• Introduce school-based participatory budgeting projects — even with symbolic budgets — to teach the concept to students.
• Provide small grants to CSOs to help mobilise local communities.

4. Ensure Accessibility and Inclusion Both online and offline methods should be used to ensure that the elderly, migrants, and the digitally excluded can participate.

Participatory budgeting must be open and accessible to all residents, regardless of age, language, ability, or digital access. This means designing the process with inclusion at its core.

This is because without inclusion, PB risks amplifying the voices of the already empowered and excluding others. Accessibility strengthens legitimacy and ensures that funded projects reflect the diversity of the community. Participation should not depend on education level, internet access, or social status to be inclusive.

How to do it:

• Provide information in multiple languages and accessible formats.
• Use digital and face-to-face methods to collect ideas and votes (e.g., mobile units, postal ballots, town hall events).
• Schedule meetings at accessible venues and times convenient for working people and caregivers.
• Include facilitators to support people with disabilities or literacy challenges.

5. Create a National Participatory Budgeting Framework Guidelines and sharing of  best practices across regions should be encouraged to standardise and sustain the practice.

This is important because a national framework would set out principles, guidelines, and support mechanisms to scale up PB coherently and sustainably across the country.

We must ensure consistency in how participatory budgeting is implemented across regions. This will provide legal and institutional backing that protects the process from political changes. It also helps align PB with national strategies on transparency, inclusion, and good governance.

How to do it:

• Develop a framework document through consultation with local councils, NGOs, and citizens.
• Set minimum standards (e.g., budget amount, voting eligibility, transparency rules).
• Establish a national PB support unit or working group within the Ministry for Local Government or the Local Councils’ Association.
• Monitor and evaluate outcomes, and regularly update the framework based on lessons learned.

Conclusion

Participatory budgeting is not merely a financial exercise but a powerful tool for inclusive democracy, community empowerment, and responsive governance. It enables residents to move from being passive recipients of services to active shapers of their communities. When residents are trusted with real decision-making power over public funds, it strengthens transparency, fosters civic pride, and enhances social cohesion.

At the heart of this democratic innovation stands a key enabler: local government, particularly local councils and, importantly, the Local Councils’ Association (LCA). While individual councils are the frontline actors engaging with their communities, the LCA has a unique and strategic role in embedding participatory budgeting into Malta’s local governance landscape.

As the national body representing and supporting local councils, the Local Councils’ Association can lead the way by:

• Developing a national framework for participatory budgeting tailored to Malta’s local realities.
• Offering training and capacity-building programs to equip councillors and staff with the tools and skills to manage inclusive and transparent PB processes.
• Coordinating pilot projects across different localities, ensuring shared learning, equity, and standardisation of good practices.
• Facilitating partnerships with civil society, educational institutions, and national government bodies.
• Promoting innovation by supporting digital tools and inclusive outreach methods that ensure participation across all age groups and social backgrounds.

The LCA also has a critical role in championing the integration of Children’s Councils into participatory budgeting. This not only instills democratic values from an early age but also ensures that the voices of young residents are heard and reflected in local decision-making. Children’s Councils can design child-focused proposals, participate in deliberation and voting processes, and advocate for safe, inclusive, and youth-friendly public spaces and initiatives.

By taking a proactive leadership role, the Local Councils’ Association can elevate participatory budgeting from a local experiment to a national best practice, deeply embedded in the values of subsidiarity, transparency, and citizen empowerment. Together with local councils and Children’s Councils, the LCA can help create a new democratic culture, one where decision-making is closer to the people, more representative of their needs, and more focused on long-term well-being.

Ultimately, participatory budgeting is not just about allocating funds, it is about building stronger communities, fostering mutual trust, and shaping a shared future where every resident, young and old, feels their voice matters.

Mario Fava

President

Local democracy is the bedrock of effective governance, as it directly influences residents’ lives in tangible ways. It encompasses the systems, structures, and processes that allow communities to participate in decision-making at a local level. Emphasizing local democracy not only fosters greater citizen engagement but also ensures that residents’ unique needs and concerns are heard and addressed.

Empowering Residents

At its core, local democracy empowers residents by giving them a voice in their community’s affairs. Whether through town hall meetings, local councils, or participatory budgeting processes, residents can express their opinions, prioritize community needs, and influence policies that affect their daily lives. This empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents, encouraging them to participate actively in the democratic process.

