scholarly journals Assignment of functions to local authorities in Lesotho

2017 ◽  
pp. 58-74
Author(s):  
Hoolo Nyane
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Intergovernmental Relations ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Community Councils

In Lesotho the adoption of the new constitution in 1993 made provision for local development. These constitutional provisions were only operationalised in 1997 through an Act of parliament (Local Government Act 1997). The question of how functions are assigned between the central and local governments has always been an area of dispute. The Act attempted to demarcate the assignments through the Schedules to the Act which embody the functions of local authorities at various levels – community councils, urban councils and district councils. However, local development and service delivery continue by and large to be undertaken by central government despite the demarcation. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to critically analyse the challenges of assignment of functions to local authorities in Lesotho. The paper contends that as the assignment of functions is integral to decentralisation in Lesotho, intergovernmental relations and assignment of functions should be incorporated into the country’s constitution.

Understanding the forces and critical features of a new reporting and budgeting system adoption by Indonesian local government

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-167
Author(s):  
Harun Harun ◽  
David Carter ◽  
Abu Taher Mollik ◽  
Yi An
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
New Technology ◽  
National Level ◽  
Accounting System ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policymaking And Implementation

Purpose This paper aims to critically explore the forces and critical features relating to the adoption of a new reporting and budgeting system (RBS) in Indonesian local governments. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on an intensive analysis of document sources and interview scripts around the institutionalization of RBS by the Indonesian government and uses the adaption of Dillard et al. (2004) institutional model in informing its findings. Findings The authors find that at the national level, the key drivers in RBS adoption were a combination of exogenous economic and coercive pressures and the wish to mimic accounting reforms in developed nations. At the local government level, the internalization of RBS is a response to a legal obligation imposed by the central government. Despite the RBS adoption has strengthened the transparency of local authorities reports – it limits the roles of other members of citizens in determining how local government budgets are allocated. Research limitations/implications The results of the study should be understood in the historical and institutional contexts of organizations observed. Practical implications The authors reinforce the notion that accounting as a business language dominates narratives and conversations surrounding the nature of government reporting and budgeting systems and how resource allocation is formulated and practiced. This should remind policymakers in other developing nations that any implementation of a new accounting technology should consider institutional capacities of public sector organizations and how the new technology benefits the public. Social implications The authors argue that the dominant role of international financial authorities in the policymaking and implementation of RBS challenges the aim of autonomy policies, which grant greater roles for local authorities and citizens in determining the nature of the budgets and operation of local authorities. Originality/value This study extends institutional theory by adapting the Dillard et al. (2004) model in explaining the forces, actors and critical features of a new accounting system adoption by local governments.

scholarly journals STRATEGI MENSINERGIKAN PROGRAM PENGEMBANGAN MASYARAKAT DENGAN PROGRAM PEMBANGUNAN DAERAH

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akmaruzzaman ◽  
Sumardjo ◽  
Himawan Hariyoga
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Energy Needs ◽  
The Government

Natuna regency is a rich area of natural resource products, but still includes underdeveloped areas in Riau Islands Province. Local governments have to make fundamental changes in building the infrastructure aspects, economic, and human resources to eliminate underdevelopment and reduce dependency on central government. The aims of this research are: (1). to evaluate the effectiveness and stakeholders’ perception of the CD program, in terms of participation and partnership; and (2) to formulate a strategy for synergizing the CD Program of Star Energy with the local government’s development program. The analytical methods that are used in this research are descriptive analysis and SWOT analysis. This research was undertaken in Palmatak Sub District and Siantan Sub District of Natuna District of Kepulauan Riau Province, from June until October, 2008. The results indicated that the government stakeholders perceived that the participation of the CD program’s beneficiaries was adequate, and that the partnership between Star Energy and the local government was inadequate. The result of SWOT analysis suggested that Star Energy needs to focus its CD program on sustainable activities, such as economic development and education programs. The strategy for increasing synergy with the local development programs is to intensify communication between the company and the local government through the formation of community development partnership forum.Keywords: Community Development (CD), Effectiveness, Policy Strategy

Local Government Borrowing Capacity: Legislative versus Market Approach in Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-209
Author(s):  
Vasja Rant ◽  
Mitja Čok ◽  
Gregor Rožman ◽  
Miroslav Verbič
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Market Sentiment ◽  
Investment Opportunities ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Market Approach ◽  
Financing And Investment

In this article, we develop a new conceptual model for estimating local government borrowing capacity that combines a legislative and market approach. The model has wider applicability and is relevant for several stakeholders: for the local governments to determine their development financing potential, for the central government to balance local development needs with macroeconomic stability objectives, and for financial institutions and project, developers to tailor their products to the local financing and investment opportunities. We apply the model on selected local government units in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia and test the hypothesis that their relative (per capita) borrowing capacities differ. We find that the legislative borrowing capacity is more restrictive in Slovenia, while market limitations cap the borrowing capacity in Croatia and Serbia. Overall, Slovenian local government units have the highest relative (per capita) market borrowing capacity, followed by local government units in Croatia and Serbia. We also find evidence that market sentiment may be prohibitive for the borrowing of some units. Our results additionally indicate substantial unused local borrowing capacities in the analysed local government units.

