Foreign Experience of Consolidation of Municipalities: Significance for Russia

Abstract

In the article, using general scientific research methods, the analysis of approaches to improving the territorial structure of local self-government in foreign countries in terms of the enlargement of municipalities is carried out. The theoretical positions developed by modern science, as well as the experience of the modern stage of consolidation of municipalities in European countries, Australia and Canada, proposed by the practice of municipal construction, are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the arguments of supporters and opponents of the consolidation of municipalities, economic and institutional aspects of this process. Based on the performed analysis, the conclusion is made about the insolvency of the classical economic argument in favor of the consolidation of municipalities (achieving economies of scale), since it gives the expected economic effect only when a limited number of the smallest municipalities merge. The expected savings on administrative expenses, even if they are observed, are covered by an increase in the costs of fulfilling the main powers of the municipality (for education and health care). In fact, in foreign countries there are no generally accepted quantitative criteria for justifying the rationality of merging (consolidation) of municipalities. It is recognized that consolidation is not a universal option for the development of all subsidized municipalities, each specific case requires analysis and consideration of the socio-economic features of the consolidation of municipalities. Therefore, the main approach that the authorities adhere to when justifying measures to organize a rational territorial structure of municipalities abroad is a situational approach. It is shown that trying to transfer the positive aspects of the foreign experience of the consolidation of municipalities into the Russian reality, one should not forget about an alternative instrument to support the financing of the institute of local self-government – the development of inter-municipal cooperation, recognized in the modern world as an important potential source of co-financing of municipal development

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