Role of Minister and Ministry

The powers of the Minister responsible for Local Government are prescribed in the Municipal Corporations Act. The Minister has residual power to:

* Give general or specific directions to any Council in relation to government policy (Section 269)
* Investigate any matter concerning the affairs of any corporation (Section 270)
* Approve funds voted by the Council (Section 112 j) and authorize the signature on cheques by resolution of the Council (Section 116)
* Vary the allocation of funds on the application of the Council (Section 120)

The role of the Ministry responsible for Local Government is grounded in the powers of the minister and is guided by the Exchequer and Audit Act, the Public Service Commission Act, and the Statutory Authorities Services Commissions Act, together with their respective regulations. That role includes:

* Conveying Central Government policy perspectives to Municipal Corporations
* Monitoring the finances and expenditure of Municipal Corporations mainly through audits, reviews of budget and expenditure
* Inspection and supervision of the projects and programmes of Municipal Corporations
* Providing expert advice (on a need-to-know basis)
* Issuing guidelines on administrative and statutory regulations
* Control over staff appointments through the Public Service Commission
* Co-ordinating the activities of Municipal Corporations in order to ensure the efficient delivery of quality services on a timely basis
* Adjudication in cases of disputes between Municipal Corporations

These functions are performed through public officers assigned to the ministry responsible for Local Government, and headed by a Permanent Secretary.