Service Delivery

... to improve governance and service delivery

Decentralisation is often seen as a way to improve governance, particularly in countries suffering under a centralistic bureaucracy not able or not willing to respond to the varying needs of groups and regions. It is expected that decentralized authoritities are closer and more accessible to their electorate, and therefore feel more responsive and accountable for their performance. Decentralisation is particularly expected to improve basic service delivery. In accordance with the principle of the economies of scale powers for service delivery can be given to those units were people share preferences and where the ratio between output and costs is best. Local involvement shall increase effectiveness through increased transparency, better targeting and better response to priority needs as well as improve efficiency and responsiveness by providing services adapted to local circumstances. Decentralisation is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the use of public funds.

In many cases, decentralisation is linked to reforms in particular sectors, e.g. decentralisation is promoted to improve primary health care services, by giving tasks and responsibilities to local units. Although the development of decentralised structures and processes can be treated like a sector of state activities on its own, in practice, the decentralisation process is relevant for all sectors in which at least some powers are decentralised. Sector reform will not be possible without due regard to the challenges and potentials with regard to the decentralisation process. Even if different authorities are in charge, these reforms have to go hand in hand and must be harmonised.