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CEMR POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING IN ICELAND May 2008

This study visit to the municipality of Mosfellsbær in Iceland examines the local government structure, roles, and responsibilities of municipalities in the country. It also highlights the challenges faced by local authorities and the need for further amalgamation to address population migration.

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CEMR POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING IN ICELAND May 2008

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  1. CEMR POLICY COMMITTEEMEETING IN ICELANDMay 2008 Study visit to the municipality of Mosfellsbær

  2. The basic facts • Iceland 103.000 km² • 313.000 inhab. 2007 • 3 inhab. pr. km² • Two tiers of government: • The municipalities • and the state

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Municipalities grouped on basis of number of inhabitants Inhab. 119.000 77.133 29.382 58.575 13.037 6.772

  8. The proportion of municipalities and inhabitants by constituencies to the National Parliament 24 municipalities 13% of the population 27 municipalities 10% of the population 1 municipality 39% percent of the population 20 municipalities 14% of the population 7 municipalites 24% of the population Population of Iceland 2007 313.000 Geographical size 103.000 km² Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland

  9. Reduction of municipalities 1953–2006

  10. 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

  11. Constitutional rights of local government • Eachmunicipal 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.

  12. Main responsibilites of the muncipalities The social sector Basic social and financial assistance Home assistance to the disabled and elderly Child welfare Education, culture, sports and recreation Primary schools (6–16 years) Pre-schools (Kindergarten 2-5 years) After school and summer holiday arrangements for children Leisure activities especially for young people and the elderly Music Schools Sport facilities, culture centers, museums and libraries Support to local free organizations such as art and theatre groups, sportsclubs etc.

  13. 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

  14. Municipal operating Costs

  15. Local government income sources 63% local income tax 17% service charges 11% real estate tax 8% The Municipal Equalizations Fund 1% miscellaneous

  16. 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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