From the streets to the basements : a comparative study between the most affluent and the least affluent localities

Abstract

In this study, the state of poverty was investigated in six Local Councils; three from the most affluent localities and the other three from the least affluent localities. The localities were chosen based on the analysis of unemployment rate as a surrogate for poverty as registered at the time of the research survey. The Mayors of each locality gave their views, assumptions, knowledge and ideas on poverty. The research studied whether Local Councils were aware of and able to identify the problems of poverty in their localities. Moreover, the research tried to resolve the question whether Local Councils were doing anything within and beyond their means in assisting people who find themselves in difficult economical or social situations. The research sought to identify what Local Councils were doing to ameliorate the situation of economic poverty and social deprivation in their localities. This study also aims to understand whether Local Councils have the fundamental potential to reduce poverty in their respective localities since they are the smallest governing bodies (least administrative units - NUTS5) prevalent in Malta. Through the research, it has emerged that although Local Councils do not have any legislative power concerning poverty; they are extremely focused on improving the social situation of their localities. It was also understood that the intensity of the programmes carried out by the Local Councils must be directed accordingly to the intensity of the poverty and problems that the locality experiences. This research also sought to answer the question whether it made sense to have a national policy on poverty as against a local policy. It was clearly found out that although many of the Mayors agreed that Local Councils can give their assistance, it was of paramount importance that the central Government and its agencies should be the major players.