The municipalities play a particularly important role in the Norwegian system, and have a large degree of autonomy. The Central Government sets goals, proposes housing laws and regulations. This level provides also funds for loans, grants and housing allowances through the Norwegian State Housing Bank. The central government has also a major responsibility for research - and for the dissemination of relevant information to all the actors in the housing field. The Municipalities provide planning in terms of local housing structure as well as necessary infrastructure for housing construction and rehabilitation.
Local authorities are responsible for providing adequate housing for disadvantaged groups.
Our 435 Municipalities have a strong position in the Norwegian welfare model. They have extensive authority to prioritise between various measures within the housing sector. In Norway, the housing co-operative movement has played an important role in providing homes to the average man and woman. There is an active co-operation between the central Government, the Municipalities and the Private Sector. The housing situation in Norway is in general very good.