Claire Kaiser

A Comparative Analysis of Amalgamation Reforms in Selected European Countries

The chapter provides an overview of the municipal structures, reform objectives, strategies, patterns of conflicts, and outcomes associated with amalgamation reforms in European countries on the basis of the perception of country experts. The results indicate that the objectives of amalgamation reforms primarily concern efficiency and service delivery criteria. The amalgamation strategies chosen by the countries are very heterogeneous. Whereas some countries chose top-down strategies with intervention from the central government, others prefer bottom-up strategies. Patterns of conflict during amalgamation processes are primarily related to the divide between central and local government as well as between small and large municipalities. The results indicate that the most important outcomes are improved service quality and, to some extent, cost savings.

Effects of amalgamations: evidence from Swiss municipalities

ABSTRACT Many OECD countries have amalgamated their municipalities during the last couple of decades. For decisions concerning future territorial rescaling, it is crucial to augment the previously inconclusive evaluative knowledge of the effects of mergers. This paper examines the effects of amalgamations conducted between 1998 and 2009 in the areas of public service delivery, local finance, administrative staff, municipal autonomy and local democracy. The data are obtained from two comprehensive surveys of all local secretaries (top civil servants) in Switzerland in 1998 and 2009. The analysis – based upon a comparison between a quasi-experimental and a control group – (partially) supports the hypothesis of a positive effect on public service delivery, the professionalization of staff and municipal autonomy. The effect on local finance is inconclusive, and negative effects on local democracy are not discovered in the framework of this study.

Functioning and Impact of Incentives for Amalgamations in a Federal State: The Swiss Case

In Switzerland, where most amalgamations are voluntary, supportive measures for municipal mergers vary considerably between cantons. This study focuses upon the interests of higher-ranking state levels in amalgamation, the design of incentive systems set by the Swiss cantons, and their influence on the municipalities’ amalgamation activities. Empirical results show that with a higher number of municipalities, the canton sets more incentives for mergers. Also, financial incentives positively influence the municipalities’ merger activities. The data sources include comprehensive surveys of the Swiss municipal secretaries (2009/2010) and of the cantonal administrations (2010).

Consulting for the Public Sector in Europe

External consultants in the public sector have gained increasing significance in Europe. They are understood as economic and societal experts, who deliver a mandated, ad hoc and paid consulting service to the public administration or political actors with a focus on processes or structures of public administration or on policies. Despite the importance of the topic, studies on the diffusion, role, processes and effects of management consultancy in the public sector are still scarce. Therefore, the chapter provides an overview of the topic, analyzing triggers, diffusion, content, actors, roles, and processes as well as evaluation and outcomes of public sector consultancy. In conclusion, public sector institutions are advised to reflect about the function of external consulting in their organization before the engagement.

Inter-municipal Cooperation in Switzerland

Given the need to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and capacities, reforms that cross municipal boundaries have increased in importance (see, for example, Kersting & Vetter 2003). Collaboration among municipalities is one possible reform strategy for local governments aiming to achieve economies of scale, to improve the quality of services or to achieve higher visibility. Particularly in decentralized countries with autonomous municipalities, intermunicipal cooperation (IMC) is inherent, and many municipalities need to cooperate to fulfill their tasks adequately (CoE, UNDP & LGI 2010). Using the Swiss case, we examine, in depth, a country with highly autonomous municipalities. When compared internationally, Swiss municipalities have a high degree of autonomy, fulfil manifold tasks and are relatively small, with a median population size of approximately 1400. Therefore, many municipalities are highly reliant on cooperation with other local authorities to provide their services appropriately, and inter-municipal cooperation (IMC) has a long tradition in Switzerland.