News · Civil Society · Published 15 July 2026
Protected housing in Sweden increasingly a last resort, investigator says
DailySweden Editorial Desk
Updated 08:27 · 2 min read
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Swedish municipalities appear to be using protected housing increasingly as a last resort for the most serious and complex cases, a Statskontoret investigator told public broadcaster Ekot.
The 14 July report by Sveriges Radio follows Statskontoret's May review of the 2024 protected-housing reform. The agency found that fewer adults and children receive the service even though there is no indication that violence has declined. Municipalities are turning more often to other housing arrangements.
Statskontoret also found that new permit requirements have pushed out unscrupulous operators but that half of protected-housing facilities have closed. It said many municipalities impose procurement requirements beyond the legal minimum and apply the new rules unevenly.
Investigator Helena Norman said the pattern suggests protected housing is being reserved for the most serious and complex cases, although the reform was also intended as a preventive service with a low threshold for support.
Ekot corrected its initial account of costs. Statskontoret did not establish that higher costs caused the fall in placements. Its report says increased administrative costs could contribute, but that possible link requires further study.
Statskontoret proposes clearer guidance from Socialstyrelsen, revised general advice, and clearer information from the Health and Social Care Inspectorate about operator requirements and licensed facilities.
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