The Association of Ukrainian Cities has appealed to the Prime Minister of Ukraine, demanding the immediate unblocking of payments by local self-government bodies that are processed through Treasury bodies. According to the Association, for almost a month communities have effectively been unable to use their own funds, even when they are available in local budget accounts and the expenditures comply with the requirements of Government Resolution No. 590.
The appeal stresses that the current restrictions deprive communities of the ability to pay salaries on time to public utility workers and other employees in the public sector. This concerns, in particular, staff of medical institutions, public transport workers, water utility employees, solid household waste collection services, and services maintaining traffic light systems and sewerage networks.
The Association of Ukrainian Cities warns that continued blocking of payments may lead to the shutdown of medical facilities and public transport, interruptions in water supply, failure to collect rubbish and disruptions in the operation of critical infrastructure. The organisation raises the question of who will bear responsibility should such consequences occur.
The appeal recalls that in 2022, during the occupation of Bucha, local self-government bodies were able to make payments through the Treasury. By contrast, in 2024, according to the Association, even rear-area communities, including the Horodyshche community, have had payments related to the population’s water supply blocked.
The reasons for the imposed restrictions and their impact on the work of communities were discussed in a video broadcast on RadioKyiv98fm with the participation of the Adviser to the Chair of the Association of Ukrainian Cities, Oksana Prodan. The Association of Ukrainian Cities promises to publish detailed materials on its official website.