Will Consolidation Improve Sub-national Governments?

Will Consolidation Improve Sub-national Governments?

Author: William F. Fox

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 46

ISBN-13: 6050511020

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Abstract: "Local government size varies dramatically around the world. In Sudan, Cote d'Ivoire, and the United Kingdom, municipalities average more than 125,000 people. Those in many European countries have less than 10,000 people. Countries often consider consolidation of local governments as a means to lower service delivery costs, improve service quality, enhance accountability, improve equity, or expand participation in government. The authors review a number of theoretical arguments and empirical findings concerning the size of sub-national governments. Countries should not presume that amalgamation will solve problems because benefits and costs are situation specific. Success depends on many factors, including getting incentives right for the various players and managing the transition properly. The effects on costs must be examined in terms of all changes occurring with consolidation, including geographic size. Size economies appear service specific and are most likely to result for infrastructure intensive services such as water and sewerage. Size economies are less likely for services such as education that are provided in numerous small production units near the population. Also, the potential for savings depends on other factors, such as willingness to eliminate redundant workers. Consolidation reduces the potential for local government competition, which appears to enhance service quality but not necessarily overall government size. There is some evidence that citizens are more willing to be involved in larger governments, but trust may fall with government size. Larger governments can improve regional planning by handling problems with a broader geographic perspective and giving the government more influence with national policymakers."--World Bank web site.


Book Synopsis Will Consolidation Improve Sub-national Governments? by : William F. Fox

Download or read book Will Consolidation Improve Sub-national Governments? written by William F. Fox and published by World Bank Publications. This book was released on 2006 with total page 46 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Abstract: "Local government size varies dramatically around the world. In Sudan, Cote d'Ivoire, and the United Kingdom, municipalities average more than 125,000 people. Those in many European countries have less than 10,000 people. Countries often consider consolidation of local governments as a means to lower service delivery costs, improve service quality, enhance accountability, improve equity, or expand participation in government. The authors review a number of theoretical arguments and empirical findings concerning the size of sub-national governments. Countries should not presume that amalgamation will solve problems because benefits and costs are situation specific. Success depends on many factors, including getting incentives right for the various players and managing the transition properly. The effects on costs must be examined in terms of all changes occurring with consolidation, including geographic size. Size economies appear service specific and are most likely to result for infrastructure intensive services such as water and sewerage. Size economies are less likely for services such as education that are provided in numerous small production units near the population. Also, the potential for savings depends on other factors, such as willingness to eliminate redundant workers. Consolidation reduces the potential for local government competition, which appears to enhance service quality but not necessarily overall government size. There is some evidence that citizens are more willing to be involved in larger governments, but trust may fall with government size. Larger governments can improve regional planning by handling problems with a broader geographic perspective and giving the government more influence with national policymakers."--World Bank web site.

Will Consolidation Improve Sub-National Governments?

Will Consolidation Improve Sub-National Governments?

Author: William F. Fox

Publisher:

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 46

ISBN-13:

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Local government size varies dramatically around the world. In Sudan, Cote d'Ivoire, and the United Kingdom, municipalities average more than 125,000 people. Those in many European countries have less than 10,000 people. Countries often consider consolidation of local governments as a means to lower service delivery costs, improve service quality, enhance accountability, improve equity, or expand participation in government. The authors review a number of theoretical arguments and empirical findings concerning the size of sub-national governments. Countries should not presume that amalgamation will solve problems because benefits and costs are situation specific. Success depends on many factors, including getting incentives right for the various players and managing the transition properly. The effects on costs must be examined in terms of all changes occurring with consolidation, including geographic size. Size economies appear service specific and are most likely to result for infrastructure intensive services such as water and sewerage. Size economies are less likely for services such as education that are provided in numerous small production units near the population. Also, the potential for savings depends on other factors, such as willingness to eliminate redundant workers. Consolidation reduces the potential for local government competition, which appears to enhance service quality but not necessarily overall government size. There is some evidence that citizens are more willing to be involved in larger governments, but trust may fall with government size. Larger governments can improve regional planning by handling problems with a broader geographic perspective and giving the government more influence with national policymakers.


