Theories and

Definition of
Local
Government

Topic 1
Definitions

• “Local government refers to a political sub-division of

a nation or (in a federal system), State which is
constituted by law and has substantial control of local
affairs, including the power to impose taxes or exact
labour for prescribed purposes. The governing body
of such an entity is elected or otherwise locally
selected”. United Nations
Definition, cont…

• Various authors have defined local government as

possessing the following elements;

Territory

Population

Continuous organisation

Separate legal identity

Definition, cont…

Independence from other local units

Governmental powers and functions

Power to raise revenue

Having such corporate powers as the right to sue and be sued,

to make contract and to own property
Objectives of Local Government

National Unity Democracy Freedom

Efficiency of Social and

the Economic
Administration Development
Selection of Areas for LG

• Choice of areas for local government include:

Geographical Demographic
History
conditions conditions

Enlargement of Social
Participation
scale community

Staff and
Catchment Financial
councillor
Areas capacity
capacity