Second, decentralization is seen as a more effective means to ensure the accountability of government officials and, consequently, improve the access of people to government initiated services and facilities. Most direct interaction between local residents and elected leaders promotes the culture of accountability. Where local government have sufficient political and financial authority and community-based groups are active, people have greater access to such services as primary health care, agricultural extension services, education, and low-income housing. Proximity to a demand base for a service renders responses more effective and promotes a more rationalized use of resources. This proximity also allows for closer monitoring by the beneficiary population of projects intended to serve them. However, the way that decentralization affects service delivery and access also depends on such program design aspects as the extent of resources and responsibilities granted to local governments and their administrative capacity to carry out their assigned responsibilities.