Book Synopsis Will Consolidation Improve Sub-National Governments? by : William F. Fox

Download or read book Will Consolidation Improve Sub-National Governments? written by William F. Fox and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 46 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Local government size varies dramatically around the world. In Sudan, Cote d'Ivoire, and the United Kingdom, municipalities average more than 125,000 people. Those in many European countries have less than 10,000 people. Countries often consider consolidation of local governments as a means to lower service delivery costs, improve service quality, enhance accountability, improve equity, or expand participation in government. The authors review a number of theoretical arguments and empirical findings concerning the size of sub-national governments. Countries should not presume that amalgamation will solve problems because benefits and costs are situation specific. Success depends on many factors, including getting incentives right for the various players and managing the transition properly. The effects on costs must be examined in terms of all changes occurring with consolidation, including geographic size. Size economies appear service specific and are most likely to result for infrastructure intensive services such as water and sewerage. Size economies are less likely for services such as education that are provided in numerous small production units near the population. Also, the potential for savings depends on other factors, such as willingness to eliminate redundant workers. Consolidation reduces the potential for local government competition, which appears to enhance service quality but not necessarily overall government size. There is some evidence that citizens are more willing to be involved in larger governments, but trust may fall with government size. Larger governments can improve regional planning by handling problems with a broader geographic perspective and giving the government more influence with national policymakers.

Will Consolidation Improve Sub-National Governments?

Will Consolidation Improve Sub-National Governments?

Author: William F. Fox

Publisher:

Published: 2012

Total Pages:

ISBN-13:

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Local government size varies dramatically around the world. In Sudan, Cote d'Ivoire, and the United Kingdom, municipalities average more than 125,000 people. Those in many European countries have less than 10,000 people. Countries often consider consolidation of local governments as a means to lower service delivery costs, improve service quality, enhance accountability, improve equity, or expand participation in government. The authors review a number of theoretical arguments and empirical findings concerning the size of sub-national governments. Countries should not presume that amalgamation will solve problems because benefits and costs are situation specific. Success depends on many factors, including getting incentives right for the various players and managing the transition properly. The effects on costs must be examined in terms of all changes occurring with consolidation, including geographic size. Size economies appear service specific and are most likely to result for infrastructure intensive services such as water and sewerage. Size economies are less likely for services such as education that are provided in numerous small production units near the population. Also, the potential for savings depends on other factors, such as willingness to eliminate redundant workers. Consolidation reduces the potential for local government competition, which appears to enhance service quality but not necessarily overall government size. There is some evidence that citizens are more willing to be involved in larger governments, but trust may fall with government size. Larger governments can improve regional planning by handling problems with a broader geographic perspective and giving the government more influence with national policymakers.


Book Synopsis Will Consolidation Improve Sub-National Governments? by : William F. Fox

Download or read book Will Consolidation Improve Sub-National Governments? written by William F. Fox and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Local government size varies dramatically around the world. In Sudan, Cote d'Ivoire, and the United Kingdom, municipalities average more than 125,000 people. Those in many European countries have less than 10,000 people. Countries often consider consolidation of local governments as a means to lower service delivery costs, improve service quality, enhance accountability, improve equity, or expand participation in government. The authors review a number of theoretical arguments and empirical findings concerning the size of sub-national governments. Countries should not presume that amalgamation will solve problems because benefits and costs are situation specific. Success depends on many factors, including getting incentives right for the various players and managing the transition properly. The effects on costs must be examined in terms of all changes occurring with consolidation, including geographic size. Size economies appear service specific and are most likely to result for infrastructure intensive services such as water and sewerage. Size economies are less likely for services such as education that are provided in numerous small production units near the population. Also, the potential for savings depends on other factors, such as willingness to eliminate redundant workers. Consolidation reduces the potential for local government competition, which appears to enhance service quality but not necessarily overall government size. There is some evidence that citizens are more willing to be involved in larger governments, but trust may fall with government size. Larger governments can improve regional planning by handling problems with a broader geographic perspective and giving the government more influence with national policymakers.

Local Government Consolidation in the United States

Local Government Consolidation in the United States

Author: Dagney Gail Faulk

Publisher:

Published: 2011

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781604977486

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This book addresses two issues related to the structure of local government: the determinants of consolidation and the potential impact of consolidation on local government spending. This is a narrow undertaking and leaves important elements of local government reform for future analysis. The study's primary foci are examining the factors that influence city-county consolidation, considering the impact of city-county consolidation on local government spending, and estimating the potential savings that could result from the scale economies and efficiency gains from consolidating local government units. While other regions of the United States are considered in this study, but the analysis focuses primarily on the Midwest where population declines and changes in the employment base and state policies (such as property tax caps in Indiana) have had dramatic effects on the fiscal viability of local governments. The current economic climate, along with policy changes related to property tax restructuring in many states, has led to substantial reductions in local governments' budgets. As a result, many local governments are in crisis and are considering some level of consolidation. Statistical methods and data on consolidation referendum attempts in the United States since 1970 are used to test whether governments that have consolidated (i.e., voters approved the consolidation referendum) had higher spending prior to their consolidation (as measured by local government employment rates, payrolls, and expenditures) compared to the average local government in the state. The effects of city-county consolidation are explored; using consolidation referendum data, the impact of consolidation on local government employment rates, payrolls, and expenditures is examined. The influence of consolidation on economic development is also investigated with some interesting results. The study also used two methods to estimate the savings from government consolidation and presents aggregate models to examine the potential savings from economies of scale and efficiency improvements. The book also helpfully provides a helpful discussion of the economies of scale and efficiency for several functional areas, including police and fire protection, sewerage, solid waste, public welfare, administration, health, education, and libraries. This book will be an essential resource for political scientists and policy makers interested in American government. Written in a highly accessible manner, it will also be a valuable read for students and general readers.


