Response to interpellation 2023/24:422 on the coordination associations and the Finsam legislation

Statsrådet Anna Tenje (M)

Mr. Speaker! has asked me if I intend to take any measures to strengthen the coordination agreements' financial possibilities so that the agreements can fulfill their follow-up responsibility and to develop the Finsam legislation for the future.

The coordination associations are important for supporting people to achieve work capacity and self-sufficiency through coordinated rehabilitation efforts. The Inspectorate of Social Insurance, ISF, has conducted an evaluation which shows that the coordinated support has positive effects for persons who are far from the labor market.

Of the resources for the coordination funds, Försäkringskassan shall contribute the state's share corresponding to half of the funds. Regions and municipalities shall each contribute one quarter. For 2024, the state funds amount to 339 million kronor. This means that the available funds can amount to a total of 678 million kronor. The state funds are estimated annually in the government's budget bill.

The European Social Fund has made it possible for the coordination unions to participate in additional measures aimed at ensuring that people achieve employability and self-sufficiency. This opportunity also exists in the current national program for the European Social Fund for the period 2021-2027.

As I have previously stated in response to interpellation 2023/24:350, it is important that a follow-up on an individual level can be made regarding the work of the coordination associations. However, fulfilling the need to follow up on the coordination associations' efforts must not occur at the expense of the individual's legal certainty. According to information, Försäkringskassan is currently investigating the legal conditions for being able to exchange personal data before taking a position on making a submission to the government on the issue. I look forward to receiving Försäkringskassan's position.

The Government has clear expectations regarding the state agencies' commitment and participation in the work of the coordination unions. Försäkringskassan and Arbetsförmedlingen shall contribute to ensuring that all parties in the collaboration take responsibility for the coordination unions' efforts. Furthermore, Försäkringskassan and Arbetsförmedlingen shall, through the National Council for Financial Coordination, support the development of the coordination unions' activities.

I can state that the coordination associations contribute to people achieving work capacity and self-sufficiency. I continue to follow the coordination associations' work with great interest.

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Eva Lindh (S)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you very much for the answer, Minister!

Samordningsförbunden operates a very important activity according to the legislation we call the Finsamlagstiftningen. It is an independent authority that conducts financial cooperation and practical cooperation between Arbetsförmedlingen, Försäkringskassan, municipalities and regions. It is aimed at people who have complex needs and need help from different actors.

It makes the coordination associations very good. They generally succeed to a very high degree in getting people into work or studies. They also carry out many projects that may then become part of the regular municipal activities. They are also an innovative force for finding ways of working.

The need for the coordination associations' efforts is great. Now sickness absence is increasing, and more people are heading towards unemployment. The coordination associations are needed not only now but will also be needed in the future.

Since the law entered into force on 1 January 2004, it has been possible to supplement one's budget by seeking funds from, for example, the ESF fund. It has been an important part in order to be able to finance this important activity. This applies especially because the compensation one receives has remained stagnant for a very long time. When one wants to do more projects and has ideas to do more, it has been a great and important opportunity. Now, the reports from the coordination unions state that that opportunity has been stopped. Therefore, it is important that we here in the chamber can get answers from the Minister regarding whether there are opportunities and what can be done to open that opportunity.

It is strange and difficult to understand that all the individual authorities - Arbetsförmedlingen, Försäkringskassan, municipalities and regions - can apply for funds from the ESF fund, but when they act together, it is not possible. This means that important activities that help many people get into work and studies, where it is important to coordinate one's efforts, risk being reduced if one does not have the resources that are needed.

There is also a strong force and a strong commitment from the coordinating associations to develop, but then follow-up of the activities one has is also needed. We have known from before, and believe we know now too, that the activities one has are important and that the goals are being met and good things are being done, but then we must continue to follow up on the activities. Now, it is not possible.

Therefore, my question, which I also asked in my interpellation, is what the Minister can do to solve the problems that now exist – that one cannot apply for funds from the ESF fund, which has been important – and so that one can follow up as is necessary at the individual level, which one cannot do today.

I also want to ask if there is any desire or will or any proposals regarding developing the coordination agreements. It could be imagined that one could also turn to more groups.

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Ulrika Heindorff (M)

Mr. Speaker! Although the hour is late, I intend to make a short contribution in this debate, where Eva Lindh has submitted an interpellation regarding the coordination associations and the Finsam legislation. For new viewers, I can say that we are talking about persons in need of rehabilitation interventions, where there has been legislation in place since approximately 20 years ago.

