Assessing Service Delivery Through Decentralisation

This chapter examines the effects of decentralisation on public service provision. Decentralisation is the transfer of power, responsibility, and funds from central to local governments. It allows the local government to understand the needs of the people and provide services more quickly and in an equitable manner. The chapter outlines the types of decentralisation, such as de-concentration, delegation, and devolution, and how they can improve efficiency, accountability, and the involvement of the people. It also shows that decentralisation can lead to both positive and negative consequences. It improves the quality of services and local innovation in some cases. It is plagued by shortcomings like weak coordination, unequal distribution of resources, and corruption in other cases. Based on the experience from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, the chapter argues that good governance and effective local institutions are prerequisites for successful decentralisation. Decentralisation must be directed at improving accountability, collaboration, and fairness in a bid to improve public services and supplement local development.