FUNCTIONING OF THE INSTITUTE OF OLD AGE IN CONDITIONS OF MARTIAL STATE: LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ASPECTS

Abstract

The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the legal and financial aspects of the functioning of the starosta institute in the context of local self-government reform in Ukraine, especially under the legal regime of martial law. The paper emphasises that starostas play a key role in representing the interests of residents of starosta districts, ensuring access to administrative services, and organising community life. Under martial law, their functions have expanded significantly to include security, humanitarian aid, and interaction with military administrations and law enforcement agencies.тThe author analyses the legal regulation of the institution of starostas, in particular the changes introduced by Law of Ukraine No. 1638-IX concerning the status of starostas, the procedure for their appointment, the definition of starosta districts and the conditions for their creation. Attention is drawn to the insufficient regulatory clarity of the financial powers of starostas, which limits their participation in the budget process and reduces the effectiveness of responding to community needs in emergency situations.The publication justifies the need to introduce a unified register of starosta districts, improve the legal mechanisms for appointing starostas, expand their powers and ensure adequate organisational support. It concludes that the role of starosta should be strengthened in parallel with the development of human resources and increased financial autonomy for these officials, which will contribute to improving the effectiveness of local self-government in the context of reforms and functioning during martial law. The problem of staff turnover and emotional exhaustion, which reduces the effectiveness of starosta in regions where hostilities are taking place or in de-occupied territories, was also considered. The introduction of social guarantees and fair remuneration as tools to support the effective functioning of the institution of starostas was proposed.