Strategic support to local governance and decentralisation

Strategic support to local governance and decentralisation – a European perspective Tunis, 22 November 2012 Sandra Ceciarini (CEMR) and Ryan Knox (SKL International) 1

Decentralisation as a European policy issue • • • Why support decentralisation? European Charter of LSG as a driver for decentralisation Recognition of LRAs in European development policy Clearly defined role for LG in social welfare and service delivery New context for the next Communication Agenda for change highlights: (i) need for multi-actor approach and (ii) role of LRAs for good governance and democracy Complementarity between geographic and thematic programmes EC should take account of LRA rules/regulations of both northern and southern partners Multi-actor consultation required in programming and implmentation of programmes in partner countries Role of national Associations 2

Case 1: Strengthening a national association (Turkey) • Thematic local partnership between Swedish and Turkish Municipalities – and partnership between 2 national Associations • Organisational strengthening of UMT (coordinated with UNDP) • UMT becomes more independent / active in lobbying (incl. LG finance) • UMT discusses options for permanent structure for intergovernmental dialogue 3

Case 2: Support to inter-governmental reform dialogue (Albania) § Ambitious decentralisation process introduced (2000), stalled § Political fall-out affects local sector (2009 – 2011) § Albanian Association of Communes maintains balance in membership § Enters into dialogue with central level on: § Inter-governmental finance reform (coordinated with USAID) § Examination of LG service delivery and organisational constraints § Territorial amalgamation 4

Case 3: Centrally-led decentralisation (Botswana) § External consultancy support requested to define national decentralisation policy and roadmap for implementation § Focus on improved service delivery in district councils § Step-by-step approach to strengthening (accountability of) district councils – gradual transfer responsibilities § Strong focus on coordination at national, district and local levels § Coordination function envisaged within President’s Office: (i) to initiate decentralisation process; (ii) to guide efforts of line ministries; (iii) as a referral agency for new proposals on legislation § Local coordination between District Councils and line ministries operating at the local level needed for consultation and planning, with input from appointed District Commissioner § To be combined with massive training efforts! 5

A few lessons… § Decentralisation addressed through combination of approaches/actors § Political will is needed at all (especially central) levels § Strong and independent LGAs are an important element of decentralisation process; can ensure local considerations are reflected § Clear definition of responsibilities is vital (legislation) § Changes in LG mandate require changes LG financing § Ambitious alterations in welfare provision may enforce changes in the structure of local and regional government § Decentralisation is a vulnerable process! § Donors need to better consider political economy factors § External support can provide useful inputs but widespread local ownership is essential! § How can current EU bilateral mechanisms be adapted to ensure more effective engagement of a wide set of actors, beyond the ’Beneficiary’? 6

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