The Norwegian welfare model

1. The Norwegian welfare model Elita Cakule, Head of International Projects Department

2. Characteristics of the welfare model Presentasjon | 2003 • Small income disparity

3. Characteristics of the welfare model Presentasjon | 2003 • Small income disparity • High taxes • Generous welfare benefits

4. MOST IMPORTANT CITIZEN VALUES Presentasjon | 2003 • take responsibility for own family • not try to cheat on taxes • follow laws and regulations • respect people with different beliefs • use the right to vote in elections • give support to people who need help • keep informed about important issues in society • care about what happens in the neighbourhood • take part in discussions on vital society issues • work actively for volunteer organisations • be member of a political party • take public office – stand for election

5. Safe and flexible labour market “Nordic Model”: combination of open economy, welfare system and egalitarian traditions “Flexicurity”: a secure and universal welfare system - combined with a flexible labour market Labour culture: based on cooperation employers/employees, confidence in employees and competence, not on control. Flexible working hours Presentasjon | 2003

6. WELFARE LEGISLATION BASED ON SOLIDARITY Presentasjon | 2003

7. Social security Presentasjon | 2003 • Represent the basis for Norwegian social and economic welfare system • Municipal sector - main provider • Gradual increase in legislation granting all individuals economic aid and pension • The National Insurance Scheme – 1967

8. Building the society Presentasjon | 2003 ”the transfere of public benefits to lesser fortunate individuals and groups in order to secure a minimum standard of living” Qualitative and quantitative development • increase in the number of services • universal welfare policies ”Give inhabitants larger economic freedom, social safety and equal opportunities”

9. “Active, strong and accountable state” Presentasjon | 2003 • Political consensus • Stable government and parliament situation • Economic situation

10. National Insurance Scheme Automatically members, legal right to economic aid/ pensions/benefits from birth - death: Pensions Benefits in case of disablement Work assessment allowance Occupational injury benefits Benefits to single parents Cash benefits in case of sickness, maternity, adoption Unemployment Medical benefits in case of sickness and maternity Funeral grant Presentasjon | 2003

11. National Insurance Scheme Presentasjon | 2003 Financing: • Employees - 7,8 % of gross wage income • Employer fee – 0,0 - 14,1% of paid out wages State: rest through other taxes (2010 – 28,6% of the Scheme’s total expense) = In 2010 was more than 1/3 of State budget

12. Children: the responsibility of society as a whole Child Benefit Act 1946: Montly grant for all children untill 18 yrs, paid to the family. For single parents for 1 extra child. Child Rearing Benefit Act 1955: Automatic monthly payment from divorced parent to parent with whom the child is living, according to salary and time spent with the child. Social Insurance Act 2010: 47 week maternal leave (12 weeks fathers quota), with 100% salary - or 57 weeks with 80% salary pay. Presentasjon | 2003

13. General services for children The Kindergarten Act 1975: All children aged 1-5 have the right to a kindergarten place in their home municipality - at a fixed price and with municipal coordination, private or municipal. Alternative: The Cash Benefit Act 1998: for children 1-3 years who do not use kindergartens Education Act, 1977: Right to 13 years of free education for all, including3 years of secondary school. Also loans/grants for University and education for adults. Presentasjon | 2003

14. Regulated labour market Working Environment Act 1977: Protects workers’ rights, limits overtime + prohibits sexual harassment. Special rights for women during pregnancy and after giving birth +giving both parents 10 days paid leave if illness of the child/person caring for the child. Workers with small children have the right to flexible working hours – and to refuse overtime. Presentasjon | 2003

15. Gender Equality legislation Gender Equality Act, 1978: Prohibits gender discrimination and promotes gender equality. Additions from 1980/1990sset a 40% quota for all public committees. Act of Gender Representation in Private Company Boards, 2003: A 40% quota for members of all listed private company boards. Act on Equality and Anti-Discrimination Ombud and Tribunal, 2006: Institutions thatmonitor that Norwegian laws and practices are in line with international conventions. Presentasjon | 2003

16. Education Presentasjon | 2003 Educational level: • 1970 – 50 % of population primary school • 2000 – 78 % secondary school • Age 25-64 - 86 % secondary school • 1984 - 12% university degree (most women) • 2011 - 30% university degree • 2030 - 40% university degree State bank: secure loan/grants with no regard to income (1947 - ) enabled this development

17. Health Presentasjon | 2003 Municipalities • Organizing and financing basic medical treatment; doctor, emergency, physiotherapy, home based care State: • hospitals and specialized medical services (2002) Health reform - 2012 _________________________________ • Life expectancy women: 83 years • Life expectancy men: 79 years

18. Population – age and gender - 2005 Presentasjon | 2003

19. Population – age and gender - 2050 Age Men Women Presentasjon | 2003

20. THE EXPECTATION GAP Presentasjon | 2003 Efficiency/capacity Demands Expectations Supply Production Time

21. Equality – equal opportunities Freedom Justice Values Presentasjon | 2003