City-wide

The Stockholm City Education Committee approved a statement in response to the Swedish Schools Inspectorate's referrals regarding new and expanded independent upper secondary schools. The Committee found no general need for more student places in Stockholm due to declining student numbers until 2034. While applications for nationally approved sports education were seen as complementary, expansions of certain vocational, university preparatory, and an international school program were deemed potentially detrimental to the city's education system. The decision was immediately adjusted, and Linnéa Vinge (SD) dissented, proposing instead an emphasis on freedom of choice and geographical spread.

The Stockholm Education Committee rejected seven applications to establish new independent schools or expand existing ones, including international schools, preschool classes, and after-school programs. This decision was based on the Education Administration's assessment that the city's need for school places has decreased and that municipal schools can meet the demand. However, the Moderates, Liberals, Centre Party, and Sweden Democrats reserved their positions, proposing that certain expansion applications should be approved.

The Education Committee approved the Education Administration's official statement, which was an account to the Swedish Schools Inspectorate. The Inspectorate had previously reviewed Stockholm City's compulsory and upper secondary schools, identifying areas for improvement, including analyses of study results, safety, and the effects of compensatory measures. The Education Administration reported on actions taken to strengthen systematic quality work, deepen results analysis, and clarify expected outcomes of initiatives.

The Stockholm Education Committee has decided that vacant lead teacher positions will be filled with fixed-term appointments instead of permanent ones, to better align the roles with schools' development needs. This decision only applies to new and open positions, not current lead teachers.

The Education Committee reported several previously made delegation decisions. These decisions included matters concerning the termination of compulsory schooling due to students moving abroad, deferred compulsory schooling, and a committee statement regarding the National Council for Crime Prevention's (Brå) request for expanded capabilities to handle personal data and confidentiality.

The Education Committee received several informational updates. Topics covered included the committee's substitute teacher pool, the current status of after-school programs and clubs, Johannes school, and security work within Teams. Additionally, an update was provided on the upcoming vocational skills competition (Yrkes-SM) in 2026.

The Preschool Committee adopted guidelines for work shoes in both municipal and independent preschools in Stockholm. This means staff working directly with children, such as childcare workers and preschool teachers, can receive one new pair of work shoes per year, valued up to 1000 SEK, once the City Council approves an overarching policy for work shoes in welfare operations.

The Preschool Committee approved a statement to the City Executive Board regarding the inquiry "Legal Certainty in Public Care for Children and Young People (SOU 2026:8)". The committee supported proposals for increased expertise in LVU (Compulsory Care of Young Persons Act) processes and improved data collection for social welfare committees, believing these would strengthen children's legal rights. While the Preschool Administration noted a minor concern about preschool staff potentially spending time as experts, they concluded this would not be a significant operational issue.

The Stockholm Social Welfare Committee noted a compilation from the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO) regarding their supervision of Essinge HVB (home for care or residence). IVO had found deficiencies in background checks, suitability assessments, and house rules that limited children and young people's self-determination during an unannounced inspection in 2025. The matter was closed by IVO as the HVB home, which had low occupancy, was decided to be wound down in January 2026.

The Social Welfare Committee approved the administration's response to the Moderates regarding homeless individuals' applications for financial assistance. The response clarified that revised affiliation rules in 2024 have led to new client groups for the Homelessness Unit. While statistics on how many individuals recently released from correctional facilities are lacking, an increase is noted, and a mapping is underway to track recurring clients, with preliminary results showing over 25 percent return within one year.

The Social Welfare Committee in Stockholm approved the administration's response to a letter from Andréa Hedin et al. (M) concerning the acquisition of cooperative apartments for group homes for social purposes. The administration confirmed that acquiring homes is a standard practice, that the Real Estate Committee ensures market prices, and that integrating group homes into housing cooperatives has been a positive experience.

The Social Welfare Committee has approved a statement in response to a letter from the Centre Party, Liberals, and Moderates regarding efforts against female genital mutilation. The administration noted that the city already has structured work in this area as part of broader efforts against honor-related violence and oppression, including coordinated support and preventive measures, but stressed the need for further development. A special statement from C, L, and M emphasized ensuring that policy documents are put into practice, with proper follow-up and consistent application.

The Social Welfare Committee approved a proposal to distribute SEK 1.7 million to private providers of social services and services under the Act concerning Support and Service for Persons with Certain Functional Impairments (LSS). These funds, earmarked in the City Council's 2026 budget, are intended to strengthen employee wellness for providers that applied, such as Misa AB which received SEK 196,905 and Nytida dagliga verksamhet which received SEK 305,080.

The Social Welfare Committee approved the Social Administration's proposal not to raise fees for permits, registrations, and supervision of alcohol, tobacco, and nicotine-free product sales in 2027. This means fees will not be indexed to the municipal activity price index for that year, as current fee levels are deemed sufficient to cover costs. The proposal has now been forwarded to the City Council for a final decision.

The Social Welfare Committee in Stockholm approved implementation guidelines for introducing work shoes for staff in social psychiatry, substance abuse and dependence, and support and service for people with disabilities. This decision is conditional on the City Council making an overarching policy decision for work shoes within welfare services. The guidelines aim to provide clear support to district councils and private providers in introducing work shoes, thereby promoting a good working environment.

The Stockholm Social Welfare Committee approved a report on combating incorrect welfare payments and benefit fraud in 2025. The report highlighted positive financial outcomes but noted challenges in prevention and the city's IT systems. The committee decided to forward the matter to the City Executive Board and district committees for their information, despite a reservation from the Moderate Party arguing for a more proactive approach.

The Social Welfare Committee in Stockholm approved the 2025 annual report for personal ombudsmen. The report indicated 580 people received support, but highlighted service queues, increasingly complex needs among clients (including financial vulnerability and co-occurring conditions), and shortcomings in psychiatry, primary care, national insurance, employment services, and social services, as well as inter-agency cooperation. The Sweden Democrats submitted a separate statement proposing an expansion of the personal ombudsmen's preventative social work.

The Social Welfare Committee decided to approve the direction for Stockholm City's Security Award 2026. This 50,000 SEK award aims to recognize and encourage initiatives that prevent violent extremism. This is part of the city's broader effort to increase security and strengthen democracy, especially given the spread of violent extremist environments and anti-democratic ideals among young people.

The Social Welfare Committee adopted a report detailing 470 Lex Sarah reports received in 2025 concerning deficiencies in social services and LSS in Stockholm. Of these, 186 were deemed deficiencies, and 34 serious cases were reported to the Health and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO). Most reports originated from the disability sector, elderly care, and child and youth services, primarily concerning shortcomings in service delivery and due process.

The Stockholm Social Welfare Committee approved the 2025 Social Services Report, which details the current state and development of social services. Key findings include an increase in households receiving financial assistance and seeking budget and debt counseling, while child welfare reports stabilized but still commonly cited violence, neglect, or abuse. Support sought for domestic violence rose, though the number of individuals in protective housing decreased.