Catch22: Service Provider vs Regulator

Is the local authority a Service Provider or a Regulator? The answer can be yes or no depending on how you look into it and what role the local authority is playing. For instance, in issuing the license, approving a permit or enforcing the laws, local authority is acting as a regulator. When it comes to collecting the domestic waste, area cleansing, repairing the road and potholes, then the local authority is a service provider. Can the local authority becomes a regulator cum service provider at the same time for the same works? Yes, definitely, but many have not perceived it correctly.

For example, One Stop Centre of Local Authority is entrusted to receive application for development projects. The Centre will check submitted documents and received it for further processing and approval. The Centre is providing service to the applicant in which efficiency, effectiveness and friendly are to be ensured although it is for planning regulation. Checking on the compliance of application and making sure that every thing is in order fulfilling the requirement of law and guidelines is the scope of work for regulator. If similar argument is applied, then all scope for regulation of local authority are service oriented. Enforcement, for example is a service to ensure peace and order. Health inspection is carried out to improve the service quality of food outlets.

I believe the public servants have to understand that we are providing services to the public, be it general service or regulating the laws. After all, after office hour we are part of the community, the opposite site that we are serving during office hour.