ABSTRACT
The Norwegian welfare model is based on a particular division of labour between central and local government: the central government decides welfare policies, while local governments implement them. Through this arrangement. Norwegian municipalities (and eventually also county councils) have during the post-Second World War period become the most important providers of national welfare services. However, municipalities are still political bodies with a mandate to make decisions on their own, including decisions about welfare issues. Through these means, central government decisions are adjusted to local needs and conditions (Tranvik and Fimreite 2006).
