Andrus Jõgi, Adviser of the Local Government Financial Management Department of the Ministry of Finance
The recently published comparison of the social development of countries provides a good overview of Estonia's strengths and challenges. For several years in a row, it is also possible to monitor the national competitiveness index. We can compare ourselves to countries that are better or similar. In any case, interesting and useful material for everyone.
With regard to local governments, countries are developing solutions that would enable them to compare local governments. It enables to increase public awareness and involvement, and which would ultimately help to ensure evenly development nationwide.
Here are some examples from Europe: the Netherlands, Austria, Norway, Finland, Denmark:
Sometimes these solutions have been created by the central government, sometimes by the municipalities together, sometimes by the third sector. In Estonia, however, the website minuomavalitsus.fin.ee, which offers a comparison of local government services, has been created in cooperation with the central government, local governments and non-governmental organizations, based on the methodology proposed by researchers.
Why are such comparison portals made?
Indeed, a single numerical value may not reveal much about a phenomenon. However, most indicators come to life through comparison and putting them in context. Even in shops it is shown on the price tag how much a product costs per kilogram or liter. This helps both the buyer to make better purchasing decisions and the manufacturer to position himself.
Comparative information can be used in a non-helpful way, that is true. But at the same time the availability of comprehensive information and feedback on strengths and challenges enables to take it into account when planning developments. Knowing the differences between other municipalities, it is possible to find both those from whom to learn and those with whom to share your lessons. Everyone has development opportunities - both small and large Estonian local governments, both Estonia and Finland.
Comparisons work better when there are many to compare with. Out of all 79 municipalities, each municipality can find enough similar municipalities for comparison. Be it by size, location, population density or profitability.
Money is certainly an important factor in shaping many services, but it is not the only one. It is also not the case that a richer country can do everything better. There are topics where Estonia is at the same level or even better than its richer counterparts.
The same is true for local governments. Most of the service level results on My Local Government website cannot be explained by money. For example, Muhu Parish, which is among the average in terms of income, achieved the highest satisfaction with most matters concerning local government services (summary of the satisfaction survey).
Minuomavalitsus.fin.ee is a useful tool where everybody can view the status of services in their home area. It provides an overview of the situation of municipal services in order to manage local development, facilitate the sharing of experiences, raise awareness and inform citizens. There is a lot of interesting information on the page and research material for years. During the first week, already 3,000 users visited the site.
