KLGI supports the process of a formula for sustainable funding of social services in municipalities

The Kosovo Local Government Institute (KLGI), together with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW), organised a workshop on “The Funding Formula and Criteria for the Specific Grant for Social Services”. The workshop discussed forms of funding for social services based on the Law on Local Government Finance and the Law on Social and Family Services.

Participants in the meeting were members of the Working Group for preparing the Funding Formula and Criteria for Social Services.

Public budgets must ensure adequate financial support for the provision of social services, as this represents an effective investment and an essential element for those members of society who, lacking the means, require social support.

Under the new Law on social services, the Centres for Social Services are expected to play a proactive role, and this should also be provided for in the funding formula. The more advanced the funding formula and budget allocation, the greater the efficiency of the centres for social services will be. Above all, without effective management and allocation of resources, those most in need are likely to find themselves without services.

However, in the absence of sufficient public resources to meet welfare needs, the involvement and role of civil society organisations active in this field is important in filling the gap and finding a sustainable solution for this field.

Demand for social services is growing because of demographic and social change, external and internal migration, unemployment and other factors, which makes it essential to prepare a funding formula for social services. Service provision must respect the rights of users and guarantee a high level of quality.

This activity was carried out within the project ‘Support for Stronger and More Sustainable Municipalities (SSSM)’, funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Kosovo.