– Norwegian municipalities break laws every single day because the degree of detail is too great in relation to what is possible to comply with, says chairman Gunn Marit Helgesen of the municipal organization KS.
On Friday, Employment and Inclusion Minister Tonje Brenna (Ap) and Local Government and District Minister Erling Sande (Sp) presented an allocation of five billion kroner to the municipalities and county councils in 2024 and a further five billion in 2025.
It helps, Helgesen believes, but emphasizes that it is not just a lack of money that is eating away at Kommune-Norge.
Several laws, regulations, guidelines, staffing standards that concern municipalities today are too detailed, she says, and calls for more leeway for the municipalities.
– They have to clean it up, and we will help them, says the chairman.
Sande does not disagree that the municipalities must comply with many requirements.
– Now it is not primarily this government that has placed the most new demands on the municipalities, but still there are a good number of demands that have accumulated over many years, says the SP minister.
He does not rule out that the government should look at opportunities to reduce the demands on the municipalities.
– We must have and have a good dialogue also with KS to see if there are things we can do in terms of demands and expectations from the Storting and government that can be mitigated to enable the municipalities to use their resources more efficiently. It is work that we do continuously, says Sande.
#municipal #freedom #clean
**Interview with Gunn Marit Helgesen, Chairman of the Municipal Organization KS**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Gunn Marit Helgesen. You mentioned that Norwegian municipalities break laws every day due to overly detailed regulations. Can you elaborate on how these laws hinder municipal operations?
**Helgesen**: Certainly. The extensive regulations put significant pressure on municipalities, making compliance nearly impossible. Each law comes with a level of detail that doesn’t always consider our on-the-ground realities, ultimately hampering our ability to serve the community effectively.
**Editor**: The government has committed an allocation of ten billion kroner over two years to assist municipalities. Do you believe this financial support is adequate in addressing the challenges faced by local governments?
**Helgesen**: While the funding is helpful, it doesn’t solve the root problem. It’s not merely a budget issue. We need more flexibility in how we operate. The focus should be on simplifying these regulations and allowing municipalities the freedom to make decisions that suit their unique contexts.
**Editor**: Minister Sande acknowledged the accumulation of demands on municipalities over the years. What specific changes do you advocate for in order to alleviate this pressure?
**Helgesen**: We need to streamline laws and guidelines. This involves revisiting existing regulations and cutting down on unnecessary requirements. The aim should be to create a more practical framework that allows municipalities to act effectively without constantly worrying about legal compliance.
**Editor**: Given the complexities you’ve highlighted, how do you foresee the dialogue with the government evolving? Is there hope for a tangible shift in these regulations?
**Helgesen**: I believe there is potential for progress. The government has shown a willingness to engage with us; however, real change will require persistent advocacy. We must work collaboratively with the government to identify areas for improvement and push for a more manageable regulatory environment.
**Editor**: What do you think, readers? Should municipalities be granted more freedom to operate without the heavy burden of detailed regulations? Is financial support enough, or do we need a substantial reevaluation of the laws governing municipal operations? Join the conversation in the comments below!