Mayor of the Municipality of Kujalleq, Malene Vahl Rasmussen (D), wants each municipality to negotiate the block subsidy with Naalakkersuisoq for Finance. However, Naalakkersuisoq for Finance, Aqqaluaq B. Egede (IA), does not think this is a good idea.
– I do not believe that it is appropriate to negotiate with the municipalities individually when it comes to the block grant. Block grant is a joint economic arrangement, and it is important that the negotiations take place within a joint and open framework, writes naalakkersuisoq in a written reply to Sermitsiaq.
Mayor of the Municipality of Kujalleq, Malene Vahl Rasmussen (D), wants each municipality to negotiate the block subsidy with Naalakkersuisoq for Finance. However, Naalakkersuisoq for Finance, Aqqaluaq B. Egede (IA), does not think this is a good idea.
– I do not believe that it is appropriate to negotiate with the municipalities individually when it comes to the block grant. Block grant is a joint economic arrangement, and it is important that the negotiations take place within a joint and open framework, writes naalakkersuisoq in a written reply to Sermitsiaq.
Since the end of August, Sermitsiaq has been trying to get an interview with naalakkersuisoq, but it has not been successful. According to the ministry’s information to Sermitsiaq, the responsible nail polish supplier is very busy these days, and therefore it has not been possible to conduct an interview with Sermitsiaq. However, Naalakkersuisoq has sent written answers to Sermitsiaq.
The municipalities receive block grants from Naalakkersuisut every year. How the grants are to be distributed between the individual municipalities is determined before Inatsisartut’s members approve the Finance Act. The five mayors and naalakkersuisoq for finance negotiate how the funds are to be distributed.
The mayor of Municipality Kujalleq has previously told Sermitsiaq that she is not satisfied with that negotiation model.
– Because the conditions in the individual municipalities are different, Malene Vahl Rasmussen has previously said.
She wants the municipalities to negotiate with naalakkersuisoq. So far, however, it has been rejected.
– Of course, this does not rule out that specific and different matters in the individual municipalities are taken up and discussed, writes naalakkersuisoq.
Proposal to reduce subsidies
Naalakkersuisut’s proposal to the Finance Act for next year was presented by naalakkersuisoq for finance, Aqqaluaq B. Egede (IA), on 20 August. Naalakkersuisut proposes in the proposal that the block grants to the municipalities, which this year amount to just over DKK 1.9 billion, must be reduced by DKK 51 million next year.
The mayor has also previously said that it could have serious consequences for the Municipality of Kujalleq.
– This may have the consequence that we cannot fulfill our statutory duties. Naalakkersuisut and Inatsisartunut assign responsibility to the municipalities for which tasks must be solved by the municipalities, and this is often a service close to the citizens. But when the allocated funds become fewer, while the legislation becomes more comprehensive, it does not add up. It is very regrettable, Malene Vahl Rasmussen has previously told Sermitsiaq.
Naalakkersuisoq writes that these concerns can be discussed during the negotiations.
– I also understand the mayor’s wish that the differences between the municipalities be taken into account to a greater extent. It is natural that the individual municipalities’ special challenges are included in the discussions, writes Aqqaluaq B. Egede.
