Administrative control upon local authorities in Jordan

Abstract

ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL UPON LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN JORDAN ABSTRACT The subject of this study is the administrative control upon local authorities in Jordan. The basic aim of this thesis is to examine the established relationship between central and local authorities, for the purpose of finding out the problems and difficulties facing the localities in relation to central control, and offering some suggestions and recommendations in this perspective. One of the main conclusions of this study is that, local units are subject to rigid tutelage, which is exercised over organs, decisions, finance and personnel. Local units have no discretion in deciding on many local issues, rather a prior approval of central departments is very necessary before any local decision is taken. Multiple control is another salient feature of control over localities, thus has been seen as a cause of an overlapping of functions, duplication of effort and the emergence of uncoordinated and sometimes diametrically opposed policies in the same matter. It has been concluded that local authorities are quite f^tr of being autnomous units due to first, the lack of powers and authorities, second the lack of financial resources, and third the extensive scope of tutelage. Central control is not of a constructive and guiding character to help local units develop, instead it is a hunt for mistakes. Approving local decisions due to their appropriateness and the central power of dissolving the local councils were seen as a -11-major threats facing the localities. In attempt to overcome the difficulties facing the local units, reorganizing the relationship between central and local authorities was seen as imperative. A recommendation of unifying the control to be in the hands of ministry of Municipalities was seen as necessary step that should be taken by central governments Granting greater discretion in deciding on many local issues, regarding legality father than appropriateness factor by the central government when approving or rejecting the local decisions are another important proposals. Furthermore, dissolution of local units were recommended to be left to parliament. And finally local units must be furnished with a suitable finance and be given local taxation power and maximum control over their local resources. - Ill-