Working group session WG2 Central-local government relations Jaap de Visser

What are effective central/local govt relations? What are effective central/local govt relations? Why are such relationships important and what value can they add to good and meaningful governance? Why are such relationships important and what value can they add to good and meaningful governance? How can we achieve meaningful IGR in order to improve? How can we achieve meaningful IGR in order to improve?

Variables Federal – unitary structure Federal – unitary structure  Local government a matter for national or for state/province?  NB! In reality it always is National electoral system: constituency or party list? National electoral system: constituency or party list?

What are effective central/local government relations? Distinguish ‘supervision’ from ‘cooperation’ Distinguish ‘supervision’ from ‘cooperation’  Cooperation: central govt. is your equal  Supervision: central govt. is not your equal

Central govt. supervision Regulatory framework – enabling legal framework Regulatory framework – enabling legal framework Monitoring and evaluation by central govt. Monitoring and evaluation by central govt. Support Support Intervention Intervention Redistribution – intergovernmental fiscal relations, equitable transfers Redistribution – intergovernmental fiscal relations, equitable transfers NB! Not a relationship of equality, but based on respect for roles and status NB! Not a relationship of equality, but based on respect for roles and status

Cooperation Normative framework for cooperation Normative framework for cooperation  What are the values, underpinning cooperation? Integrated planning (functional vs administrative boundaries) Integrated planning (functional vs administrative boundaries)  How to align strategic and spatial planning? Intergovernmental structures Intergovernmental structures  Platforms for dialogue between levels of govt.?

Local government associations Appreciation of their status and role Appreciation of their status and role  RSA: constitutional recognition, representation in 2 nd chamber of Parliament (non-voting) and Fiscal & Financial Commission Central govt. supervision: LGAs are watchdogs Central govt. supervision: LGAs are watchdogs Cooperation with central govt.: LGAs are voice of LG Cooperation with central govt.: LGAs are voice of LG Challenge: multiplicity of issues, limited capacity Challenge: multiplicity of issues, limited capacity  RSA: limited availability of politicians to do advocacy

Important dynamics Role of big cities Role of big cities  Direct line with central govt.?  Separate association? Role and structure of political parties? Role and structure of political parties?  RSA: composition of ANC’s National Executive  less than 3% from LG Relationships with Parliamentarians Relationships with Parliamentarians  Tanzania, Malawi: MPs are Council members

Thank you. Jaap de Visser