Legal Support of Financial Independence of Territorial Communities in Ukraine

Abstract

The article provides a scientific analysis of the financial independence of territorial communities, which is aimed at strengthening the implementation of decentralization measures in Ukraine. Indicated that problems of financial support of the local government powers are the focus of Ukrainian scientists, experts in local budget management and finance. Independence in the aspect of local self-government should be considered within the norms established by the Constitution of Ukraine, the European Charter of Local Self-Government, and other legislative acts. Performed theoretical and applied identification of the “financial independence of the territorial community”. Analyzed the key provisions of the Ukrainian legislation on financial support of territorial communities, which were transformed in the process of decentralization during 2014–2020. Highlighted the state policy components of ensuring the financial independence of territorial communities, based on the principles of the European Charter of Local Self-Government. Measures of state policy to ensure the financial independence of territorial communities can be systematized into two groups: 1) direct participation of the state in the formation of financial resources of communities and territories; 2) indirect participation of the state in the formation of financial resources of communities and territories and their disposal. Noted that consolidation of revenue sources in local budgets of Ukraine is characterized by instability. Summarized the results of the sociological study of the financial support of territorial communities in terms of their financial independence. Emphasized the lack of legal opportunity for local governments to independently keep records of personal income tax and other national taxes in terms of their payers. Proposed the measures to improve the administration of taxes, which are a source of revenue to local budgets: organization of a digital information network on the payment of taxes and other mandatory payments by individuals and ensuring access to it by local government officials; establishing interaction of territorial bodies of the State Tax Service of Ukraine with local self- -government bodies on issues of control over the correctness and timeliness of tax payments and other obligatory payments by individuals and legal entities, etc.