Co-operation Arrangements Between Local Authorities: Advantages and Disadvantages

Abstract

Increasingly, local authorities together with both other levels of government and in some cases the private sector, are exploring cooperative arrangements, particularly along regional lines, to facilitate the more effective and cost efficient delivery of services to constituents and to rationalise the construction, replacement and management of infrastructure. This paper explores the possible legal frameworks for the establishment of such undertakings and provides an analysis of the legal benefits and risks together with the statutory restraints that need to be assessed by local authorities prior to participation in such initiatives.