Local Government Act, 2004
The Act re-establishing elected local councils and the system of decentralised local government in Sierra Leone.
Summary
The Local Government Act, 2004 re-established elected local councils in Sierra Leone and set up the modern framework for decentralised local government after the civil war. It was central to the country's decentralisation programme, returning local democracy after decades without elected councils.
The Act provides for the establishment of city, municipal and district councils, their composition and the election of councillors and mayors/chairpersons, their functions and powers, and the devolution of functions and resources from central government to local councils. It provides for local-council finances (including revenue, grants and budgeting), administration and staffing, the relationship with chiefdom authorities, and oversight and accountability.
It is the foundation of local governance and service delivery at the local level.
Main provisions
- Re-establishes elected city, municipal and district councils.
- Provides for the election of councillors and mayors/chairpersons.
- Confers functions and powers on local councils.
- Provides for the devolution of functions and resources from central government.
- Provides for local-council finances, administration and staffing.
- Provides for oversight, accountability and relations with chiefdom authorities.