Local Government of Belize

Ministry: Labour, Local Government and Rural Development

Local government is provided for by the Belize and Belmopan City Council Acts 1999; the Village Councils Act 1999; and the Inferior Courts Act 2003, and not by the constitution. The Ministry of Labour, Local Government and Rural Development is responsible for local government. Local government is provided by two city councils; seven town councils; 181 village councils; and 12 community councils. Local elections are held every three years.

The local authorities are funded by central government but can derive further revenue from licence fees and fines; urban authorities can also raise revenue from property taxes. Councils are responsible for public services such as waste disposal, roads, markets, parks and cemeteries.