Book Synopsis Local Government Consolidation in the United States by : Dagney Gail Faulk

Download or read book Local Government Consolidation in the United States written by Dagney Gail Faulk and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book addresses two issues related to the structure of local government: the determinants of consolidation and the potential impact of consolidation on local government spending. This is a narrow undertaking and leaves important elements of local government reform for future analysis. The study's primary foci are examining the factors that influence city-county consolidation, considering the impact of city-county consolidation on local government spending, and estimating the potential savings that could result from the scale economies and efficiency gains from consolidating local government units. While other regions of the United States are considered in this study, but the analysis focuses primarily on the Midwest where population declines and changes in the employment base and state policies (such as property tax caps in Indiana) have had dramatic effects on the fiscal viability of local governments. The current economic climate, along with policy changes related to property tax restructuring in many states, has led to substantial reductions in local governments' budgets. As a result, many local governments are in crisis and are considering some level of consolidation. Statistical methods and data on consolidation referendum attempts in the United States since 1970 are used to test whether governments that have consolidated (i.e., voters approved the consolidation referendum) had higher spending prior to their consolidation (as measured by local government employment rates, payrolls, and expenditures) compared to the average local government in the state. The effects of city-county consolidation are explored; using consolidation referendum data, the impact of consolidation on local government employment rates, payrolls, and expenditures is examined. The influence of consolidation on economic development is also investigated with some interesting results. The study also used two methods to estimate the savings from government consolidation and presents aggregate models to examine the potential savings from economies of scale and efficiency improvements. The book also helpfully provides a helpful discussion of the economies of scale and efficiency for several functional areas, including police and fire protection, sewerage, solid waste, public welfare, administration, health, education, and libraries. This book will be an essential resource for political scientists and policy makers interested in American government. Written in a highly accessible manner, it will also be a valuable read for students and general readers.

Handbook on Subnational Governments and Governance

Handbook on Subnational Governments and Governance

Author: Claudia N. Avellaneda

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Published: 2024-03-14

Total Pages: 436

ISBN-13: 180392537X

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This comprehensive Handbook analyses the political, financial, administrative, and managerial dimensions of subnational governments. It examines the profound differences between forms of subnational governance across the world, as well as the common challenges faced by governments below the national level.


Book Synopsis Handbook on Subnational Governments and Governance by : Claudia N. Avellaneda

Download or read book Handbook on Subnational Governments and Governance written by Claudia N. Avellaneda and published by Edward Elgar Publishing. This book was released on 2024-03-14 with total page 436 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This comprehensive Handbook analyses the political, financial, administrative, and managerial dimensions of subnational governments. It examines the profound differences between forms of subnational governance across the world, as well as the common challenges faced by governments below the national level.

Financing Metropolitan Governments in Developing Countries

Financing Metropolitan Governments in Developing Countries

Author: Roy W. Bahl

Publisher: Lincoln Inst of Land Policy

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 430

ISBN-13: 9781558442542

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The economic activity that drives growth in developing countries is heavily concentrated in cities. Catchphrases such as “metropolitan areas are the engines that pull the national economy” turn out to be fairly accurate. But the same advantages of metropolitan areas that draw investment also draw migrants who need jobs and housing, lead to demands for better infrastructure and social services, and result in increased congestion, environmental harm, and social problems. The challenges for metropolitan public finance are to capture a share of the economic growth to adequately finance new and growing expenditures and to organize governance so that services can be delivered in a cost-effective way, giving the local population a voice in fiscal decision making. At the same time, care must be taken to avoid overregulation and overtaxation, which will hamper the now quite mobile economic engine of private investment and entrepreneurial initiative. Metropolitan planning has become a reality in most large urban areas, even though the planning agencies are often ineffective in moving things forward and in linking their plans with the fiscal and financial realities of metropolitan government. A growing number of success stories in metropolitan finance and management, together with accumulated experience and proper efforts and support, could be extended to a broader array of forward-looking programs to address the growing public service needs of metropolitan-area populations. Nevertheless, sweeping metropolitan-area fiscal reforms have been few and far between; the urban policy reform agenda is still a long one; and there is a reasonable prospect that closing the gaps between what we know how to do and what is actually being done will continue to be difficult and slow. This book identifies the most important issues in metropolitan governance and finance in developing countries, describes the practice, explores the gap between practice and what theory suggests should be done, and lays out the reform paths that might be considered. Part of the solution will rest in rethinking expenditure assignments and instruments of finance. The “right” approach also will depend on the flexibility of political leaders to relinquish some control in order to find a better solution to the metropolitan finance problem.


