Local authorities in Armenia need adequate financial resources of their own, part of which should be derived from the collection of local duties and fees, in line with Article 9 of the European Charter of Local Self-Government. In preparation for a revision of the Law on Local Duties and Fees, this was the conclusion of local government stakeholders meeting in Yerevan and online on 8 April 2024 for the 9th Community Consultation. They discussed in particular priority areas for improvement to the legislation that would help local authorities develop greater financial autonomy.
An extensive survey of 71 municipalities undertaken in preparation for the meeting resulted in 37 questions and recommendations being submitted for consideration. Contributions addressed issues ranging from practical challenges related to road construction works, or the installation of solar photovoltaic panels to enforcement and compliance measures for non-payment of dues for essential veterinary services.
Participants warned against the risks of over-regulating and stressed that, in order to promote local autonomy, local authorities should be granted sufficient discretion in setting fees and compensation for services to respond to local specificities. The importance of having open and transparent procedures for granting exemptions to avoid corruption risks for local officials was also underlined.
The meeting was organised under the Democratic Development, Decentralisation and Good Governance in Armenia - Phase 2 project, implemented by the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance at the Congress of Regional and Local Authorities as part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia 2023-2026, with funding from Austrian Development Cooperation. The project aims to support the adoption of revised legislative framework for local self-government in line with European standards to reflect the new territorial-administrative map of Armenia and develop the capacities of local authorities of the newly enlarged communities to fulfil the competences and deliver the services entrusted to them under the decentralisation strategy.