Money to improve living conditions in Bergen and Trondheim

"The Government wishes to help improve the environment and local factors in residential areas of Bergen and Trondheim that face special challenges. The Government proposes that the two cities receive a total of NOK 7.5 million for area initiatives in 2012," says Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Liv Signe Navarsete.

In the National Budget for 2012, the Government proposes that area initiatives in Bergen receive NOK 6 million. That is twice as much as in 2011. Trondheim receives NOK 1.5 million to start work in areas with poor living conditions.

The Government says in the Soria Moria II declaration that vulnerable areas in Norway shall be followed up. The increased efforts in Bergen and the new initiative in Trondheim are part of this follow up.

The subsidy is intended to help improve the living environment and resolve local issues in residential areas. Among other things, it is intended to contribute to promoting safety and well-being in the local environment.

"Our experience from work on the area initiative in Groruddalen shows that consistent and long-term efforts are needed, with the state and the local authority working together. This also creates commitment locally. I am very pleased that we are also getting started in Trondheim," says Navarsete.

During the period from 2007 to 2010, the entire area initiatives were concentrated on a joint state-local authority initiative in Groruddalen. For 2012, a grant of NOK 40 million is proposed for measures in Groruddalen, so that the good work can continue. The total commitment to area initiatives in 2012 will be NOK 47.5 million.

For more information, contact the press centre at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development on: 22 24 25 00.