Finances and operations

This page provides information about the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health’s operational and financial planning, budget, performance guidance process, operating plans and financial statements. 

The Ministry is responsible for formulating and guiding Finland’s health and social policy and for drafting related legislation. The wellbeing services counties are responsible for organising services, while benefits are paid by several authorities.

How does the Ministry plan its finances and operations?

The Ministry plans its operations as part of the Government. The finances and objectives are coordinated for several years at a time.

Planning is based on:

  • the Ministry’s strategy and the joint strategy for the Ministry’s branch of government  
  • the Government Programme 
  • the General Government Fiscal Plan, including a four-year spending limits decision 
  • the annual budget 
  • the Ministry’s operating plan 
  • the performance agreements between the Ministry and the agencies and public bodies within its branch of government. 

The Ministry prepares proposals concerning funding for its government branch. The Government submits its budget proposal to Parliament, which decides on the Budget.

What are the Ministry’s key documents related to operations, finances and planning?

Strategies and programmes

Operating plans

The operating plan describes what the Ministry does and how the resources are used. It is revised annually, and it covers several years.

Current planning period

Previous planning period

Performance agreements

The Ministry and the agencies under it conclude performance agreements, which specify the objectives for each government term. The agreements are revised annually.

Current period

Previous period

Budget

Every autumn, the Government submits its budget proposal to Parliament, which then decides on the Budget.
The appropriations for the Ministry and its branch of government fall under main title 33.

See also: The Budget (Parliament)

General Government Fiscal Plans

How does the Ministry monitor its finances and operations?

The Ministry monitors its finances and operations as part of performance guidance.

Monitoring is based particularly on:

  • reporting by the agencies and public bodies in the Ministry’s branch of government  
  • financial statements and annual reports 
  • the Ministry’s positions on the operations of the agencies and public bodies within its branch of government .

Monitoring is supplemented by:

  • the Government Annual Report 
  • external evaluations, such as audits by the National Audit Office of Finland.

Financial statements and annual reports

Financial statements and annual reports show how the targets were achieved and how the funds were used.

The Ministry also issues annually a position on the financial statements of the agencies and public bodies within its branch of government. 

Updated: 1.4.2026 16.05

Lisätietoja

Mikko Staff, Financial Director 
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Strategic and Financial Management Unit / STAR, Finance Group / TAR Telephone:0295163214   Email Address:

Pasi Pohjola, Director of Strategic Affairs 
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Strategic and Financial Management Unit / STAR Telephone:0295163585   Email Address: