FISCAL POTENTIAL OF LOCAL BUDGETS IN THE CONTEXT OF BUDGET DECENT REALIZATION IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article examines the fiscal potential of local budgets in the context of fiscal decentralization in Ukraine. The current state and trends in the development of local finances, the main sources of revenues and expenditures of local budgets are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the tools for increasing fiscal potential, such as optimization of the tax base, increasing the efficiency of tax administration, attracting investment and intermunicipal cooperation. The main challenges and prospects for the development of fiscal potential in the context of decentralization are identified, in particular, the uneven economic development of regions, dependence on state transfers and the need to increase the transparency of budget funds. It is found that the structure of local budget revenues has changed significantly as a result of decentralization. There is an increase in the share of own revenues, in particular tax revenues, which has a positive impact on the financial autonomy of local communities. The analysis has shown that the main expenditures of local budgets are aimed at financing education, health care, social protection, and housing and communal services. The main challenges for the development of the fiscal potential of local budgets are identified, including uneven economic development of regions, dependence on state transfers, and the need to increase the efficiency of budget resources. A number of measures are proposed to increase the fiscal potential, including optimizing the tax base, improving tax administration, attracting investment, and developing inter-municipal cooperation.