Develop Regulations on public consultations in Vinnytsia City Territorial Community as a tool to strengthen open governance, in particular public participation in decision-making at the local level, and introduce public consultations (UAVNT0003)

Commitment ID

UAVNT0003

Commitment Title

Develop Regulations on public consultations in Vinnytsia City Territorial Community as a tool to strengthen open governance, in particular public participation in decision-making at the local level, and introduce public consultations

Problem

The Basic Law of Ukraine guarantees citizens the right to participate in the management of state affairs, as well as independently resolve issues of local importance within the framework of the Constitution and Ukraine. However, any guaranteed right must be regulated by appropriate instruments, in particular the instruments of democracy. According to the Council of Europe project "Promoting citizen participation in democratic decision-making in Ukraine" for 2019, the best procedure for public consultations is regulated in the following cities: Ternopil, Kramatorsk, Kropyvnytskyi, Chernivtsi and Khmelnytskyi. In March 2021, the draft law "On Public Consultations" was adopted as a basis. The purpose of the draft law is to define the basic principles (Standards) of public consultations in the formation and implementation of state policy, solving issues of local importance. Vinnytsia City Territorial Community needs to organize a clearly regulated process of public consultations and motivate the authorities to enter into a dialogue with the community when making important political decisions. The main problem is that the consultation process is clear, understandable and real for community participation, which can only be provided with high-quality and effective tools for involving citizens in the decision-making process.

Status quo

Public consultations are one of the mechanisms of interaction between legislative bodies. In 2020, according to the assessment of the implementation of local democracy in local self-government bodies of Vinnytsia City Territorial Community within the framework of the PLEDDG project, the level of citizen participation in decision-making corresponds to the average level. In the recommendations of the study, a separate paragraph states that such an instrument of local democracy in local self-government regarding the accountability of local self-government bodies and officials as public consultations (public and e-consultations) needs to be improved, and the need for public consultations is highlighted.

Action

As a result of fulfilling the commitment, the Regulations on public consultations will be developed and public consultations will be implemented, which will include three stages: information exchange (disclosure of the information under discussion), consultation (two-way exchange of information and vision of a solution to the problem), participation (inviting parties to develop a bill or policy).The development and implementation of the Regulation on Public Consultations in Vinnytsia City Territorial Community provides for participation in the development of the Civil Society Standards, the Civil Union Network of Civil Society Organizations “City of Contents” (47 NGOs) and other active CSOs operating in Vinnytsia City Territorial Community. The entire implementation process will be accompanied by consultations with the coordinators and mentors of the Government Partnership - Council of Europe Local Program. Public consultations with the public will increase trust in local authorities, create a sense of ownership and responsibility for the decision; allow for an effective dialogue between the government and the public; increase the transparency, predictability, validity and quality of decisions made by local governments. This will help raise awareness of the activities of these bodies, ensure a more efficient use of public finances, and also eliminate possible corruption risks when making decisions and adopting regulations.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

The introduction of public organizations in various groups of the population. These priorities will make it possible to better plan the activities of Vinnytsia City Council and support these activities by citizens. Public consultation will increase the transparency of local authorities. It will be a kind of educational process that will allow local authorities to explain to citizens their policies and the policies they are pursuing. Achieving a better understanding of the actions of the population will make it easier for the authorities to comply with the rules and regulations. Public consultation will improve the quality of policy by expanding public policy options (since stakeholders and interest groups may propose new alternatives that are not considered by the authorities). Public consultations will increase the level of citizens' responsibility for the proposed solutions. Public consultation will enable local authorities to improve the quality of services by better understanding the needs of citizens. Public consultations will allow citizens and representatives of civil society to be heard in the process of considering cases by local authorities and have a real mechanism for monitoring their activities.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

Development of the Regulation on public consultations in Vinnytsia City Territorial Community as a tool to strengthen open governance, as part of the decision-making process at the local level, fully consistent with the key principle of the development of Vinnytsia City Territorial Community until 2030. The principles of Strategy 3.0 include participation in the development of various forms of participatory democracy. In addition, developed government is part of its strategic vision. CSOs are VCC's reliable partners in developing and addressing the needs of the community and its residents.The City Council provides CSOs with financial, resource and information support to carry out their activities. CSOs and VCC systematically interact to engage policy implementation through transparent engagement mechanisms. Interaction is based on equality, transparency, voluntariness and mutual responsibility.

Primary Policy Area

Inclusion, Legislative Openness

Primary Sector

Citizenship & Immigration

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?