LOCAL STRUCTURES IN ICELAND
Iceland is a unitary state composed of municipalities (sveitarfélag).
Local level: 76 municipalities (sveitarfélag)
Local authorities
The municipal council (called sveitarstjórn, bæjarstjórn or borgarstjórn depending on the size of the municipality) is elected by direct universal suffrage, usually for a four-year term. It can pass resolutions wholly or partly related to local life. The council is composed of councillors, who are responsible for the management of the municipality. Permanent committees, appointed by councillors, are created to assist the council. These committees work on specific issues and make recommendations to the council.
The executive committee (called byggðaráð, bæjarráð or borgarráð depending on the size of the municipality) is composed of municipal council members elected by the council. This executive authority is in charge of the financial and administrative management of the municipality.
The mayor (called oddviti or forseti depending on the size of the municipality) is elected for one year by a council majority. He/she presides over the council's meetings. Following elections, the municipal council may decide to appoint one of its members as mayor or may hire a non-political person to take on this role.
Local competences
. Social services
. Services for persons with disabilities
. Primary education
. Culture, sports and recreation
. Public utilities (sewerage, water, electricity, etc.)
. Municipal planning and building inspection
. Public parks and open areas
. Monitoring of public and environmental health
. Fire services
. Public transportation
. Waste management and collection
. Harbours
Note
Municipalities have the possibility of taking on additional tasks provided that they have the budget to support these and that the tasks in question are not assigned to other administrations by law.