It is pleasing that almost all of the country's 290 municipalities have coordination agreements. There are only 17 municipalities that lack it. I am of the opinion that it is important that people work together, but I would like to add a perspective, given that the interpellor requests increased resources for Finsam as an answer to all questions.

I have myself been in contact with Finsam, partly earlier in my regional assignment, partly quite recently connected to the municipality where I live, Höganäs, on the beautiful Kullahalvön. It is a small municipality, with just over 28,000 inhabitants. We had our own coordination association until quite recently, but now we have joined a larger coordination association, NNV Skåne, together with five other municipalities.

One can see this movement in more places in the country, and I believe that it is good. I believe that this is wise, primarily for the individual, who receives a share of a larger palette of interventions and more knowledge. One also strengthens the cooperation between the municipalities further, as in this case, where there are six municipalities.

I believe it is good for both Försäkringskassan, Arbetsförmedlingen and the region that they gather and get to meet several municipalities at the same time. It becomes more efficient that way. We know that one also avoids many of the overhead costs that arise if one is a municipality alone.

We also need to bring in the perspective that a great deal can be done for the streamlining within the Finsam associations. In that regard, I think Höganäs is a good example, but there are also more good examples in the country.

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Åsa Eriksson (S)

Mr. Speaker! How pleasant, Minister, to once again be able to discuss the coordination agreements and their reality! I think we do that far too rarely here in the chamber.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Member Eva Lindh, partly for a very good description of the coordination boards' activities and partly for raising the question of funding. The funding that comes from the state has remained stagnant for a very long time, despite the fact that the cost development in society is high, as we all know.

I believe that many coordination unions were pleased when the National Council, i.e., the association of the managements for Försäkringskassan, Arbetsförmedlingen, the health and medical care, and the municipalities, in 2015 recommended that coordination unions seek external funding through, for example, ESF funds, since the goals and purpose are the same.

A number of associations applied for and were granted quite a lot of money. For the information of the chair and everyone else, I can say that more than 35,000 more people have received support from Finsamin measures, i.e., support to increase their work capacity, gain strong self-confidence, get help into work and studies, and become self-sufficient.

In the spring of 2022, the knowledge support for the coordination associations was updated stating that it was no longer permitted to apply for external funds, it was unclear why. In the spring of 2023, Minister Tenje stood on stage at the annual meeting for the National Network for Coordination Associations and then also at the Finsam Conference and said on both occasions, according to information, that the associations should seek more opportunities than obstacles, which I think sounds absolutely excellent, and that it must of course be possible to combine ESF with Finsam, which I too can think.

Some federations continue to run projects with ESF funding, but there is a certain fatigue. It is felt that one receives double signals. Everyone is trying in every way to do what they can to help as many people as possible toward employability and self-sufficiency, but experiences that one is constantly being held back and is not allowed to act.

Mr. Speaker! This has become an acute problem. The coordination associations in Stockholm, which for example have carried out training initiatives for several thousand employees among the members involved, were informed a couple of weeks ago that they are not allowed to apply for a continuation of this.

What does the Minister think about this? Should the coordination associations listen to what the Minister says at their national conferences and continue to seek ESF funds, or should the coordination associations listen to the authorities, who say no? And, Mr. Speaker, if it is the case that the Minister means that ESF funding is not permitted, will the government then increase the grants for the coordination associations so that they can carry out the same important activities in the future?

(Applause)

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Statsrådet Anna Tenje (M)

Mr. Speaker! I naturally agree with the member's wish for more debates on the coordination agreements here in the chamber. I am happy to take them. I would, however, wish that they do not always occur at such a late hour and that we instead are able to be present during prime time. Perhaps we can rectify this for next time, for I am completely convinced that there will be more occasions.

I intended to dwell a little on the financing. In the national program for the European Social Fund 2021-2027, it is stated that efforts involving cooperation, including through coordination unions, should be prioritized. It is not specified in the program whether a coordination union can apply for ESF funds, which was also not stated for the program period 2014-2020. During that program period, coordination unions have been project owners for 46 ESF projects.

