The panel consisted of Annamaria Hedlund from the Building and Environmental Committee, Harriet Classon from Skebo, Evelina Fahlesson, deputy mator, and Lorents Burman, mayor.
Approximately twenty people attended an evening meeting at Sara last week on the housing crisis. The panel included Lorents Burman and Evelina Fahlesson, both municipal councilors, Harriet Classon, chair of Skebo, and Annamaria Hedlund, chair of the building and environment committee.
The discussion heated up immediately when an audience member questioned the feasibility of renting a 60-square-meter apartment for 18,000 kronor per month. They also inquired about tenant protections and the municipality's responsibilities.
Burman answered:
– It angers me when 'bad guys' take advantage of people by charging exorbitant rents. The solution is to build more apartments, which is our responsibility. However, we need assistance from the government, which hasn't been forthcoming. Two years ago, we had a ready plan, but the economic downturn and subsequent disinterest from construction companies derailed our efforts.
Evelina Fahlesson stated that they are advocating for the government to reassess inflation and interest rates, emphasizing the importance of Skellefteå's green transition for the entire country.
– But the government doesn't seem to want to help us very much.
Evelina Fahlesson and Lorents Burman expressed disappointment over the lack of support from the government.
Harriet Classon explained that Skebo is striving to maintain affordable rents, but the newest apartments are more expensive due to the high construction costs.
She emphasized that charging excessive rent is illegal and advised tenants to join the tenants' association for assistance with such issues.
Additionally, Classon mentioned that Skebo has several ongoing construction projects, including in Kåge, which are anticipated to be completed within a couple of years.
Lorents Burman explained what is being done to improve the situation, including that Skebo is "building more than ever before."
"The situation will get better, but not today," said Lorents Burman.
For those currently struggling, however, these assurances offer little solace. One attendee said that they live in a 40-square-meter apartment with their wife and two children.
– We have a roof over our heads, but we don't feel good, he said.
Additional examples surfaced, including individuals living in their cars or renting windowless rooms for 6,500 kronor per month.
– That's inhumane, said Fahlesson.
– You should report it to Annamaria.
Annamaria Hedlund from the Building and Environmental Committee and Harriet Classon from Skebo. "We need to have more meetings like this," says Annamaria.
Hedlund informed the audience that the building and environment committee takes proactive steps, such as conducting site visits to assess living conditions. If they encounter substandard conditions, they can involve the police or other relevant agencies. She emphasized that no one should be forced to live in a car.
Hedlund acknowledged the urgent need for more housing and stated that the committee is working diligently on addressing this issue.
The audience offered both questions and suggestions on what could be done to improve their chances in the housing market.
An attendee observed that those most in need of housing often have the lowest points with Skebo, highlighting the perceived unfairness of the points system. They suggested that Skebo should prioritize individuals with the lowest scores when those with the highest scores decline an apartment.
Classon responded that Skebo has reviewed the points system but determined that it would be challenging to modify. However, this response was met with criticism from another attendee.
Harriet Classon from Skebo had to defend the points system, which was heavily criticized. "The system is not the problem; the problem is that we have too few homes," she said.
– This is a crisis, and we cannot operate as if it's business as usual in such circumstances. In a crisis, it's essential to think creatively and explore alternative strategies, the man said
In summary, the attendees are demanding:
- More housing.
- Protection from exorbitant rents.
- Innovative strategies from the municipality to improve their housing prospects.
- Easily accessible information.
- Better communication about outlying areas.
The panel offered the following concrete advice:
- To contact the appropriate municipal representative: Visit the municipality's website or call the switchboard.
- For legal assistance with rent disputes: Join the Tenants' Association.
- To stay informed about new apartment listings: Check Skebo's website every Tuesday and regularly renew your application to avoid losing points.
- To report substandard housing conditions: Contact the building and environmental committee.
- For guidance on your rights: Contact Welcome House Skellefteå.