The AKP has reached the final stage in its work on amendments to the local government law. The prepared draft includes various regulations regarding the financial structure, expenditure items, and administrative operations of municipalities.
NEW FRAMEWORK FOR SPENDING AND BORROWING
According to NTV, the draft plans to increase oversight of municipal spending and introduce limitations on certain items. Within the scope of restructuring debt management, it is envisioned that municipal borrowing processes will be tied to specific criteria. The preparation of medium- and long-term programs for existing debt burdens is also on the agenda.
Furthermore, new measures are being considered to ensure that the share of personnel expenses within the budget does not exceed the 30-40 percent band.
TENDER PROCESSES AND REVENUE DEDUCTIONS
The draft regulation aims to increase transparency in tender processes. In this context, it is planned to make practices more open and traceable.
On the other hand, a model for deducting municipalities' SGK premium debts at the source is also among the topics being evaluated.
DIVISION OF AUTHORITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
The draft envisions a re-evaluation of the division of duties and authority between metropolitan municipalities and district municipalities. In this framework, the aim is to make the areas of responsibility between local governments clearer.
EMPHASIS ON ZONING AND PUBLIC LOSS
Binding zoning changes to stricter rules is also among the regulations included in the draft. Additionally, the study contains provisions regarding holding administrators liable in the event of public loss.
Regularly sharing municipal expenditures with the public is also among the envisioned practices.
CALENDAR NOT YET CLEAR
There is no clear date regarding the legislative calendar for the draft. However, it is stated that the regulation could come to the agenda before the Grand National Assembly of Turkey goes on recess in July.
News Source: 12punto