Enhancing Accountability

Local democratic institutions enhance accountability by ensuring that elected officials and local representatives are directly answerable to their constituents. When residents have a say in local governance, they are more likely to hold their leaders accountable for their actions and decisions. This direct line of communication promotes transparency and reduces the likelihood of corruption, leading to more ethical governance.

Tailoring Solutions to Local Needs

One of the most significant advantages of local democracy is its ability to tailor solutions to a community’s specific needs. Unlike centralized governance, local authorities can respond to unique challenges, cultural nuances, and socio-economic conditions that characterize their areas. Engaging residents in decision-making allows for more relevant and effective policies, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are most needed.

Fostering Community Cohesion

Local democracy also plays a crucial role in fostering community cohesion. When residents participate in local governance, they connect, build relationships, and work towards common goals. This sense of community encourages collaboration, mitigates social tensions, and cultivates an inclusive environment where diverse voices are celebrated.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its importance, local democracy often faces challenges, including apathy among residents, limited access to information, and systemic barriers that hinder participation. Overcoming these obstacles requires innovative approaches, such as utilizing technology for virtual meetings, enhancing civic education, and creating inclusive forums for discussion. By addressing these challenges head-on, communities can revitalize local democracy and foster a culture of engagement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, local democracy is vital for creating responsive, accountable, and inclusive governance. Its direct connection to residents ensures that their voices are heard and valued in shaping their communities’ future. By actively participating in local democracy, residents can build a resilient and vibrant society that reflects their collective aspirations and values. Engaging in this process is not just a right; it is a responsibility that enriches community life’s fabric.

 

Mario Fava

President

The Association of Local Councils launched its first Good Practice Guide on Monday 13th September 2021 – Electric Vehicle Public Infrastructure. 

This document is one of the twenty-four documents the Local Councils’ Association, the assistance of several experts, is publishing under ‘ResidentFirst’, a multi-year project in partnership with the Local Councils.  ResidentFirst focuses on Sustainable mobility, Open Spaces, Smart Cities and Green Environments, further identifying how these pillars may improve the quality of life of our residents in their respective localities. 

Send us your thoughts, opinions, recommendations or comments. 

The means of transport we use are responsible for a quarter of the carbon emissions generated in the world. Carbon is a gas which contributes to climate change, and more than three quarters of it is generated on our roads. This means that the cars and trucks that we use every day to deliver our goods and to go from one place to another are leaving a significant negative impact on our air quality.  

It is estimated that the number of cars around the world is at around 1.3 billion, and this is anticipated to continue to rise to 2 billion by the year 2050. The same can be said for the demand in the transport of goods, which is expected to grow to three times current levels by the same year. 

Therefore, the challenge that we must address is how we are going to meet this demand for transport in the most sustainable way possible. Urban mobility is crucial in all of this. This is because, together, we need to find new solutions that will lead to a dramatic decrease in the impact of transport on the environment that we live in every day.     

If one had to carry out research on the transportation of goods in our towns, one would find that many vehicles very often have goods compartments that are not entirely full, or even have more empty space than used space. In addition, a lot of the time, these vehicles are stationary. Therefore, it is important that a serious study is done, together with all the relevant stakeholders, so that the potential of this method of transport is maximised, as well as to think of better ways in which goods can be transported, with less impact, and with more efficiency.

There are various things we can do as individuals to reduce this negative impact. We can start by avoiding the use of cars, where that is possible. This means becoming more accustomed to virtual meetings in our life, making more use of bikes and scooters, and even walking. Making more frequent use of public transport, or sharing a taxi ride with different people. If you had to take a look at the other vehicles sharing the road with you, or when stopping in traffic, more often than not you are unlikely to find more than one person in the car travelling alongside you. You will generally be hard pressed to find a car that has three or four persons in it. This results in a stuation where the average occupancy for each vehicle on our roads does not exceed one and a half passengers. This is very low when we all know that each vehicle can carry four people. With a bit of effort, and arrangements with colleagues, we can easily reduce two or three cars for each vehicle on the road.  

