local government in iceland vilhjalmur th. vilhjalmsson chairman the association of local...
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Local government in Iceland
Vilhjalmur Th. Vilhjalmssonchairman
The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
Some historical facts
The history of local authorities in Iceland dates back to the beginning of the tenth century - soon after the settlement of Iceland in 874.
In the beginning the local authorities had certain social responsibilities.
They enjoyed a right of self-government and had independent source of income.
Under foreign rule, from 1262, the power of local authorities was greatly reduced.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the ancient form of local self-government no longer existed.
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
Some historical facts
Local government restored in 1872 by the Royal Danish Decree on Local Government Act.
The municipal boundaries established by law was based on the ancient communes and did not change much for the next 120 years.
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
Nordic structure of local government
The structure of local government in Iceland is of Nordic origin and in many fundamental ways similiar to the present structure in the other Nordic countries.
The main difference is that in Iceland there is only one level of local government and due to that and to the number of many small municipalities the local government in Iceland are responsible for lesser percentage of the public sector than in the other Nordic countries.
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
Part in public expenditure
75%
69%
61%56%
35%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Denmark Sweden Norway Finland Iceland
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
The responsibilities of local government
Social services Basic social and financial assistance. Daycare for children. Child welfare.
Education, culture, sports and recreation Primary schools (6-15 years) Music-schools Sportfacilities, culture centers, museums
and libraries Support to arts, theatre groups,
sportclubs, volunteer groups etc.
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
The responsibilities of local government
Infrastructure Building, maintenance, and operation of
streets, sewage, water and electricity works, as well as district heatings.
Municipal planning and building inspection. Public parks and open areas. Surveillance of public and enviromental
health. Fire services. Public transport. Waste management and collection. Harbours.
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
Municipal Finances
The tax base is defined as taxes and payments from The Local Government Equalizations fund. 63% of municipal revenues are from
the local income tax 17% are from service income 11% taxes on real properties 8% is from The Municipal
Equalizations Fund. 1% others
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
Operating Costs
47%
14%
12%
11%
11%
4%
1%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Education
Infrastructure
Social services
Mutual Costs
Youth leisure andsports
Culture
Other
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
The number of municipalities
In 1990 Iceland was divided into 204 municipalities.
In 2005 Iceland is divides into 101 municipalities.
The municipalities are in the midst of an amalgamation process.
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
The number of municipalities
172
203 212229 228 226 223
204
101
0
50
100
150
200
250
1872 1911 1931 1950 1961 1971 1981 1990 2005
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
104 municipalities in 2004
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
46 municipalities in 2006 ??
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
The Association of Local Authorities
The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland is the forum for co-operation between the local authorities.
It was established in 1945 by 52 local authorities.
Since 1973 all local authorities in Iceland have been members of the association.
The Association provides various services and information to the local authorities.
The Association takes responsibility for common tasks such as collective bargaining with unions of municipal employees.
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
The Association of Local Authorities
According to the Local Government Act The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland is responsible for safeguarding the common interest of the Icelandic local governments.
The Association has colloboration contract with the State and the Government of Iceland.
The State is obliged by law to consult the Association on the affairs of the local governments.
Samband íslenskra sveitarfélaga – The Association of Local Authorities in Iceland
The organisation of the Association
BOARD
Generalassembly
Executive director
Finance and statistic
2 employees
Legalaffairs
2 employees
Negotiation with trade
unions
4 employees
Development and
international affairs
1 employee
Secretaritat and
publishing
11 employees
EU Committee
Development Committee
Wage Commission
Emergency Relief Fund
The Municipal Harbour Association
Municipality Credit Iceland