Kristiansand City Council to vote on elderly care privatization

The Kristiansand City Council is set to vote on whether to allow private providers to participate in home care services for the elderly. This follows a 2025 decision to implement ‘free choice of user’ within the municipality’s home care services, supported by a coalition including the Conservative Party, Christian Democratic Party, Progress Party, and Liberal Party.

Critics, including members of the Centre Party, argue that the move is driven by political ideology rather than the welfare of the elderly. Opponents express concerns that privatization will increase bureaucracy, reduce transparency, and divert resources away from actual services. They also point to potential negative impacts on employee wages and pension schemes.

Further concerns have been raised regarding the administrative costs, with estimates suggesting the municipality may spend 12 million NOK in the first year to organize these private services. Critics also question the practical application of ‘choice’ for vulnerable, elderly citizens who may lack the capacity to make such decisions themselves.