Digital and Population Data Services Agency, Helsinki
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The Digital and Population Data Services Agency is preparing to reduce its network of in-person service points and move towards more remote and centralised operations. The aim is to limit face-to-face services to 18 regional centres and save more than €2 million annually.
The plan responds to a long-term decline in the use of in-person services. In 2024, 94 percent of customer contacts were handled online, by phone or via other remote means.
Helsinki alone accounted for more than 60 percent of all walk-in visits. Across Finland, nearly 90 percent of all visits took place in just 18 cities.
“In the current economic situation, it is justified that our services requiring a visit will in future be placed in the localities that have the greatest need for services,” said Pekka Rehn, Deputy Director General of the agency.
Under the plan, in-person services will remain available at current locations until the end of June. After that, the following 18 centres will offer physical visits: Helsinki, Hämeenlinna, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kajaani, Kokkola, Kouvola, Kuopio, Lahti, Lappeenranta, Mikkeli, Oulu, Pori, Rovaniemi, Seinäjoki, Tampere, Turku and Vaasa.
Later in 2025, the agency plans to introduce a new remote service model in areas with lower demand. In Hämeenlinna, Kajaani, Kokkola, Kouvola, Mikkeli and Seinäjoki, physical presence will be replaced by remote connections to agents working elsewhere.
The change primarily affects services related to marriage, some notary public tasks and foreigner registration. These must still be handled in person. Other matters, such as document requests and guidance, are already available via online platforms or telephone.
The agency will continue to offer pop-up services for short-term needs in specific locations, such as schools or institutions with concentrated demand.
The shift comes as the agency prepares for a 20 percent cut in its operating budget between 2025 and 2027, part of a wider government austerity programme. The new strategy aligns with the state’s Premises Strategy, which aims to streamline public property usage.
As part of the restructuring, the agency is also proposing to concentrate staff into 12 cities. These include Helsinki, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Lahti, Lappeenranta, Oulu, Pori, Rovaniemi, Tampere, Turku and Vaasa. Although no layoffs are expected, cooperation negotiations with staff will begin shortly and are scheduled to last up to six weeks.
The agency will confirm final decisions after the conclusion of these negotiations.
HT
- Next Article HUS to cut up to 200 facility staff as services shift to Helsinki city
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