Another thing that we could do when travelling by car is to use smaller vehicles. Ones that consume less fuel, that have less emissions, and which help in reducing the amount of traffic on the roads. Obviously, we can go one step further and use hybrid cars or electric cars.

When it comes to online shopping, as consumers, we can choose to not opt for urgent or expedited shipping, and thus allow time for them to be delivered along with other products coming to the same destination. Certain online sellers offer the option of delivery to collection points, so that there is less risk of failed delivery when you are not home, and thus avoiding unnecessary extra trips. Decisions like these, although small, can also make a big difference. 

Article by Mario Fava – President of the Local Councils’ Association

If you believe that you have uncovered a scam or you were the target victim of one, ĠEMMA advises you to report this. Do not let the scammer get away with it. Remember that there are vulnerable people who may not have the knowledge you have and may be at a high risk of being scammed unless the scam is stopped.

The following are entities to whom you may wish to make the report:

Cyber Crime Unit at the Malta Police Force

You can contact the Unit as follows:Online:computer.crime@gov.mt; telephone: +356 2294 2231/2.

In person:  Call or visit any Police District station and lodge a report.  The District Police Officer will request the assistance of a member from the Cyber Crime Unit as required.

Your bank

If you are the victim of a debit or credit card fraud, contact your bank immediately. Do the same if you lose your debit or credit card.

The revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) establishes that if you, as a client of a bank, have lost or had your debit or credit card stolen, and it transpires that a fraudulent transaction has occurred after you notified your bank of the loss of your card, you are only liable to pay a maximum of EUR 50.

It is, however, important to note that you will not be entitled to any refund for losses relating to any unauthorised payment transaction if you have incurred such losses by acting fraudulently or by failing to fulfil your obligations with intent or gross negligence.

Complaints and Conciliation Directorate at the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority

You will find the website of the Complaints and Conciliation Directorate here.  You can contact the centre as follows: online:info@mccaa.org.mt; submission of an online form: mccaa.org.mt/home/complaint; freephone:356 8007 4400; and in person as follows: Mizzi House, National Road, Blata l-Bajda, Gozo: Elizabeth Street, Xewkija, Gozo

ĠEMMA has on 21st June 2021 signed a strategic partnership with the Local Councils Association.  Both ĠEMMA and the eSkills Malta Foundation are working the Association so that come October 2021, monthly public fora are held on scams and fraud in local communities.

Article prepared by ĠEMMA (within the Ministry of Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights)

ĠEMMA strongly advises you that you follow these 10 Commandments religiously at all times to protect yourself from scams and fraud:

01	Watch out for scams.   Scammers target you anytime, anywhere, anyhow.
02	Do not respond.   Ignore suspicious emails, letters, house visits, phones calls or SMS messages – press ‘delete’, throw them out, shut the door, or just hang up.
03	Do not agree to an offer straightaway.   Do your research and seek independent advice if it involves significant money, time or commitment, and get the offer in writing
04	Ask yourself who you are really dealing with.   Scammers pose as people or organisations that you know and trust.
05	Do not let scammers push your buttons.   Scammers will play on your emotions to get what they want, including adopting a personal touch. Alternatively, they seek to rush you into making a quick decision before you look into it. Remember there are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes!
06	Keep your computer secure.   Always update your firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and buy only from a verified source.
07	Only pay online using a secure payment service.   Look for a URL starting with ‘https’ and a closed padlock symbol.
08	Do not hand over money and information to someone you do not know and trust.   Any request for payment by an unusual method such as wire transfers, reloadable cards, or gift cards that are nearly impossible to reverse or track is a tell-tale sign that it is part of a scam. And if you do hand money … it is rare to recover
09	Protect your identity.   Your personal details are private and invaluable. Keep them that way and away from scammers.
10	If you spot a scam, spread the word.   Tell your family and friends, and report it to: computer.crime@gov.mt.

In addition to these 10 Commandments, keep in mind the following:

• It is NOT always true that companies, businesses and enterprises are always legitimate. Scammers can easily pretend to have approval and registrations when in fact they do not.

• It is NOT always true that all websites are legitimate. It is easy and cheap to set up a website. And an enterprise’s website can be easily copied by scammers who will want to trick you into believing it to be genuine.

• It is NOT always true that scams involve large amounts of money. Sometimes scammers target many people and try to get a small amount of money from each person.

