Transcript The local level in Iceland

CEMR POLICY COMMITTEE
MEETING IN ICELAND
May 2008
Study visit to the municipality of Mosfellsbær
1
The basic facts
•Iceland 103.000 km²
•313.000 inhab. 2007
•3 inhab. pr. km²
•Two tiers of government:
The municipalities
and the state
2
Nordic structure of local
government
• The structure of local government in Iceland is
of Nordic origin and in many fundamental ways
similar to the present structure in the other
Nordic countries.
• However, in Iceland there are no regional
authorities.
– Municipal councils are elected every four
years.
– All citizens over the age of 18 are eligible
to vote.
– 83% participation in the last elections 2006
3
The roles of the local authorities
in Iceland
• Democratic role
– Self government of municipalities
• Service provider for the local people
– Respect democratic role and legal frame for the
services
• Public authority
– Enforcement of certain laws such as in the field of
environment
• Employer
4
The local government structure
• Very disparate municipalities
• Reykjavik is by far the largest with 119 thousand
inhabitants.
• The second largest has 29 thousand inhabitants.
• 63% of the total population live in the Reykjavik
area.
• The same legal framework and responsibilities
apply to all municipalities regardless of their size
• The smallest municipality has 49 inhabitants.
• 79 municipalities, too many for a country of
313.000 inhabitants.
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The local government structure
• Only 32 municipalities have more than 1.000
inhabitants. More than 93% of the total
population inhabit these municipalities.
• 30 municipalities have fewer than 500
inhabitants. About 2% of the total population live
in those municipalities.
6
Municipalities grouped on basis of number
of inhabitants
Inhab.
1
>100.000 inhab.
119.000
4
10.000-99.999 inhab.
77.133
4
5.000-9.9999 inhab.
29.382
23
1.000-4.999 inhab.
58.575
18
500-999 inhab.
13.037
29
<49-499 inhab.
0
5
10
15
20
25
6.772
30
7
The proportion of municipalities and inhabitants
by constituencies to the National Parliament
24 municipalities
27 municipalities
13% of the population
10% of the population
1 municipality
39% percent of
the population
20 municipalities
14% of the population
7 municipalites
Population of Iceland 2007 313.000
24% of the population
Geographical size 103.000 km²
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of
Local Authorities in Iceland
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Reduction of municipalities
1953–2006
250
350.000
300.000
200
250.000
150
200.000
100
150.000
100.000
50
50.000
Number of municipalities
2003
1998
1993
1988
1983
1978
1973
1968
1963
1958
0
1953
0
Inhabitants
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The main challenges for Icelandic
local authorities
• The municipalities outside the southwest corner are
losing inhabitants and income
• The municipalities on the southwest corner have an
opposite problem with fast growing population and rising
expenses
• Further amalgamation is necessary to strengthen the
local level and address the migration to the south-west
corner
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Constitutional rights of local
government
•
•
Each municipal shall manage their affairs
independently as laid down by law. (Art. 78).
This principle is recognized in the Local
Government Act, No. 45/1998:
• Municipalities decide their own affairs at their own
responsibility (Art. 1).
• Municipalities can adopt any task which concerns
their inhabitants, if it is not given to others according
to law.
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Main responsibilites of the muncipalities
The social sector
o Basic social and financial assistance
o Home assistance to the disabled and elderly
o Child welfare
Education, culture, sports and recreation
o Primary schools (6–16 years)
o Pre-schools (Kindergarten 2-5 years)
o After school and summer holiday arrangements for children
o Leisure activities especially for young people and the elderly
o Music Schools
o Sport facilities, culture centers, museums and libraries
o Support to local free organizations such as art and theatre
groups, sportsclubs etc.
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Local infrastructure and public utilities
• Construction, maintenance and operation of municipal
streets, sewage, water and electricity works, as well as
district heating
• Municipal planning and building inspection
• Surveillance of public and environmental health
• Public transport
• Fire services
• Waste management and waste collection
• Harbours
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Municipal operating Costs
0%
10%
20%
Education
40%
50%
47%
14%
Infrastructure
Social services
12%
Mutual Costs
11%
Youth leisure and
sports
11%
Culture
Other
30%
4%
1%
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Local government income sources
–
–
–
–
63%
17%
11%
8%
–
1%
local income tax
service charges
real estate tax
The Municipal
Equalizations Fund
miscellaneous
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The responsibilities of the State
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Judicial matters
The Police force
Secondary schools and further education
The health sector, both primary health care and hospitals
Public insurance
Service to the handicapped and to the elderly (divided
responsibilities)
Unemployment compensation and job centers
Highways
Customs and tax administration
Regional development
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