Course content

The local governments are responsible for most of the public sector services in the Norwegian welfare state. Fiscal federalism is about the relationship between the local and central governments. Different countries choose different degree of centralisation and decentralisation within the public sector, both with regard to the responsibility of public sector services and the financing of the services. Main topics in the course are the design of the grant system, the regulation of local tax policy, local government structure and the division of responsibility of public sector goods and services.

Learning outcome

Students should get knowledge of how the local public sector are organized and financed in order to provide welfare services and local public goods, including an understanding of the central government’s policy towards the local public sector.

Learning methods and activities

4 hours of lectures every week. One compulsory term paper. The course can be taught in English when there are English-speaking students who meet the recommended previous knowledge.
The course is an optional master's course, and it is not taught every semester. Check www.ntnu.no/econ/english/info.

Compulsory assignments

• One approved term paper.

Recommended previous knowledge

Compulsory courses in Master’s degree in Economics.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Credit reductions