Decentralization of Social Services and the Expanding Role of Local Government Cover Image

Sosyal Hizmetin Yerelleşmesi ve Sosyal Hizmette Yerel Yönetimlerin Artan Rolü
Decentralization of Social Services and the Expanding Role of Local Government

Author(s): Bedrettin Kesgin
Subject(s): Governance, Public Administration, EU-Legislation
Published by: Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü
Keywords: Localization; Social service transfer; Municipalities; Local Authorities;

Summary/Abstract: There has been a debate on the trend towards decentralization of administration in Turkey for a long time. This trend has been supported by developments like globalization, regionalization, and localization as well as within the framework of European Union legislation. In Turkey, this trend is reflected, on the one hand, in central government’s transfer of services to local authorities and on the other hand and even more significantly, in decentralization of these services through delegation to local government. This service transfer is evident in both legislation and implementation. A more comprehensive attempt for decentralization of social services was pursued with Statutory Decree law no. 633, yet the attempt failed due to the annulment of the decree law by The Constitutional Court. Within the framework of the principles designated by the Ministers Council based on the law no. 6518, the regulation was then made possible and it was actually enacted. As indicated in this legislation change, the trend towards decentralization in social services manifests itself as strongly as it does in many other areas. This trend continues to grow exponentally and it emphasizes the significance of social service practices, particularly for municipalities.

  • Issue Year: 14/2016
  • Issue No: 04
  • Page Range: 319-340
  • Page Count: 22
  • Language: Turkish