FROM REFORMS TO RATIONING - CURRENT ALLOCATIVE TRENDS IN SOCIAL-SERVICES IN SWEDEN

In Sweden, the current national deficit is putting immense pressure on all government spending. Economic recession and increased levels of u nemployment have jointly altered the image of the welfare state and re directed focus on it as a financial burden. A matter of considerable p olitical and public concern is the consequences of the economic constr aints on social services - the part of the welfare programs carried ou t by local authorities. This article raises concerns of resource alloc ation, starting from an outline of the impact of economic developments on different sectors of the social services. Expenditure for elderly care, child care and individual and family care is analyzed in the lig ht of demographic changes and coverage rates. A main focus is put on t he most recent development and the perceivable strategies for managing the financial cut-backs are discussed in detail. Two strategies stand out as central. One is dilution, which is granting help to an unchang ed number or proportion of people granted help, combined with a decrea sed level or altered quality of the service provided. The other is foc using, where eligibility is defined more narrowly and in the normal ca se results in a consistent or even improved level of service to the mo st needy. Dilution seems to be the major strategy for child care and f ocusing the allocative trend in services for elderly people.