scholarly journals Restitution of local government in Poland in the 1990s. Social perception of administrative reforms

2021 ◽  
pp. 5-25
Author(s):  
Piotr Swacha ◽  
Jacek Wojnicki
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Round Table ◽  
Local Elections ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
The Government

One of the most important steps in the transition from the so-called “real socialism” to democracy was the process of administrative decentralization. In less than ten years, after the “round table” agreements, Polish parliament was able to introduce reforms that changed the structure of local governments. It created three tiers of self-governments and provided redistribution of authority, responsibility, tasks and competences between the government (and their institutions) and local governments. The first aim of the article is to present this process and indicate crucial decisions and actions made by Polish parliament. The second part of the article is mainly based on the results of a research made by CBOS and non-governmental organizations. The data shows how the local government has been perceived during the last two decades by Poles, it brings the information about a sense of influence on local affairs, the importance of local elections, trust in local authorities, belief in the influence of local authorities on local development, perception of the role and autonomy of local authorities. The second part of the article also contains secondary analysis of data on voting turnout in Polish local elections.

scholarly journals Decentralization: Catalyst for Welfare Service Delivery by Local Government Administration

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Salihu Abdulwaheed ◽  
Khalil Samihah
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Primary Education ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Healthcare Service ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Fiscal Year ◽  
Welfare Service ◽  
State And Local

The paper aims to look at the transferring of authorities, resources and responsibilities from one tier of government (central government) to other tiers of government (state and local governments) in order to deliver efficient and effective welfare service. This transfer serves two basic purposes, namely accountability for resource management and effective welfare service delivery. This can only be possible if the system of co-responsibility between institutions of governance at the central, states and local governments is decentralized effectively. Similarly, the paper intends to critically examine local governments’ budget and budgeting system in order to deliver primary education and healthcare service to the public. Therefore, the paper studies the main source of revenue of local governments, and determines how the resources are utilized in providing primary education and healthcare services. The study designs information data sheet to elicit information from at least four local governments in Nigeria. Statutory allocation disbursed to four local governments under consideration for the fiscal year 2008 is considered. Approved annual budget of the local governments is analyzed to determine the differential (%) in terms of what is budgeted and what is the budget outcomes. The findings reveal average differential of 65.78% between approved and actual estimates for primary education, and 37.57% for primary healthcare service in the local government under consideration. This shows that local governments under consideration are not delivering primary education and healthcare services optimally.

scholarly journals Holding governments accountable for service delivery: the local government councils scorecard initiative in Uganda

2019 ◽  
pp. 187-205
Author(s):  
Lillian Muyomba-Tamale ◽  
Kiran Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Social Accountability ◽  
Think Tank ◽  
Demand Chain

Uganda’s Local Government Councils Scorecard Initiative is a strategic social accountability initiative designed to enable citizens to demand excellence of their local governments and enable local governments to respond to citizen demands for effective and efficient service delivery. Begun in 2009, it is one of the signature programmes of Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), a public policy research and advocacy think tank in Uganda. The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Uganda Local Governments Association. The centrepiece of the initiative is the local government council scorecard, a capacity-building tool for assessing the performance of district-level elected officials in accordance with roles and responsibilities set out in the Uganda’s Local Government Act 1997 (as amended). Incorporating multiple links in the supply and demand chain of good governance and accountability – citizens, civil society organisations, local government and central government – the administration of the scorecard and dissemination of performance results is grounded in an action research methodology. Follow the positive reception of the initiative after eight years of implementation in Uganda, it is hoped that other countries will look to adapt this methodology to engage in similar types of social accountability initiatives.

scholarly journals An analysis of the effects of equalisation funds on service delivery in selected local authorities in Zambia

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanson Chishimba ◽  
Eustarckio Kazonga ◽  
Evaristo Nsenduluka
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Income Taxes ◽  
City Council ◽  
Local Authorities ◽  
Property Owners ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Government ◽  
Self Help Groups

Background: The government of the Republic of Zambia established the Local Government Equalisation Fund, to which each year parliament appropriates not less than 5% of the total amount of projected income taxes collected for the republic for that financial year. The purpose of the fund is to provide a source of financing for service delivery.Aim: The goal of this study was to analyse the effects of equalisation funds on service delivery in selected local authorities in Zambia.Setting: The study focused on Lusaka City Council, Luanshya Municipal Council and Chisamba and Luangwa town councils in Zambia.Methods: A concurrent mixed-methods approach was used. The population comprised registered property owners and council officials in the selected districts. The sample was drawn using stratified sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and analysed by using descriptive statistics and regression analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Qualitative data were analysed using a narrative approach.Results: The expenditure composition of the equalisation funds shows that expenditure on personal emoluments accounts for a greater proportion than capital and service expenditure. There were similarities and differences in the methods of service delivery among local authorities: the use of local government enterprise, contracting out, franchises, volunteers, self-help groups and in-house provision.Conclusion: There is lack of satisfactory adherence to the guidelines on utilisation of equalisation funds for service delivery as espoused by the central government. The local authorities studied do not adhere to the prescribed guidelines on the utilisation of equalisation funds.

