The Fuvahmulah' City Council is an independent and autonomous body that derives its legal authority from the Decentralisation Act (Law no. 7/2010) of the Maldives. Empowered to own property and to incur liabilities, the Council has devolved powers of self-governance and decision making, as well as financial autonomy. The council is responsible to plan and develop the city and ensure that the services required by the Decentralization Act are provided to the citizens of the Atoll.