Local councils call for realistic election pledges

Municipal matters are becoming increasingly common in the general election debate, and that can place major financial burdens on local councils.

“The numbers just don’t add up,” says Eyðun Christiansen, the head of the Municipality Association. “The local councils cannot finance the growing expenses with decreasing state subsidies.”

He is calling on all political parties to clarify their plans and to include more details on income and expenses to limit the burden on local council budgets in general election pledges.

Separate budgets

Pledge areas that have a significant financial effect on local council budgets include tax breaks, tax free pension payments, deductions in trade union memberships, standards for elderly care and childcare, nationwide service standards and the proposed shortening of the work week.

The Municipality Association wants election candidates to state clearly and fundamentally how they intend to structure the relation between central and local governments, so the local councils have a clearer idea ahead of the election on how to administer their areas of responsibility.

Translated by prosa.fo