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 doesn't really offer any new truths about the everyday lives of students, as last year twelve cities were marked red. This year too the media sees red (in the literal sense), Per Bolund promises me in Aktuellt that more will be built, and those who discuss concrete solutions are few. Of course, it will take many years of work to solve the housing crisis, but we hope to deliver a clear improvement that is too simple to ignore.
First, a brief look at the results. Twelve of the 33 cities that were red-marked fail to deliver housing to all students within the first semester. In some cities, the waiting time for student housing is over three years, which is longer than many education programs. The report sees the marginally increased construction rate 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 accommodation at a reasonable price. However, they also have the opportunity for a positive message in the mailbox next to the rent notice – housing allowance. The housing allowance can mean a considerable amount of money. An example for a hypothetical student: under 29 years old, supports himself only on student loans and lives in 20 square meters – housing allowance of 1300 SEK. Such an amount can mean the difference between being able to pay the rent or not. All students should consider their options for getting the extra help they are legally entitled to – but why then do only 5% of students take housing allowance?
This spring we conducted a survey to get an answer to that question. Students who do not receive housing allowance stated the reasons as 1. They do not want to be required to repay 2. The process is too complicated 3. They did not know they could apply for housing allowance.
The first two reasons need to be addressed by changing the regulations. Students are afraid of being required to repay the housing allowance because the housing allowance is based on the income for the entire year. This may mean that those who use the housing allowance to make ends meet during the spring semester will be required to repay it if they get a new source of income during the fall. In this way, the housing allowance becomes a loan more than a grant.
The complicated process must be simplified. For example, a separate set of regulations adapted to the specific situation of students may be relevant. Finally, more information is needed. As part of our survey, we asked housing agents whether they provided information about the possibility of housing allowance, and all of them answered no.
The housing allowance is currently under investigation. S 2018:13 “The investigation into housing allowance and maintenance support – reduced indebtedness and increased accuracy” goes by the acronym “BUMS” and is due to 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 today’s complications. We request that the investigation delve into the students' specific situation and present a solution with students in mind.
Although few things are as urgent as giving students the opportunity to live where they study, it does require work over a long period of time. How long can we start with a functioning housing allowance?