To achieve the Millennium Development Goals, local government - as the level of government closest to the people - must be involved.

1. Local Government is at the front line of delivering services that reduce poverty. Local councils provide basic services such as health, education & sanitation and encourage local enterprise. These services are essential to reducing poverty.

2. Local councils help to build communities and can bring together public, private and voluntary organisations to respond to the needs of the poorest and most marginalised people.

3. Strong local government can boost efforts by creating faster service delivery and more accountable institutions. Devolving responsibility and resources to local government increases the chances of projects lasting, because local people have greater control over what work is done. Locally led projects use local expertise which in turn helps improve an area economically and socially.

 Visit our policy section for more information on why local government is important in international development.