DECENTRALIZATION: THE MAIN THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO THE CONCEPT

Abstract

The article defines and analyses the theoretical aspects of decentralization as a component of a democratic model of governance; summaries ge neral approaches to decentralization of power as an important component of democratic reforms in Ukraine; analyses the legislative basis for reform conduction; pointes to the problems of decentralization in Ukraine and proposes solutions for the improvement of democratic reforms; it is determined that the introduction of decentralization processes will contribute to the further development of democracy in the state and the stabilization of the social and economic situation. It is noted that decentralization is to provide local authorities with the maximum amount of authority and budget revenues that will become a solid foundation for the stable development of the joint territorial communities, will increase the responsibility of local self-government bodies for fulfilling their commitments on community development and ensure compliance with legislative documents. It is grounded that the process of decentralization of government bodies is a push which is possible with certain quantitative changes in society, the result of the transformation of state power, division of powers, democratization of society, provision of the population of new political rights and freedoms. It has been proved that today a considerable number of preconditions have emerged in the socio-economic, political, and cultural spheres of life of Ukrainian society, which can become the basis for decentralization of government. It has been determined that for the further development the necessary condition is the mutual co-ordination of various legislative and normative documents concerning issues of territorial communities expansion, independence and responsibility in solving problems of life support and development of territories of cities, settlements and other settlements taking into account local specifics due to effective decentralization process on the part of bodies executive.