Local government
Local government is run by a number of different agencies: the police, local registry offices, the enforcement office and employment services. In the past few years, the jurisdiction of local authorities has expanded to cover much larger geographical areas, even entire regions. At the beginning of 2014, there were 24 police departments, 11 local registry offices, 22 enforcement offices and 15 employment services. In addition, tax offices, customs offices and legal aid offices are part of local state administration.
There are a number of other organisations that may exercise governmental power under the supervision of the Government and ministries. For example, the local offices of the Finnish Wildlife Agency issue hunting licenses while the forest management associations oversee tree planting. These organisations form an “intermediary” state administration, providing support to state administration in carrying out certain duties.
The Constitution guarantees municipalities self-government and the right to levy taxes. Municipalities organise, independently or jointly with other municipalities, the public services their residents require. However, in practice, central administration and local authorities work in close co-operation.