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Research Advisory Group Feedback to main CLGF conference. Philip Amis International Development Department University of Birmingham, UK at CLGF conference in Uganda May 2013. Research Advisory Group .
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Research Advisory Group Feedback to main CLGF conference Philip Amis International Development Department University of Birmingham, UK at CLGF conference in Uganda May 2013
Research Advisory Group • For last four CLGF conference meetings there has been an important pre meeting of academics and those in practice* • Overall we have had a very profitable and useful meeting at UMI • Main theme of focus has been on the evolving changing role of local government in these challenging and complex circumstances environment • Importance of research and analysis informing policy making
Local Economic Development • Get the Basics right • LG needs to get its basic functions right • Importance of getting capacity right and appropriate size of LG • But for LED this means • Political will • Clear Legal responsibilities and an appropriate Institutional framework • Use of appropriate instruments • Importance of a strategy that is based on local conditions and not a one size fits all approach • L G as centre of innovation
MDGs • LG important in terms of service delivery in Primary Health and Education, and other services(see 2009 Conference background paper) • Very profitable discussion of MDGs in general, and of the cases of India and Uganda both emphasized the key role of local government • But apart from the importance of this mandate we also wanted to stress the importance of wider governance issues with LG in partnership with other actors
MDGs and Local Governance • If we want to work with Civil society groups then LG is the key interlocutor • If we want to bridge the gap between the funding agency and the Poor LG is a key intermediate agency • If we want to make govt responsive and address the issue of voice and participation then LG should be the starting place
MDGs and Local Governance (2) • If we want to address climate change then LG in terms of transport and energy use (housing) then LG is the key regulatory agency • If we want to rebuild fragile and post conflict states LG is potentially a key agent • In Disasters LG can build the prevention measures • LG is also the agency that picks up the pieces