The expansion of the Prison and Probation Service is to continue in the coming years. The appropriations are estimated to increase from 14.1 billion kronor to 22.6 billion during the term of office, the government writes in a press release.
The agency is now tasked with finding measures to curb cost development and reduce daily costs in prisons and institutions.
Holding its own
As recently as December last year, the Prison and Probation Service presented a report on how daily costs for inmates in Sweden compare to five comparable countries. Then, three of the countries were found to have a higher cost than Sweden.
The report nevertheless presented proposals on how to limit costs, several of which aimed at reducing staff density.
According to the new assignment, the agency is now to make a comparison with European countries that have a lower cost than Sweden, to find ways to save. However, the measures must not compromise the conditions for maintaining good security and preventive work against recidivism, according to the government.
Seeking inspiration
Björn Myrberg, chief economist at the Prison and Probation Service, says that the issue of cost-effectiveness is crucial for the agency going forward.
We will not be able to conduct prison care in the same way as we have traditionally and simultaneously succeed in growing to the extent we are expected to. We will not have the staff for that.
Besides reduced staffing density, there are also opportunities to use digital tools to curb cost development, he says. Even in the design of future facilities, one can find ways to streamline.
There are certainly also opportunities to draw inspiration from other European countries, he says.
It may be that someone has come a long way in a particular area, and that we can take good ideas from there.
A difficult equation
Christer Hallkvist, chairman of Seko's negotiating organization within the Prison and Probation Service, sees risks despite the government's statements that quality will not be affected by attempts to reduce costs.
I do not think you can both reduce staff and maintain the ambition. I see a risk that you will cut into the client-oriented activities, he says.
The assignment is to be presented in June 2025.
