For 11 months of 2016, as a result of decentralization the revenues to the general fund of local budgets in average around the country have exceeded the annual planned showings approved by local councils. The increase in local budgets, as compared to the similar period of 2015, amounted about UAH 44 billion, said Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman on opening the International Mayors Congress "Global Urban Development Trends" on Monday.

"Year-on-year local budgets grow by over 50%. We have during 11 months the annual plan overfulfilled – exceeding 100% in the national average. An additional resource - almost UAH 44 billion – is a real investment that can be directed to all spheres of life as well as to modernization of our cities," said the Head of Government, speaking about the effectiveness of decentralization.

Now, the challenge before local authorities is to publicly and effectively use this resource, stressed the Prime Minister.

He believes that any abuse in the process of public procurement is a crime against society and the state.

"The Government has created the tools – just use them and do it with maximum efficiency. This will provide you with an opportunity to be the best,” said Volodymyr Groysman. The time of kickbacks, bribes should become history as it destroys our country".

The Head of Government urged the mayors to be open to the community. This will ensure an opportunity to control and responsibility.