Local environmental health services are essential for meeting many national health objectives. In order to assess the quality of the local environmental health services and the effects of national funding of local projects (The Master Plan), a questionnaire was distributed to the 21 local medical officers in the county of Buskerud in March 1995. 15 out of 20 responders stated that the local environmental health services do not meet legal standards. Local authorities seem to be unable or unwilling to commit sufficient personnel and money to environmental health services. This study indicates that national funds have helped to improve the services, especially in areas given national priority.