• It is NOT always true that scams are always about money. Some scams are aimed at stealing personal information from you.

Last year, ĠEMMA (www.gemma.gov.mt) and the eSkills Malta Foundation (https://eskills.org.mt) signed a strategic partnership to disseminate knowledge on digital financial capability.  Fraud and scams is such one digital financial capability.  Jointly we have issued 4 e-books on scams and fraud (https://gemma.gov.mt/ebook-download-page/) and Infographics (https://gemma.gov.mt/resources/infographics/) on tips of how to protect yourself with regard to over 30 different scams and frauds. 

ĠEMMA has on 21st June 2021 signed a strategic partnership with the Local Councils Association.  Both ĠEMMA and the eSkills Malta Foundation are working the Association so that come Octover 2021, monthly public fora are held on scams and fraud in local communities.

Article prepared by ĠEMMA (within the Ministry of Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights)

Recently we have seen a spate of scams in Malta – including phishing, romance fraud and business email fraud.  News papers have reported that one business lost nearly €90,000 as a result of a business email fraud and over €100,000 have been defrauded from persons scammed by the Maltapost phishing scam.

In summer of last year, ĠEMMA (www.gemma.gov.mt) and the eSkills Malta Foundation (https://eskills.org.mt) signed a strategic partnership to disseminate knowledge on digital financial capability.  Fraud and scams is such one financial capability.  Jointly we have issued 4 e-books on scams and fraud (https://gemma.gov.mt/ebook-download-page/) and Infographics (https://gemma.gov.mt/resources/infographics/) on tips of how to protect yourself with regard to over 30 different scams and frauds.  Both ĠEMMA and the Foundation have been disseminating these over their respective social media channels.

This is the first of 3 articles we are presenting on scams and fraud to make people more aware of what scams and frauds are, basic but important cardinal protection measures one should taken, and what one should do in the event that they realise they are scammed.

Most scams follow the same pattern – understand this pattern and it will be easier to spot. The way a scam works is described here.

The Scammer’s approach:  A scammer will approach you with a story designed to make you believe a lie. S/he targets your emotions and behaviour – a chance to make money, to find a partner, to help somebody in need. Invariably the scammer will dress him/herself as a government official, a company – including branding names you are familiar with, an expert investor, a government official, a lottery officer, a lovely lady.  The scammer will use any one of these approaches:

Email	Still the favoured method. Cheap and a good way to communicate with many persons.
Social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), Dating sites, Online forum	Social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), Dating sites, Online forum
Online shopping, classifieds, and auction sites	These are used by scammers to trick you, with initial contact often made through reputable and trusted sites or fake websites that look like the real thin
Phone calls	Calls are made by scammers to homes and businesses in a wide variety of scams, from threatening tax scams to offers of prizes or ‘help’ with computer viruses
SMS	Scammers tend to send a whole range of scams, including competition or prize scams.

The scammer’s tools are designed to get you to lower your defences, build trust in the story and act quickly or irrationally and proceed to the final stage – sending the money or providing personal information.  The scammer’s tools include:

• Creating a sense of urgency so that you will not have the time to think things through and make you react on emotions rather than logic.

• Similarly, using high pressure sales tactics saying it is a limited offer, that prices will rise, or the market will move and the opportunity will be lost.

• Having all the hallmarks of a real business using glossy brochures with technical industry jargon backed up with office fronts, call centres and professional websites.

• Using your personal details to make you believe you have dealt with them before, and make the scam appear legitimate.

• Creating counterfeit and official-looking documents – documents that appear to have government approval or are filled with legal jargon can give a scam an air of authority.

• Similarly, using high pressure sales tactics saying it is a limited offer, that prices will rise or the market will move and the opportunity will be lost.

• Contacting you regularly to build trust and establish a relationship.

Asking for money may be set at the point of contact or after months of careful grooming. Scammers have their preferences for how you send your money. Methods vary: wire transfer, credit / debit card, bank transfer, Bitcoin, etc.

ĠEMMA has on 21st June 2021 signed a strategic partnership with the Local Councils Association.  Both ĠEMMA and the eSkills Malta Foundation are working the Association so that come October 2021, monthly public fora are held on scams and fraud in local communities.

Article prepared by ĠEMMA (within the Ministry of Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights)