Essentially
Decentralization: pros and risks of the new reforms
Today Ukraine is in a rather difficult situation. Russia's aggression that led to the occupation of Crimea and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine destabilized our nation. The solution to this problem may become clear, radical reforms, which will get the country back on the path of development and prosperity.
One such large-scale reform is the decentralization, capable of forming territorial communities. This reform provides for joint and fruitful work both society and persons of high rank. However, this is not without problems. Implementation of the new reforms promoted fast enough, not informed and not experienced in this issue society is not quite up to the authorities. So it would be nice to thoroughly understand the essence of this reform and, of course, its advantages and risks.
Perspective plan of formation of territorial communities covers the whole territory of the region. It is accepted on a voluntary basis, and is designed to have no insolvent communities in the region, whose local governments do not have their own resources, sufficient to fulfill their responsibilities. In case of unwillingness to unite, such settlements will be beyond the “margins" and will remain in the same status as they are. Therefore, we should define what really constitutes this reform of decentralization?
Decentralization will enable the company to independently resolve issues of local significance, to manage their own budget without interference from the Central government. For the taxpayers ' money will be one Board, one Chairman, one Executive Committee, and that will save money for real cases. This will be an adequate supply and appropriate service level, namely in the fields of education, culture, health, social protection, housing and utilities. The aim of decentralization is the creation of a mechanism that would tackle all the important issues in the field including:
This reform can accommodate a fairly large list of promising ideas for further development of territorial communities, but should consider the risks that has already occurred and may occur in the future.
The bottom line is that society is to some extent not ready for such rapid changes, especially for the elderly, which relate to any changes with great bias. While young, wealthy part of the population is worried about the implementation of government promises and doubts about our government regarding the allocation of funds from the State Fund for projects aimed at supporting communities, providing the necessary infrastructure in accordance with the plan for socio-economic development in a local community. However, the problem arises from a voluntary Association of communities. If United Community includes many settlements there will be a conflict of interest, because each locality has its own cultural values and attitudes. You also need to consider associations or organizations that represent the interests of certain minority that will oppose the enlargement of communities.
The next equally important question is – skilled and professionally trained employees to new positions. To manage newly amalgamated communities with extended powers and funding that they receive, there are not enough professional managers. All activities require qualified personnel; because the opportunities for community development will be a lot.
Decentralization is a good prospect for the future and we have to move forward, as did our Western European neighbours, but the process should take place according to the technique for a long time and then it can be considered promising.
Lozynskiy Taras, activist of the NGO "Community Development" (“Rozvytok Hromady”), the political analyst.
One such large-scale reform is the decentralization, capable of forming territorial communities. This reform provides for joint and fruitful work both society and persons of high rank. However, this is not without problems. Implementation of the new reforms promoted fast enough, not informed and not experienced in this issue society is not quite up to the authorities. So it would be nice to thoroughly understand the essence of this reform and, of course, its advantages and risks.
Perspective plan of formation of territorial communities covers the whole territory of the region. It is accepted on a voluntary basis, and is designed to have no insolvent communities in the region, whose local governments do not have their own resources, sufficient to fulfill their responsibilities. In case of unwillingness to unite, such settlements will be beyond the “margins" and will remain in the same status as they are. Therefore, we should define what really constitutes this reform of decentralization?
Decentralization will enable the company to independently resolve issues of local significance, to manage their own budget without interference from the Central government. For the taxpayers ' money will be one Board, one Chairman, one Executive Committee, and that will save money for real cases. This will be an adequate supply and appropriate service level, namely in the fields of education, culture, health, social protection, housing and utilities. The aim of decentralization is the creation of a mechanism that would tackle all the important issues in the field including:
- The newly established delivery centers will be close to the people (can't exceed a distance of 25 km.);
- The transfer of power to the joint community and the right of use of means. (road management, land, hospitals, educational institutions, investments, that are passed to the joint and local communities and their Councils. (65% of all taxes and funds remain in the field, 35% will go to the center).
This reform can accommodate a fairly large list of promising ideas for further development of territorial communities, but should consider the risks that has already occurred and may occur in the future.
The bottom line is that society is to some extent not ready for such rapid changes, especially for the elderly, which relate to any changes with great bias. While young, wealthy part of the population is worried about the implementation of government promises and doubts about our government regarding the allocation of funds from the State Fund for projects aimed at supporting communities, providing the necessary infrastructure in accordance with the plan for socio-economic development in a local community. However, the problem arises from a voluntary Association of communities. If United Community includes many settlements there will be a conflict of interest, because each locality has its own cultural values and attitudes. You also need to consider associations or organizations that represent the interests of certain minority that will oppose the enlargement of communities.
The next equally important question is – skilled and professionally trained employees to new positions. To manage newly amalgamated communities with extended powers and funding that they receive, there are not enough professional managers. All activities require qualified personnel; because the opportunities for community development will be a lot.
Decentralization is a good prospect for the future and we have to move forward, as did our Western European neighbours, but the process should take place according to the technique for a long time and then it can be considered promising.
Lozynskiy Taras, activist of the NGO "Community Development" (“Rozvytok Hromady”), the political analyst.