The impact of decentralization and privatization on municipal services. Report JMMS/2001

The report to the Meeting on decentralization and privatization of municipal services begins the assessment by identifying the measures which constitute decentralization and privatization and the level and activities on which these measures have the greatest impact and then describes current trends in decentralization and privatization in the various sectors of municipal services. The impact of decentralization and privatization on efficiency and quality of services in the public interest is examined as well as the question of how conditions of decent work may influence such efficiency and quality. The role of the social partners in creating decent work is discussed at the same time. The report identifies two main approaches to facilitating the reform processes which lead to decentralization and privatization: dialogue among the social partners and various regulatory approaches and draws on examples from the four sectors in different geographical regions. Further, the report deals with the implications of dec