The National Council for Financial Coordination has noted that there is a lack of support in the Finsamlalagen to apply for funds from other actors, for example ESF funds. The National Council has, however, chosen to let the recommendation that coordination associations can be project owners and apply for ESF funds remain until further notice.

Försäkringskassan has a mandate to participate in the implementation of the European Social Fund 2021-2027. From Försäkringskassan's reporting on 5 February 2024, it appears that most projects that Försäkringskassan has participated in during 2023 are owned by coordination unions. One of four projects in Southern Sweden is run by a coordination union, and in Stockholm, Western Sweden, and Eastern Central Sweden, coordination unions are owners of all projects that Försäkringskassan participates in. This perhaps can further clarify something in these parts.

I still hold to the view that one should seek opportunities and not obstacles, but if it should be the case that even after this debate there are certain things that remain unclear, I will immediately address them and in the best way possible try to clarify them further. I think, as I have said, that one should continue to seek more opportunities than obstacles, for this best serves those who today stand outside the labor market, the municipalities, the regions, Arbetsförmedlingen and Försäkringskassan.

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Eva Lindh (S)

Mr. Speaker! I thank you very much for the answers.

Often when people talk about coordination agreements, it is a bit unclear what they actually are. It is not widely known. One of my first jobs as a newly qualified social worker was in Finspång. It was during the time when the Finsam legislation was being developed, and Finspång was a pilot municipality. For me, it was completely obvious that when we had someone who needed extra support or support from different sides, we could take that person to Finsam and that people could work together. When I started working in other municipalities, I wondered why it wasn't that way there.

I have truly seen the advantages of being able to work together early between Arbetsförmedlingen, Försäkringskassan, the municipality, and the region, and how well it worked. It was also because Finspång was a pilot municipality and it was seen that there were many benefits with this, which it spread and became possible for all municipalities, regions, and Arbetsförmedlingar to do this. It is really good, and it is nice that there are several of us here in the chamber who have good examples of what can actually be done.

But as we have said, we have not increased the funding to the coordination associations for a long time. Seeking money is important in order to be able to develop the operations and do more of what is being done so well.

I know that many who are involved in the coordination associations are watching this debate and waiting for an answer from the Minister. I hope that the answer that came from the Minister provides some kind of reassurance and security regarding the fact that it will actually be possible to apply for ESF funds in the future, for example. But I also want to say that this is the reality that the coordination associations are in today. They do not apply, do not dare to apply, or do not have the possibility to apply because they have received the notice that the legislation prevents it.

Here, I would like to get a clarification. If we know that it continues to be this way and that one cannot apply for funds, can we then make an amendment in the legislation? Would it be possible to make such a change? I believe that at least we who are here in the chamber right now really want to make it possible to apply for funds in order to be able to carry out more projects and help more people into work and studies.

I had also asked a few questions, and I am asking them again.

Since we cannot follow up and since follow-up is so important, what does the Minister think the government can do when it comes to being able to follow up? One needs to follow up at an individual level, and that is not possible today. In order to really get a good follow-up, one cannot do these large, sweeping follow-ups. They must be done at an individual level to really see that the measures one takes also help. It is important.

My last question, which I hope the Minister can answer, is: Is there any thought or any will to develop the coordination associations, perhaps so that they can meet other groups or something else, and the idea behind them? I would very much like to hear an answer to that.

(Applause)

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Ulrika Heindorff (M)

Mr. Speaker! The only thing I want to add after my previous speech is a little extra pressure on the fact that I truly believe it is important to adapt the coordination unions to local conditions. I am completely convinced that it can be done even if several municipalities join together. I even believe that it is good that it is done. One works smarter and more efficiently, and this will also be to the benefit of the individual.

Then I wanted to say a few words about ESF funds, but there I think the Minister gave an excellent answer and clarified that the possibility to continue receiving ESF funds has not been stopped.

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Åsa Eriksson (S)

Mr. Speaker! I became a bit unsure about what I heard in the Minister's previous contribution when Member Heindorff said that no opportunities to apply for ESF funds have been blocked. Perhaps it is me who is mistaken, so the Minister is welcome to be even clearer on that.

What I did hear in the Minister's latest post, and which made me very happy, was that if it turns out that one cannot apply for ESF funds as a coordination association, which is extremely important for financing important activities for those who need it, the Minister is prepared to act quickly to address it. I take that as a promise. I hope that it means that, in that case, there will be a legislative change, something we Social Democrats would more than gladly contribute to.