Book Synopsis Financing Metropolitan Governments in Developing Countries by : Roy W. Bahl

Download or read book Financing Metropolitan Governments in Developing Countries written by Roy W. Bahl and published by Lincoln Inst of Land Policy. This book was released on 2013 with total page 430 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The economic activity that drives growth in developing countries is heavily concentrated in cities. Catchphrases such as “metropolitan areas are the engines that pull the national economy” turn out to be fairly accurate. But the same advantages of metropolitan areas that draw investment also draw migrants who need jobs and housing, lead to demands for better infrastructure and social services, and result in increased congestion, environmental harm, and social problems. The challenges for metropolitan public finance are to capture a share of the economic growth to adequately finance new and growing expenditures and to organize governance so that services can be delivered in a cost-effective way, giving the local population a voice in fiscal decision making. At the same time, care must be taken to avoid overregulation and overtaxation, which will hamper the now quite mobile economic engine of private investment and entrepreneurial initiative. Metropolitan planning has become a reality in most large urban areas, even though the planning agencies are often ineffective in moving things forward and in linking their plans with the fiscal and financial realities of metropolitan government. A growing number of success stories in metropolitan finance and management, together with accumulated experience and proper efforts and support, could be extended to a broader array of forward-looking programs to address the growing public service needs of metropolitan-area populations. Nevertheless, sweeping metropolitan-area fiscal reforms have been few and far between; the urban policy reform agenda is still a long one; and there is a reasonable prospect that closing the gaps between what we know how to do and what is actually being done will continue to be difficult and slow. This book identifies the most important issues in metropolitan governance and finance in developing countries, describes the practice, explores the gap between practice and what theory suggests should be done, and lays out the reform paths that might be considered. Part of the solution will rest in rethinking expenditure assignments and instruments of finance. The “right” approach also will depend on the flexibility of political leaders to relinquish some control in order to find a better solution to the metropolitan finance problem.

OECD Economic Surveys: Finland 2014

OECD Economic Surveys: Finland 2014

Author: OECD

Publisher: OECD Publishing

Published: 2014-02-12

Total Pages: 117

ISBN-13: 9264206760

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This 2014 Economic Survey of Finland examines recent economic developments, policies and prospects. Special chapters look at ageing and local public finances.


Book Synopsis OECD Economic Surveys: Finland 2014 by : OECD

Download or read book OECD Economic Surveys: Finland 2014 written by OECD and published by OECD Publishing. This book was released on 2014-02-12 with total page 117 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This 2014 Economic Survey of Finland examines recent economic developments, policies and prospects. Special chapters look at ageing and local public finances.

Transparency in Government Operations

Transparency in Government Operations

Author: Mr.J. D. Craig

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 1998-02-03

Total Pages: 50

ISBN-13: 155775697X

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Transparency in government operations is widely regarded as an important precondition for macroeconomic fiscal sustainability, good governance, and overall fiscal rectitude. Notably, the Interim Committee, at its April and September 1996 meetings, stressed the need for greater fiscal transparency. Prompted by these concerns, this paper represents a first attempt to address many of the aspects of transparency in government operations. It provides an overview of major issues in fiscal transparency and examines the IMF's role in promoting transparency in government operations.


Book Synopsis Transparency in Government Operations by : Mr.J. D. Craig

Download or read book Transparency in Government Operations written by Mr.J. D. Craig and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 1998-02-03 with total page 50 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Transparency in government operations is widely regarded as an important precondition for macroeconomic fiscal sustainability, good governance, and overall fiscal rectitude. Notably, the Interim Committee, at its April and September 1996 meetings, stressed the need for greater fiscal transparency. Prompted by these concerns, this paper represents a first attempt to address many of the aspects of transparency in government operations. It provides an overview of major issues in fiscal transparency and examines the IMF's role in promoting transparency in government operations.

