Practices of application and effectiveness of legislation on cooperation of local communities

The VRU Committee on State Building, Local Governance, Regional and Urban Development conducted an analysis of the effectiveness of the application of the Law of Ukraine "On Cooperation of Territorial Communities". The analysis was held within the framework of the realization of the Committee’s control function under the support of the USAID Rada: Next Generation Program and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD).

The analysis aimed to study the effectiveness of the cooperation between local communities in the conditions of local self-government reform and its challenges due to martial law, as well as the effectiveness of the application of such cooperation.

Another goal was to improve the submission of initiatives and the conclusion of agreements on cooperation between local communities in order to provide the effective organization of inter-municipal cooperation and implementation of joint projects by local communities. Such actions would facilitate the improvement of public service quality and the development of local communities.

The analysis was carried out on the basis of the post-legislative scrutiny (PLS) methodology, implemented by the UK Parliament. WFD experts within the framework of USAID Rada: Next Generation Program adapted the British methodology to Ukrainian realities.

The PLS assessment being a part of a systematic legislation review allows the collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data on the actual state of the practice of the legislation implementation. PLS is determined to identify:

• whether the legislative act was implemented (and if not, why);
• whether it achieved the expected impact;
• whether it had any unpredictable consequences;
• whether it was cost-efficient, modern, and remains relevant.

The complete and comprehensive process of assessment of the effectiveness of the legislation application allows the identification of the cause-and-effect link between the legislative framework and all possible consequences. The VRU Committee will use this information to analyze the legislation's effectiveness. Also, the Committee plans to discuss the PLS results with the participation of MPs, representatives of central executive authorities, including relevant ministries, local self-government bodies, as well as their associations, scientists, and experts.