Functions for which local governments assume responsibility

The principle of subsidiarity is incorporated in the law

Review of legislation to determine if it either explicitly stipulates the principle of subsidiarity or establishes that public affairs are generally exercised by authorities closest to citizens.

Coherence of size and function of local governments

Analysis of the number of inhabitants of local governments to check what is the percentage of small-sized municipalities (less than 1,000) and of legislation to examine whether there are specific regulations considering the difference between municipalities in terms of size and capacity when it comes to allocating responsibilities.

Responsibility and policy discretion of local governments in selected key public administration areas

Analysis of the degree of policy discretion and delivery of selected competences of local governments. The more points are collected based on the table below, the wider the scope of service areas is delivered by local governments and the higher is the level of effective policy discretion and final decision power that local governments have. • Policy discretion: it is assessed whether local governments have effective policy discretion over their competencies and have real power to make final decisions over selected policy-areas independently. Each policy area may obtain 1 point maximum, and the distribution of points for each policy area is described below in the table. • Responsibility for delivery: it is assessed whether local governments assume responsibility for infrastructure, service (either provided by municipal personnel or through other arrangements), and staff. Each policy area may obtain 1 point maximum, and the distribution of points for each policy area is described below in the table. Regional and local governments are responsible for the following areas and policies based on the Classification of Functions of the Government (COFOG) . Out of 70 identified policies, only 15 selected policy areas are considered in the measurement. Points are allocated based on: (a) the scope of responsibility for delivery, and (b). the level of effective policy discretion and the power for final decision that local governments have: There are 15 policy areas enlisted and assessed. Each policy area may receive a maximum of 0.5 points for policy discretion (together maximum 7.5 points) and a maximum of 0.5 points for the scope of responsibility for delivery (together maximum 7.5 points). Since asymmetric decentralisation can be in place (e. g. when smaller municipalities have fewer responsibilities and/or less policy discretion), the situation in municipalities inhabited by more than half of the whole population of the country will be considered and assessed.

Citizen perception of local government influence (%)

Analysis of survey responses from a representative sample of the population to the following question: “The central government is interfering too much on issues that should be left to local governments." Answer options are: Strongly disagree, Tend to disagree, Neither disagree nor agree, Tend to agree, Strongly agree, Do not know, Prefer not to answer. Points are allocated based on the percentage of respondents who replied "Tend to agree" or "Strongly agree" to the survey question (x): • x > 90% = 0 points • 90% ≥ x > 10% = linear function • x ≤ 10% = 4 points.

Citizens’ trust in local governments (%)

Analysis of survey responses from a representative sample of the population to the following question: “How much trust do you have in the following institutions? Local government”. Answer options are: Do not trust at all, Tend to not trust, Neither distrust nor trust, Tend to trust, Trust completely, Do not know, Prefer not to answer. Points are allocated based on the percentage of respondents who "Tend to trust "or "Trust completely" to the survey question (x): • x < 10% = 0 points. • 10% ≤ x < 90% = linear function. • x ≥ 90% = 4 points.