Last week we released this year's housing report, which shows how difficult and expensive it is for students to live where they study. The report does not really offer any new truths about the students' everyday lives, as in the previous year, twelve cities were marked in red. Also this year, the media (in the literal sense) sees red, Per Bolund promises me in Aktuellt that more will be built, and those who discuss concrete solutions are few. Of course, it takes many years of work to solve the housing crisis, but we hope to be able to send with a clear improvement that is too simple to ignore.
First, briefly about the results. The twelve of the 33 cities marked in red fail to deliver housing to all students within the first semester. In some cities, the queuing time for student housing is over three years, which is longer than many educations. The report sees the marginally increased rate of construction that Bolund mentioned on Monday - the problem that our report makes clear is that it has not been enough.
As our housing report shows, many students are in a situation where it is almost impossible to find good housing at a reasonable price. But, they also have an opportunity for a positive message in the mailbox next to rentavin - housing allowance. The housing allowance can mean a considerable amount of money. An example for a hypothetical student: under the age of 29, earns a living solely on study grants and lives on 20 square meters - housing allowance of SEK 1300. For some, such a sum may mean the difference between being able or not being able to pay the rent. All students should consider their options to get the extra help that they are legally entitled to - but why is it then only 5% of students who take housing allowance?
This spring, we conducted a survey to get an answer to that question. Students who do not take housing allowance stated the reasons as 1. They do not want to be liable for repayment 2. The process is too complicated 3. They did not know that they could apply for housing allowance.
The first two reasons must be addressed by changing the regulations. Students are afraid of being liable for repayment because the housing allowance is based on income for the entire year. This may mean that those who use the housing allowance to make their everyday life go together during the spring term will be liable for repayment if they receive a new source of income during the autumn. In this way, the housing allowance becomes a loan more than a allowance.
The complicated process must be simplified. For example, a separate set of rules that is adapted to students' specific situation may be relevant. Finally, more information is required. Within the framework of our survey, we asked the housing agents if they were informed about the possibility of housing allowance, and everyone answered no.
The housing allowance is currently under investigation. S 2018: 13 "The inquiry into housing allowance and maintenance support - reduced indebtedness and increased accuracy" goes under the abbreviation "BUMS" and will be completed next autumn. The task is to find out how the allowance can be designed more efficiently so that those who are entitled to housing allowance actually receive it, without the hassles of today. We request that the investigation go into depth in students' specific situation, and present a solution with students in consideration.
Although few things are as important as giving students the opportunity to live where they study, work is of course required for a long time. How long can we start with a working housing allowance?