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Östersund Municipality Faces Dual Scandals: Millions Paid for Unfinished Housing, Children Wait Months for Support

SocietySociety
Key Points
  • Östersund municipality has paid over 3 million kronor for unfinished apartments that have not been approved for occupancy.
  • More than 140 children in the municipality waited over three months for approved support services in 2025, with many waiting six months or longer.
  • Defects in the housing include ventilation problems, fire safety issues, and structural problems like cracks in walls and doors that don't close properly.

Östersund municipality is grappling with two significant issues affecting vulnerable residents, according to local media reports. The municipality has reportedly paid more than 3 million kronor in rent for apartments in buildings that have not yet been approved for occupancy. The problematic housing, located in Valla, was first permitted for tenants in autumn 2022, but since then, defects have been discovered ranging from ventilation issues to fire safety problems. At the Önevägen LSS housing facility, doors don't close properly, there are cracks in the walls, and last winter there was frost on the inside of windows.

Separately, more than 140 children in Östersund municipality waited over three months for approved support services from social services during 2025, with many waiting six months or longer. According to a report from the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO), this highlights a serious nationwide problem. Increased reports, staff shortages, and lack of contact persons are cited as explanations for the delays.

It's going in the right direction, we've reduced by 30 cases in a year. But we take the situation very seriously.

Erik von Krusenstierna, Administrative manager

Administrative manager Erik von Krusenstierna acknowledged the situation, stating, 'It's going in the right direction, we've reduced by 30 cases in a year. But we take the situation very seriously.' Both issues involve Linda Hedenljung, though her specific role in these matters is not detailed in the available reports.

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UnconfirmedBased on 2 sources
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