New statistics from the Enforcement Authority show that 188 families with children were evicted during the first half of 2024. This is an increase of 13 percent compared to the same period last year. A total of 342 children were affected, which is a similar level as before.
"Deeply disturbing", writes the Enforcement Authority in a press release. Marie Linder of the Tenants' Association agrees.
This is an extremely vulnerable group, and if you get evicted, it's almost impossible to get back on your feet. We've been worried ever since the pandemic that the figures show things are going completely wrong, says Linder.
26 percent increase
In total, the Enforcement Authority carried out 1,579 evictions during the first half of the year. The number of evictions decreased until 2017, but has since increased. Over the past two years, evictions have increased by 26 percent.
At the end of August, the government extended the temporary supplement to housing allowance for families with children until June 2025. However, at a level of 25 percent of the preliminary housing allowance.
"Worst for the children"
This means that the supplement will be phased out and remain at the same level as in 2020 and 2021, as well as during the period from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.
Among other things, this is due to the fact that an improved economic situation reduces the need for the temporary supplement.
They're talking about the economy turning around, but for this group of people, it's about not being able to afford to put food on the table at the end of the month. And worst of all, it's for the children, says Marie Linder.
The supplement is estimated to reach an average of 100,000 families with children in 2025.
