Responsibilities of the Ministry

Socially excluded adults include people from 18 years upwards with social problems or in risk of developing such. Social problems may include homelessness, abuse, mental illness, prostitution, violence in intimate relations, or a combination of these.

In Denmark, more than 1 million people are 65 years or older, the share increasing. In the Ministry of Social Affairs and Senior Citizens, we work to improve the services offered to senior citizens, aiming for a good and healthy otium and a dignified elderly care.

According to the Act on Social Services, aid is provided for persons with permanent impairment of physical or mental function. Social services are provided to compensate the needs following from the reduced physical or mental function.

This policy area concerns volunteer work in Denmark, including volunteer organizations and societies as well as municipalities supporting and collaborating with the sector. The aim is to support an active and engaged civil society and promote voluntary social work.

The ministry handles legislation for private rental housing, co-operative housing, the owner-occupied flats act, and the urban renewal act. In addition, the Ministry regulates the conditions for the construction industry.

The Ministry is responsible for regulating the public housing sector as well as for legislation regarding the National Building Fond. In addition, the Ministry is responsible for combating parallel societies.

The ministry participates in the work of several international organizations, including the EU, the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Council of Europe, and the UN.