Swedish Senior Groups Reject New Funding Rules
Senior citizen organizations SPF and PRO are fighting proposed funding changes in Upplands-Bro, Sweden. They argue the current system provides excellent value at minimal cost to taxpayers. The groups say new rules would disrupt their effective community work.
Two major Swedish senior citizens organizations oppose proposed funding changes in Upplands-Bro municipality. Martin Normark of SPF Seniorerna called the suggested reforms completely insane in a statement to local officials.
The current system provides grants based on membership conversations. Normark described this as a good model that needs no changes. He emphasized the cost-effectiveness for the municipality.
Upplands-Bro spends approximately 50,000 SEK annually supporting both SPF and PRO organizations. This equals one municipal employee's monthly salary including all costs. The funding translates to about 110 SEK per member under the transparent current system.
Normark argued that using volunteer organizations delivers excellent value. The municipality receives extensive activities and services for seniors at minimal cost. This represents rational use of public funds.
Ingrid Pettersson leads the PRO organization in Bro. Upplands-Bro contains two PRO branches, located in Bro and Kungsängen. Both organizations serve local retirees.
The opposition highlights tension between municipal budgeting and community organizations. Senior groups clearly prefer maintaining their established funding model despite potential administrative changes.
Why would a municipality change systems that deliver proven results at low cost? The organizations' pushback suggests the proposed rules might create unnecessary bureaucracy without improving services.