Welfare Council

Illustration of people working and talking at a table.

The Welfare Council handles the tasks of the Social Affairs Committee and the Housing Committee. The Welfare Council is responsible for shaping policy in welfare services, including social, healthcare, housing, and geriatric affairs, making decisions, and submitting recommendations to the City Executive Council within its jurisdiction.

Minutes of the Welfare Council Welfare Council Appeals Committee

The Welfare Council operates under the authority of the City Executive Council according to the approved Resolution for the Council, confirmed in City Council on June 18, 2019, the Resolution on the Management and of Reykjavík City and City Council Minutes, No 1020/2019 and as required by law, referencing also the authorization in the first paragraph of Article 41 of the Local Authorities Act No. 138/2011.

The Welfare Council handles the tasks of the Social Affairs Committee according to Act No. 40/1991 on Municipal Social Services and the Housing Benefits Act No. 75/2016. Additionally, the Welfare Council manages the responsibilities of the Housing Committee as established by the Housing Act No. 44/1998.

The Welfare Council is responsible for shaping policy in welfare services, including social, healthcare, housing, and geriatric affairs, making decisions, and submitting recommendations to the City Executive Council within its jurisdiction. Moreover, the Council oversees compliance with resolutions and the implementation of policy directives. The Council also carries out other tasks as determined by the City Council.

The Welfare Council advises the City Executive Council and other municipal authorities on welfare issues and represents the City regarding these matters. It makes recommendations to the City Executive Council regarding policy direction in social services and housing in Reykjavík, also ensures the implementation of Act on the Affairs of the Elderly No. 125/1999 and the Act on Services for Disabled People with Long-Term Support Needs No. 38/2018. The Reykjavík City Child Protection Committee coordinates in preparing proposals to the City Executive Council on policy and development plans in child protection, as per Article 9 of the Child Protection Act No. 80/2002.

The Welfare Council is composed of seven members elected by the City Council and an equal number of alternates. City Council elects a chair who shall be a City Councilor. The Council elects a deputy chair and otherwise divides responsibilities among its members. The term of office of the Council is the same as that of City Council.

Council Chair: Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir.

Based on the authority given in Article 6 of the Municipal Social Services Act No. 40/1991, a special appeals committee operates within the Welfare Council, as outlined in the third paragraph of Article 4 and the first paragraph of Article 13 of the Council's Resolution. The Appeal Committee is appointed with three representatives, elected by the Welfare Council for the duration of the City Council term.