Local Government of Jamaica

Ministry: Local Government and Community Development

Association: Association of Local Government Authorities of Jamaica

Local government is provided for by the Parish Councils Act 1887, the Kingston City Corporation Act 1923 and the Municipalities Act 2003, and not by the constitution. The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development is responsible for local government. There are 14 local authorities, comprising 12 parish councils (11 of which are single-tier) and the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (single-tier). The Portmore Municipal Council within the parish of St Catherine is the only second-tier authority. Local elections are held every four years.

The local authorities have the power to raise revenue, for example from property taxes, licences, fees and fines; and they receive transfers from national government from time to time for specific purposes. Local authorities are responsible for local infrastructure and poor alleviation, and share responsibility with national government for other services such as environmental health; supply of water; and management of development projects.