NALAS

The network of associations of local authorities in South East Europe (NALAS) has called on national governments to not forget councils as the economic crisis continues.

The organisation has adopted a declaration in response to the global economic crisis following a meeting in Dubrovnik earlier this month.

Under the declaration, NALAS has urged national governments in South East Europe to consult with local government associations before they implement any adverse changes to intergovernmental finance systems.

“The consequences of all policy changes on local government finances should be clearly assessed before any anti-crisis measures are adopted,” the declaration states.

It also calls on national governments to discuss the crisis regularly with local government associations and make the best possible use of any investment funds earmarked for local infrastructure development.

“Given the severity of the crisis, and perhaps equally importantly, the fact that public expenditure levels are likely to be under pressure long after the crisis itself ends, it is critically important that both our associations and our constituent local governments intensify their efforts to find innovative responses and policy solutions for both increasing their own revenues, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of local public services,” the declaration states.

The full declaration is available to read here.

Last Updated: 31-07-2009 9:27:50 By Katherine Hitchcock