The leisure card initiative, which aims to increase participation in association activities, has been operational for half a year, linking 172 associations in the Västernorrland region. Children aged 7 to 16 receive 550 kronor annually through the program to support their involvement. However, the program has faced criticism over millions spent on IT systems and administration, with detractors arguing these funds could have been used to lower association fees directly.
In response, Social Minister Jakob Forssmed stated that they receive daily signs from those who contact them saying that thanks to the leisure card they can now be part of an association. He added that the government has reduced administrative costs, enabling expansions such as providing cards to all children turning seven this year and increasing the allocated amounts. Forssmed also expressed a desire to include more age groups, saying they would like to include more age groups so that older youth also get the same chance.
Specific age groups beyond 7-16 being considered for inclusion remain unclear, as do the exact amounts spent on IT and administration and the number of children who have used the card to join associations.