Utvalgsramme

Utvalgsramme is a formal governance instrument used in Norwegian municipal and regional administrations to define the remit, powers and operating rules for legislative committees, known as utvalg. The utvalgsramme clarifies what each committee is authorized to decide, what it may propose, and where it must seek approval from the council or the executive level. It functions as an overarching framework that aligns committee work with the municipality’s political goals, legal requirements and annual budgets.

The content of an utvalgsramme typically includes the scope of each committee’s responsibilities, the degree of delegation or autonomy in decision-making, and the thresholds for actions that require higher-level approval. It also describes procedural rules, reporting obligations, reporting timelines, and how resource allocation is managed within the committee’s area of responsibility. The framework may specify relations to the budget process, strategic plans, and the handling of public consultations and inter-departmental cooperation.

Preparation and approval usually involve collaboration between municipal administration and the council. The document is commonly reviewed and updated on an annual basis or when significant policy shifts occur. Changes to the utvalgsramme generally require council approval to ensure democratic legitimacy and consistency with the municipality’s statutes and the Kommuneloven (Local Government Act).

The utvalgsramme is intended to improve clarity, accountability and efficiency in municipal governance. By defining authority and procedures, it helps prevent ad hoc decision-making, facilitates orderly prioritization of public services, and supports transparent reporting to residents.