In Jamaica, as in other developing states, government spending on public service delivery at the local government level has seen a mercuric rise since the 1980s. Concomitant with this increase in spending, central government has increased its regulatory powers and decision-making authority has become more centralized. This is evident by the passage of various acts of parliament to centralize funding mechanisms. These acts are aimed at achieving economies of scale, eliminating duplication of services and increasing service efficiency. This research will analyse the funding allocation for services at the local and central government levels and assess the relative costs and benefits of delivering each service at the central and/or local government level. It will also review the institutional and administrative capacity of the local authorities to undertake the provision of these services and make recommendations for policy changes governing service delivery, particularly as it relates to functions and structures.

The University of the West Indies
Mona, Jamaica
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