As part of its role as a representative that seeks to promote the status, and realize interests, of LGUs, APLA works continuously to upgrade and review laws and regulations that impact LGU performance and community service capability. This report presents APLA’s most notable achievements in legislative advocacy throughout 2024, including upgrading operative laws and regulations, taking part in the drafting and consultations on new draft laws, and mobilizing support to suspend or amend some regulations, which negatively affect LGU functions.
- Delegating building and land (property) tax collection power to LGUs: Now totalling 39, 24 LGUs were authorized to collect property tax. Work is underway to extend authorization to further LGUs to promote financial independence and increase local revenues.
- Manual for job descriptions at LGUs: This new manual was adopted following APLA’s active role in consultations. Tailored to enhance institutional performance and employment standardization, the manual contributes to developing capacities and promoting efficiency of LGUs.
- Strategic plan of the Palestinian Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC): APLA participated in consultations on PACC strategic planning and made constructive contributions to ensure consistency with LGU needs and promote transparent and accountable LGU functions.
- Instructions of the Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) Governor on cash deposits: Thanks to APLA efforts and mobilizing support of the Minister of Local Government, cash deposits from LGUs were accepted following recurrent applications. This achievement contributed to reducing financial challenges to LGUs.
- Regulation on billboards and advertising signs in LGU areas: To maintain LGU rights and promote financial revenues, MoLG recommendation to exempt advertising companies from a portion of billboard and advertising sign fees was turned down.
- Regulation on health hazards in LGUs: APLA refused the MoLG recommendation to extend the period of waste fee discounts for hotels to maintain equitable financial distribution and ensure LGU rights.
- Budget approval conditioned on debt scheduling: APLA requested that the Minister of Local Government facilitate requirements for budget approval conditioned on debt scheduling to enhance financial and administrative work progress.
- LGU courts started functions, supporting and enabling LGUs to rapidly carry out legally prescribed powers and duties. In these courts, any violations are examined by a judge specializing in LGU cases.
- A research paper on LGU revenues and expenditures: APLA produced a comprehensive diagnostic and analytical research paper on LGU revenues and expenditures to provide a clear vision of their financial position and promote good governance.
