We have stepped up the pace of the reform of Local Government:

• Local Authorities are now financing up to 75% of their budgets through dedicated taxes (property taxes, motor vehicle licences) and locally generated revenues
• Reduced dependency on Central Government
• A J$2bil l ion l oan agreement wi th the Inter - American Development Bank being used to finance:
  - Rehabilitation of parochial road network
  - Improvements to markets and transportation centres
  - Refurbishing of Ad m i n i s t r a t i ve Offices of Parish Councils
    
• Parish Development Committees established in all parishes to involve civil society and the private sector in local governance
• A programme of capacity building is being implemented in all parishes, to improve the technical and administrative capacity of all Local Authorities.