Just and Democratic Local Governance: Accountability - Quality and Equity in Public Service Provision

This handbook was produced by the ActionAid´s International Governance Team as part of the ELBAG (Economic Literacy & Budget Accountability in Governance) Handbook Series. The handbook is for local level civil society practitioners who want to make services work better for the poor. The book builds on the current good practices that focus on strengthening local accountability in service provision and governance. Experience shows that accountability is the key issue in promoting more responsive and just service delivery.
The handbook provides step-by-step ways that civil society organisations and activists can help to improve local services by focusing on accountability. After an explanation of Human Rights as the basis for ActionAid's work, the handbook includes chapters on:

• Good public services and welfare are essential for a dignified life
• Local public services – How can we improve them?
• Getting organised – becoming empowered
• Service delivery – What are your rights?
• Demanding accountability – What are the challenges?
• Gathering evidence – building solidarity
• Stating your case – campaigning for public services.

(See Related Summaries at the bottom of the page for other handbooks in the ELBAG series which are available on the Soul Beat Africa website).