Alternative Service Delivery: Readiness Check

Alternative Service Delivery: Readiness Check

Author: Gerald T. Gabris

Publisher: ICMA Publishing

Published: 2014-04-15

Total Pages: 155

ISBN-13: 0873265963

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Alternative Service Delivery: Readiness Check synthesizes academic and practitioner knowledge about alternative service delivery (ASD) systems. This handbook offers information and insights that local governments can use to provide public services more effectively and efficiently. It serves as a primer about alternative service delivery, intended to guide investigation of new approaches to service delivery. It derives from multiple conversations with local government practitioners in Illinois who were frustrated by a lack of guidance on how to think about alternative service delivery methods for public services, and in what circumstances different alternatives were more or less successful. This handbook is written for both appointed managers and elected officials who are looking for innovative ways to consider service delivery and want to answer the basic question, “Can we be doing this better?” Why does your local government want to consider providing public services in new, alternative ways? As the cases in this handbook demonstrate, jurisdictions that successfully develop and implement an alternative service delivery method are driven by a desire to improve service effectiveness. Local governments that move from tactical to strategic thinking about service delivery are the ones more likely to improve services using different forms of alternative service delivery. The kinds of issues and types of questions examined in this handbook range from how to best handle such demand-driven services as allocation of police and fire resources to how to share expensive equipment that your jurisdiction needs only some of the time. The stories, solutions, and evidence are intended to help local government officials understand the differences between delivery alternatives and the prerequisites for developing and implementing each option.


Book Synopsis Alternative Service Delivery: Readiness Check by : Gerald T. Gabris

Download or read book Alternative Service Delivery: Readiness Check written by Gerald T. Gabris and published by ICMA Publishing. This book was released on 2014-04-15 with total page 155 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Alternative Service Delivery: Readiness Check synthesizes academic and practitioner knowledge about alternative service delivery (ASD) systems. This handbook offers information and insights that local governments can use to provide public services more effectively and efficiently. It serves as a primer about alternative service delivery, intended to guide investigation of new approaches to service delivery. It derives from multiple conversations with local government practitioners in Illinois who were frustrated by a lack of guidance on how to think about alternative service delivery methods for public services, and in what circumstances different alternatives were more or less successful. This handbook is written for both appointed managers and elected officials who are looking for innovative ways to consider service delivery and want to answer the basic question, “Can we be doing this better?” Why does your local government want to consider providing public services in new, alternative ways? As the cases in this handbook demonstrate, jurisdictions that successfully develop and implement an alternative service delivery method are driven by a desire to improve service effectiveness. Local governments that move from tactical to strategic thinking about service delivery are the ones more likely to improve services using different forms of alternative service delivery. The kinds of issues and types of questions examined in this handbook range from how to best handle such demand-driven services as allocation of police and fire resources to how to share expensive equipment that your jurisdiction needs only some of the time. The stories, solutions, and evidence are intended to help local government officials understand the differences between delivery alternatives and the prerequisites for developing and implementing each option.

Theoretical Foundations and Discussions on the Reformation Process in Local Governments

Theoretical Foundations and Discussions on the Reformation Process in Local Governments

Author: Sadioglu, Ugur

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2016-06-01

Total Pages: 555

ISBN-13: 1522503188

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Local government can be defined as a public entity acting as the sub-unit of a state or of a region, charged with the task of enforcing public policies. There have been many reforms of local government in recent years from the grassroots-led movement that took root in the 90’s to the overarching effects of globalization and decentralization. Local governments must adapt their practices in order to most effectively provide for their constituents. Theoretical Foundations and Discussions on the Reformation Process in Local Government addresses the effects of recent reforms in the political-administrative system of local governments and politics as well as future outlooks. It reviews the challenges, innovations, and lessons from local governments while providing theoretical perspectives on methods for positive reform. This book is a critical reference source for policy makers, government organizations, professionals, and actors in both local and international politics.


Book Synopsis Theoretical Foundations and Discussions on the Reformation Process in Local Governments by : Sadioglu, Ugur

Download or read book Theoretical Foundations and Discussions on the Reformation Process in Local Governments written by Sadioglu, Ugur and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2016-06-01 with total page 555 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Local government can be defined as a public entity acting as the sub-unit of a state or of a region, charged with the task of enforcing public policies. There have been many reforms of local government in recent years from the grassroots-led movement that took root in the 90’s to the overarching effects of globalization and decentralization. Local governments must adapt their practices in order to most effectively provide for their constituents. Theoretical Foundations and Discussions on the Reformation Process in Local Government addresses the effects of recent reforms in the political-administrative system of local governments and politics as well as future outlooks. It reviews the challenges, innovations, and lessons from local governments while providing theoretical perspectives on methods for positive reform. This book is a critical reference source for policy makers, government organizations, professionals, and actors in both local and international politics.