SOME ISSUES OF IMPROVING THE ACTIVITIES OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT BODIES OF UKRAINE IN CRISIS CONDITIONS

Abstract

The article analyzes the main problems and risks that arise in the process of implementing the local self-government reform. In particular, considerable attention is paid to the following main problems: financial decentralization; insufficient level of communication between the authorities and citizens; inconsistency of powers between executive authorities and local self-government bodies, as well as councils of united territorial communities, district state administrations and district councils; issues of capacity of the formed communities; the need to improve the skills of local self-government personnel, and the efficiency of resource use. It was found that there are no and cannot be unified standards for the functioning of local self-government bodies. The experience of foreign countries is undoubtedly useful, but it is necessary to take into account national conditions and realities and to be constantly ready for changes. It is substantiated that, taking into account the experience of European countries and Ukrainian realities, it is necessary to improve local self-government in Ukraine, which includes a number of measures to improve the efficiency, openness and democracy of the system. For example, it is necessary to expand the powers of local authorities by providing them with broader powers to address issues related to economic development, social policy, education, healthcare, etc. The next aspect is financial decentralization. Providing local governments with sufficient financial resources to perform their functions by revising the system of intergovernmental fiscal relations and increasing revenues from local taxes and fees. There have been significant developments in this area, but due to the military operations, this process has been adjusted in accordance with the requirements of the state. It is proved that the decentralization reform is one of the most important for the development of both a separate territorial community and the state as a whole. The consequence of this reform is harmonization between the central government and local governments. Decentralization is a process that constantly needs to be improved, including appropriate levels and forms of interaction between the population and the authorities; consolidation of innovations in the Constitution of Ukraine and elimination of inconsistencies and discrepancies in the regulatory framework; overcoming contradictions between different levels of government; clear division of powers; and creation of conditions for further strengthening the capacities of local self-government bodies.