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Increasing local government capacity

Tuesday 7 June 2011

A recently released report into local government consolidation reveals that a number of options are available to increase local government capacity and improve its service delivery, in addition to amalgamation.

Consolidation in local government: a fresh look by the Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government provides a broad analysis of the reform options available to councils to include the importance of good governance and effective local democracy in addition to the traditional focus on council amalgamations and cost savings.

The publication looks at a range of consolidation options from shared services delivery and regional collaboration to boundary adjustments and amalgamations.

The report found that there was little evidence that amalgamation would automatically deliver substantial economies of scale.

The report also found that to ensure effective local government there generally are benefits from councils collaborating or consolidating to meet increasing community needs and expectations

LGNZ part funded the publication while case studies and information were also gathered from LGNZ member councils.

"Our members are always looking for ways they can enhance their performance and address the needs of their communities and this report will help them do just that," said LGNZ governance manager Mike Reid.

"A raft of reforms has affected local government in New Zealand and Australia and this publication clarifies what has been learnt over the past 20 years while offering insights into what could be in the next 20 years," said Mr Reid.

Consolidation in local government: a fresh look can be viewed online at www.lgnz.co.nz

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