Local Government Flashcards
Provide rationale for local government
Creation based upon premise local communities should have right to make decisions based upon own priorities and needs
What are only other directly elected entities in the state?
Local authorities
What are the main roles of Local Government
- provide essential services
- manage + implement capital investment projects
- national laws and regulations - implement and enforce @ local level
- regulators - compliance with local bylaws and regulations
What does DHLGH do regarding Local Authorities
Oversees operation of l.g. system and implements policy in relation to its structures, functions, HR, and financing
How many Local Authorities is l.g. made up of?
31 @ county and city level
How many regional assemblies are there?
3 @ regional level
How many municipal districts are there and give examples of exceptions?
95
Exceptions:
- Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown
- Fingal
- South Dublin
- Cork City
- Galway City
What do Municipal Districts allow for?
More area-based decision-making on more localised basis
Give 5 examples of Services provided by local authorities
- Social housing and supports
- Fire service & civil defence
- Libraries, parks, leisure facilities
- Economic development & enterprise supports
- Roads & Transportation
Where does local government get Capital Expenditure on infrastructure?
- state grants
- borrowings
- internal capital receipts ( property sales, etc.)
What 4 ways does local government get Current Expenditure / revenue from?
- Local Property Tax
- Commercial Rates
- Service Charges
- Central Government grants
What is LPT?
Annual tax charged on residential properties based on market value, excluding development sites and farmland
What are commercial rates?
Determined annually by local authorities on commercial properties like businesses and shops
What 2 types of central government grants are there?
- General - no specific parametres
- Specific - purpose like housing maintenance, roads, etc.
What are examples of service charges?
- housing rents
- planning application fees
- parking charges
- facility fees
What are the main issues with local government?
- Power in one certain place or spread out more to local areas?
- Should there be a mayor?
- Talk about creating new layers of govt., e.g. regions/city regions
- Should there be additional functions such as taking care of health services?
- Decisions @ lowest possible level
How often do Local Elections take place?
Every 5 years
Since when have TDs and Senators NOT been allowed to become members of local authority?
2003
How often is a Mayor / Lord Mayor elected?
Every year
What powers do elected Councillors have?
- Can require Chief Executive attend meetings
- Seek plans, specs and estimate of works
- Access info held by Chief Executive
How is Chief Executive appointed and how long is their contract?
Through national public competition for 7 years
What is the primary role of Chief Executive?
To advise council and attend meetings.
Also carries out Executive Functions such as planning decisions, revenue collection, contract signing
How are Executive functions carried out?
Through legal instruments called Chief Executive’s Orders
What are Council Sub-Committees?
They bring together council members and community groups to discuss and formulate policies on key issues affecting the community