Then perhaps we can also take the opportunity to make further changes in the legislation so that it can cover more individuals who need support from different parts of society. Today, there are far too many groups of different ages, not just people over 18, who fall between the famous chairs because their needs do not fit perfectly into an authority's toolbox. They need support from several simultaneously.

I interpret the Minister's answer as very positive. It sounds like there is a bright future for the coordination associations. Pending a possible legislative change, something we all know takes a very long time, I hope that the government provides more funding to the coordination associations so that they can continue their incredibly important work even next year for all people who are ill and/or on sick leave and need help to increase their work capacity and their self-esteem and receive support for their own livelihood.

(Applause)

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Statsrådet Anna Tenje (M)

Mr. Speaker! There seems to be quite a lot of consensus on these issues, not least regarding the coordination associations' important work to get more people into work and inclusion – to get more people to have a workplace to go to but above all colleagues to have a coffee with. It is important that more people enter into meaningful employment and that we adapt that type of employment to the local conditions but also to the people who are in need of a little extra help and support.

We spoke earlier about opportunities for development. I believe that one should constantly develop things, but then one also needs to constantly be able to evaluate and follow up on things. For that very reason, the impact assessment becomes a very important tool when one is going to develop its operations.

I know from experience - I have spoken with, met, and conducted study visits at many of the coordination associations - that people work in very different ways. One also experiences the problems and challenges, not least the issues we have discussed here, in quite different ways and raises them perhaps with less or greater dignity.

I believe, however, that they can have very much to learn from each other. In that case, the possibility of evaluating at the individual level is again very important. Shall we learn from the best, perhaps tweak projects and operations slightly so that these can be adapted to the individuals but, above all, to the local conditions, this is precisely very important.

Of course, we must not trample on personal integrity. It is important to ensure that this is done correctly and properly. That is exactly why Försäkringskassan is now looking at the legal situation surrounding this. They intend to return to the government with a petition, and after that, we must also take a position in that matter on how we can proceed to develop this activity in the best possible way.

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Eva Lindh (S)

Mr. Speaker! I choose to interpret the Minister's answer positively. If it continues to be difficult to apply for funds, I hope that we will see a change in the legislation, so that it becomes clear that one can actually do so. I choose to interpret it in that way. We shall have to follow up on it.

Follow-up is crucial for finding good methods and ways of working and for developing the operations. Therefore, we must achieve a decision here so that follow-up can be conducted at an individual level. What I have understood is that Försäkringskassan or anyone else has no mandate to look into this.

How long are we going to wait for the question to be decided? Time is passing. We have not seen that there is any possibility to evaluate and follow up. It is needed now. The question is therefore: How long? What is happening? What is going on in the matter? Is it on the government's table? Or has some agency received an assignment to solve this? It needs to be done now.

I also believe it is good that the different coordination associations work in different ways but learn from each other. I truly agree with what the State Councilor said about working locally, in their own way and according to the conditions that exist there, but one should also learn from each other. This is also done through follow-up. This, therefore, promotes development.

I hope that in upcoming debates we can return to how we can develop the possibility of meeting other people, perhaps other groups, through this way of working. Because it is good.

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Statsrådet Anna Tenje (M)

Mr. Speaker! Thank you very much to the members for participating in the debate and, not least, thank you to the member who has raised this important issue!

It is important with follow-up. It is important to be able to evaluate the effects and follow the individuals in order to, as far as possible, draw conclusions about which interventions de facto provide a great effect.

Försäkringskassan has itself noted the need to investigate the legal situation and the prerequisites for exchanging personal data for the follow-up of the coordination associations' interventions. They intend to return with a proposal to the government at a later date. I truly look forward to taking part of it in order to know how we should proceed, precisely to achieve a good follow-up so that the different coordination associations - just as the member pointed out - can learn from one another.

Then we also know that the taxpayers' money really does good and reaches those who are in need of a little extra support and help. But it also leads to greater inclusion, greater opportunity to participate in working life, to getting the important colleagues and being able to take part in the workplace and, not least, the coffee break.

I believe that it strengthens not only Försäkringskassan, Arbetsförmedlingen, the regions and the municipalities but society as a whole and, above all, those individuals who may have a slightly greater need than others to receive help and support.

The interpellation debate was hereby concluded.

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