Parliamentary Ombudsman discusses role of the Office in relation to Local Councils on Ir-Resident l-Ewwel

Parliamentary Ombudsman discusses role of the Office in relation to Local Councils on Ir-Resident l-Ewwel

Published March 20, 2026

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, was interviewed by Mario Fava, President of the Local Council Association, on Radju Malta during the programme Ir-Resident l-Ewwel.

During the interview, the Ombudsman explained the role of the Office in relation to Local Councils and its broader function within the public administration. He outlined that the primary role of the Ombudsman is to investigate complaints concerning acts, omissions or practices of public bodies, including Local Councils, with the aim of ensuring fairness and accountability.

He also emphasised the second, equally important role of the institution, that of improving the quality of public services. Through its work, the Ombudsman seeks not only to resolve individual complaints but also to encourage better administrative practices across the public sector.

The Ombudsman stated that the Office serves as a voice for those who feel that the system has failed them. He explained that the procedure adopted by the Ombudsman is informal and free of charge. Many complaints are resolved without the need for a full investigation. Where an investigation is required, it is conducted in a thorough and impartial manner, ensuring that all parties are heard before conclusions and recommendations are issued.

Judge Zammit McKeon also highlighted that the Office of the Ombudsman is not only available to investigate complaints against Local Councils, but can also assist Local Councils themselves when they encounter administrative difficulties with other public authorities. He referred to instances where Local Councils, including on a collective basis, have approached the Ombudsman on issues affecting residents, such as delays in road works, unfinished infrastructure projects and noise nuisance.

The Ombudsman also spoke about the power of own initiative investigations. He referred to a case involving a connecting road between two localities which had remained unfinished following works carried out by a public entity. The Ombudsman intervened on his own initiative, and the investigation led to the completion of the works. 

In his concluding remarks, the Ombudsman underlined that Local Councils are the first point of contact for residents within their communities. He stressed the importance of Local Councils being attentive to the difficulties faced by residents and making every effort to resolve issues at an early stage, thereby reducing the need for individuals to seek redress through the Ombudsman.