Abstract
The study evaluates the performance of local health councils and their capacity to promote accountability and improve primary healthcare in central Brazil. An exploratory descriptive study was carried out with the application of questionnaires to analyze their organization and functioning. Results show that they approve health plans and management of public funds but have little autonomy to define health policies. They function mostly bureaucratically with minimum intersectorial articulation. Their capacity to improve delivery of healthcare is limited, but accountability has improved. Thus, it is necessary to enhance the autonomy of these councils, provide technical qualification, and enhance community participation.