While the economy for the country's 290 municipalities looks slightly brighter this year than last year, half of the country's 21 regions – those that handle most of the healthcare – are expected to run a deficit this year. Every fifth municipality, compared to every third in 2024, is expected to show a negative result.
The economic conditions ahead are partly affected by the fact that the government grants that the government and parliament approve, according to SKR, are not price-adjusted. They remain at the same level in 2026 as for this year, according to the government's budget for next year, despite the fact that costs are increasing more than that.
"A price adjustment for 2026 would have corresponded to increased grants of approximately 2.5 billion kronor to the municipalities and 0.5 billion to the regions. Instead, the sector will receive targeted initiatives, linked to new commitments and increased costs for municipalities and regions" notes SKR in the report.
