Today in Norway: A roundup of the latest news on Tuesday
A rise in number of recipients of financial social assistance, talks of a third runway at Oslo Airport and other news from Norway on Tuesday.
Reports point to a rise in number of social assistance recipients in Norway
Several Norwegian municipalities reported an increase in the number of residents on welfare and increased social assistance payments this autumn. Previously, the number of those receiving social assistance had been declining.
"Several of the largest municipalities report that the trend has reversed during the autumn. There are reports of more recipients of financial social assistance and the average payment increasing significantly," the leader of the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS), Gunn Marit Helgesen, told Kommunal Rapport.
She noted that the KS was concerned about the situation.
Several municipalities reported that the increase in social assistance is mainly related to increased payments for electricity and an increased need for temporary housing.
A third runway at Oslo Airport?
A committee will assess whether there is a need for a third runway at Oslo Airport.
The main purpose of the assessment is to give the Norwegian government a basis for deciding whether land should be set aside for a third runway at Oslo Airport, the Ministry of Transport stated on Monday.
The committee will also look at what role Rygge and Torp airports should play in the future.
New zero- and low-emission solutions in aviation and changes in travel needs and travel patterns are among the things that will also be considered, according to Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård.
A possible expansion of Oslo Airport has been discussed for a long time. Avinor has previously stated that there would be a need for a new runway at Oslo Airport by 2030.
However, many political parties have opposed the idea in the past. The committee will present its report by the summer of 2024.
British aircraft carrier in Oslo
The giant aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is in Oslo this week. The British want to show strength and discuss how critical infrastructure in the North Sea can be secured.
The ship can host 1,600 people and up to 40 aircraft and is specially built for F-35 fighters. It is the first time such a large warship has been in Oslo.
"We are here to demonstrate that we take our obligations towards NATO seriously and that we are one of the nations with a defence budget that allows us to have such a capability," flag commander Angus Essenhigh told the news bureau NTB.
Conservative Party to put forward alternative state budget
The Conservative Party is set to present its alternative state budget at Månefisken in Oslo on Tuesday.
The party's first deputy leader Henrik Asheim, financial policy spokesperson Helge Orten, and health policy spokesperson, Tone Wilhelmsen Trøen, will introduce the key aspects of the budget, which is expected to include several proposals aimed at cutting taxes in the country.
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Reports point to a rise in number of social assistance recipients in Norway
Several Norwegian municipalities reported an increase in the number of residents on welfare and increased social assistance payments this autumn. Previously, the number of those receiving social assistance had been declining.
"Several of the largest municipalities report that the trend has reversed during the autumn. There are reports of more recipients of financial social assistance and the average payment increasing significantly," the leader of the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities (KS), Gunn Marit Helgesen, told Kommunal Rapport.
She noted that the KS was concerned about the situation.
Several municipalities reported that the increase in social assistance is mainly related to increased payments for electricity and an increased need for temporary housing.
A third runway at Oslo Airport?
A committee will assess whether there is a need for a third runway at Oslo Airport.
The main purpose of the assessment is to give the Norwegian government a basis for deciding whether land should be set aside for a third runway at Oslo Airport, the Ministry of Transport stated on Monday.
The committee will also look at what role Rygge and Torp airports should play in the future.
New zero- and low-emission solutions in aviation and changes in travel needs and travel patterns are among the things that will also be considered, according to Transport Minister Jon-Ivar Nygård.
A possible expansion of Oslo Airport has been discussed for a long time. Avinor has previously stated that there would be a need for a new runway at Oslo Airport by 2030.
However, many political parties have opposed the idea in the past. The committee will present its report by the summer of 2024.
British aircraft carrier in Oslo
The giant aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is in Oslo this week. The British want to show strength and discuss how critical infrastructure in the North Sea can be secured.
The ship can host 1,600 people and up to 40 aircraft and is specially built for F-35 fighters. It is the first time such a large warship has been in Oslo.
"We are here to demonstrate that we take our obligations towards NATO seriously and that we are one of the nations with a defence budget that allows us to have such a capability," flag commander Angus Essenhigh told the news bureau NTB.
Conservative Party to put forward alternative state budget
The Conservative Party is set to present its alternative state budget at Månefisken in Oslo on Tuesday.
The party's first deputy leader Henrik Asheim, financial policy spokesperson Helge Orten, and health policy spokesperson, Tone Wilhelmsen Trøen, will introduce the key aspects of the budget, which is expected to include several proposals aimed at cutting taxes in the country.
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