Do RACs Protect Local Self-Government or Restrict Its Financial Independence? Cover Image

Czy RIO chronią samorząd terytorialny, czy ograniczają jego samodzielność finansową?
Do RACs Protect Local Self-Government or Restrict Its Financial Independence?

Author(s): Karolina Koviazina
Subject(s): Public Administration, Public Law
Published by: Szkoła Główna Handlowa w Warszawie
Keywords: local self-government; supervision and financial control; financial independence; regional accounting chambers

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the article is to analyse the state control function over the activity of local self-governments in the field of their finances. The analysis is based on empirical data of the Regional Accounting Chambers (RACs), which is a special body created for control and supervision in the field of local government finances. Attention is paid to the question of financial independence of the local powers and how it is influenced by the state’s external supervision. In this context both too strong and too weak control has negative consequences for prudent funds usage by local government. The research indicates a decrease in law infringement by local authorities in the financial sphere. However, there are still cases of inefficient and irrational budget usage by local powers, which does not contradict the law, yet exerts a negative impact on their financial independence and performance of public tasks. Possible solutions of the indicated problems are outlined at the end of the article.

  • Issue Year: 18/2018
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 73-90
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Polish