Taxes are not being collected! Municipalities are collecting only 1 in 3 planned lek

From property taxes to those for the use of public spaces, along with cleaning or lighting fees... municipalities collected only a third of the money they were supposed to collect from citizens and businesses between January and May. Data from the Ministry of Finance shows that out of the nearly 41 billion lek planned, in the first 5 months of 2016, local government units collected only 15 billion lek.

"When municipalities fail to collect planned revenues, the impact is felt directly by citizens. The lack of financial resources means fewer services, less investment and more dependence on the central government. This is a call to reflect on local capacities, but also to improve the current local financing system," Adelina Farrici, Director, Association for Local Autonomy, told A2 CNN.

Data from "finance" shows that out of more than 32 billion lek planned, in the 5-month period from January to May, municipalities collected only 11 billion lek in local taxes. Almost 21 billion lek less or only 35 percent of the amount that should have been collected.

"They show not only weaknesses in collection, but also the consequence of the lack of administrative and human capacity in many municipalities. Above all, they put at risk the normal functioning of local services. When collection stagnates, services to citizens also begin to decline - and this directly affects the quality of life," Farrici emphasized to A2 CNN.

More optimistic are the figures regarding the collection of taxes and fees from small businesses. Out of the planned 33 billion lek, 28 billion lek were collected in January-March. This figure is 85 percent of the plan.

"This shows that when there is a good structure and cooperation with small businesses, the results are tangible. It is a positive sign that should be emphasized and used to improve other sectors of local finance," says Adelina Farrici.

At a time when municipalities are facing a lack of money in their coffers and citizens expect better services, Prime Minister Rama warns, promising that there will be no more tolerance for the occupation of public spaces, and legal reform will be a strong weapon to restore order and order in the territory. (A2 Televizion)