Cooperation between the state and the municipalities

The Ministry of Finance monitors the activities and the finances of municipalities in general. The Ministry ensures that municipal autonomy is taken into account when preparing legislation that concerns municipalities.

The legislation concerning municipalities, far-reaching issues of municipal administration and finances that are important in principle, and the adjustment of central government and local self-government are discussed in the negotiation procedure between the state and the municipalities. A government decree (596/2015) has been issued on the procedure.

The negotiation procedure between the state and the municipalities is implemented in the Local Government Finance Programme procedure and in processing issues that concern municipalities in the advisory council on local government finances and administration. 

The group is led by Minister of Local Government and Ownership Steering Sirpa Paatero.