Authors

• Foundation for Municipal Development

Keywords

financial resources, informal economy, local finance, local government, local government services, local taxation, municipal government, political power, privatization, public services

Abstract

The survey studies citizens' views on the financial situation of the Finnish municipalities, local democracy, municipal government, and the production of services. The respondents were asked to assess the different means of improving the financial situation of Finnish municipalities, both in general and from the standpoint of their home municipality. They also responded to statements concerning municipal decision-making, administration, consolidation of municipalities, number of civil servants, bureaucracy, efficiency, production of public services, public service privatisation, and the refugees. In addition, the respondents were asked how the municipalities could save money if they had to cut down expenses, and who in real life uses power in municipal decision-making.

Background variables included the respondent's sex, age, basic education, vocational training, income bracket, phase of life, political views, occupational group, number of family members, occupational group of the head of the family, type of locality, municipality of residence, and the province of residence.