The project\u2019s aim is to investigate, discuss and assess what needs to happen in order for the intentions underpinning Norway\u2019s municipality reform to be applicable for municipalities that are \u201cinvoluntary small\u201d. As in in other Nordic countries, the Norwegian government seeks to reform the municipalities. A structure of fewer, but larger municipalities is believed to solve issues such as vulnerability in high-competence services with few users (i.e. child welfare authorities, specialised psychological and pedagogical counselling, psychiatric health care services, substance abuse treatment etc.), democratic weakening of the country\u2019s local democratic level and unnecessary obstacles for regionalisation of services, planning, economy and people\u2019s everyday life. However, Norway is a country with a particular geography: dispersed settlements, significant distances, a distinct topography and climate that translate into lagging travel and uncertain travel punctuality. The Government\u2019s reform distinguishes between municipalities that are \u201cvoluntary small\u201d and \u201cinvoluntary small\u201d. The first category refers to municipalities situated in regions with little travel distance between larger population centres, while the latter category are reserved for municipalities in regions with great distances between larger population centres. A logical consequence of the recognition of municipalities that are \u201cinvoluntary small\u201d is that the reform\u2019s intentions also needs to apply to these municipalities, as they are their geography prevents them to achieve these by amalgamations. The project recommends that a ceiling is established for island municipalities in the State\u2019s revenue system for the municipalities, shielding these vulnerable and \u201cinvoluntary small\u201d municipalities from effects of reform-related revisions in the revenue system.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The project\u2019s aim is to investigate, discuss and assess what needs to happen in order for the intentions underpinning Norway\u2019s municipality reform to be applicable for municipalities that are \u201cinvoluntary small\u201d. As in in other Nordic countries, the Norwegian government seeks to reform the municipalities. A structure of fewer, but larger municipalities is believed to…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13371,"template":"","research-areas":[355,352],"class_list":["post-8366","projects","type-projects","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","research-areas-inter-municipal-cooperation","research-areas-muncipal-and-regional-development","state-finished"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n