scholarly journals Performance of Decentralized Local Service Delivery in Developed Countries: Case Study of Japan

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (35) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyantha W. Mudalige
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Political Institutions ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Local Service ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative

Many countries decentralize the administrative, fiscal, and political functions of the central government to lower-level governments. In many developing and developed countries, governments and their policymakers have used decentralization as a means of improving the delivery of local service. Accordingly, this study is based on the delivery of local services to the people by the local governments of Japan as a developed country. The overall objective of this article is to review the performance of decentralized local service delivery in developed countries and based on a case study of Japan. The study also aims to examine the correlation between the revenue and expenditure of local governments of Japan and its trends. Basically, this article has been written based on secondary data materials. This data consists of qualitative and quantitative characteristics. Hence, a qualitative and quantitative descriptive method has been applied to analyse the performance of local government decentralization in Japan, and descriptive statistical methods are used to analyse the data and the correlation between revenue and expenditure. The problem in this research is how the functional political institutions created for local service delivery at the sub-national governments in Japan affects the success of decentralization. This research revealed several findings. The local governments of Japan have a sound institutional system and several powers recognized by the constitution. Japanese local governments monitor over 70% of national works, but a majority of the standard public services are the responsibility of local governments. Karl Pearson’s correlation value of revenue and expenditure is 0.979, and there is a strong positive relationship between revenues and expenditure. In Japan, the highest value of local government spending is on public welfare. It is followed by education, civil engineering works, and general administration, second, third, and fourth, respectively. Also, its central and local administrative institutions are maintained in a mutually dependent and mutually complementary relationship. Most of the local governments are collaborating with the private sector in Japan. As a result, the efficiency of service delivery has improved at the local level. In this way, waste management, which is a major local problem in Japan, is being dealt with closely by the central government and the local governments.

A Case for Decentralization in Zimbabwe’s local government system: Challenges and Opportunities

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Takudzwa Madzimure
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Citizen Participation ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Colonial Era ◽  
Local Structures ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Effective Service

The issue of decentralization in Zimbabwe’s local government system has been topical since the colonial era. In the post-independence epoch the expectation was that the new majority government would address the centralization of governance which was motivated by racial imbalances. However, decentralization was not achieved as local government was not recognized in the Lancaster House Constitution adopted at independence in 1980. For years this allowed the central government to control all the local government structures in the country. The relationship between local governments and the central government became bitter and tense after the formation of a formidable opposition, MDC, which has been controlling most urban local authorities since its formation. The 2013 Constitution has not improved things either as the central government has not been willing to implement the new law to its latter and spirit. In all this it is the citizens who have been bearing the brunt as there has been poor service delivery owing to the bad relationship between the center and local structures. The study found out that if decentralization is fully implemented in Zimbabwe it has the potential of bringing efficient and effective service delivery, citizen participation, democracy and accountability in the local government system. The paper also makes recommendations on what needs to be done to achieve decentralization in the country’s local government system.

Local Government in Japan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Victor Leonard Hijino
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Central Government ◽  
Intergovernmental Relations ◽  
Complex Dynamics ◽  
National Level ◽  
Local Policy ◽  
Fiscal Constraints ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Decentralization Reforms

To understand the complex dynamics and role of local government in Japan’s democracy, three related questions need to be addressed. First, how much capacity and autonomy do local governments have to act? Second, what impact does local government have on national-level elections and policies? And finally, how responsive and accountable are local governments to residents? This chapter will seek to address these questions by first laying out the institutional framework of Japan’s local government system, including its recent decentralization reforms. In the second section, it illustrates how these institutional features combine with underlying socioeconomic conditions to shape local representation and intergovernmental relations. In the third section, it briefly considers two interlinked and key challenges facing local government: combatting depopulation and improving representation. The chapter finds that Japanese local government is significant in scale and indispensable to the administration of the Japanese state; decentralization reforms have further expanded local responsibilities while minimizing interventions from the central government; local governments continue to have a significant impact on the national arena, both electorally and policy-wise; local policy innovations in a wide range of areas have been co-opted nationally, while local lobbying and opposition pressures have induced central governments to respond to local interests; aside from some exceptional periods and limited regions, local government representation has not been driven by partisan or programmatic competition; and, more recently, local voters are demanding more of their representatives who have lost their clientelist role as communities face increasingly competitive environments, fiscal constraints, and pressures to innovate.

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