New millions to troubled Swedish suburbs

The government has decided to award to 200 million kronor ($30 million) in performance based subsidies to boost fifteen of Sweden’s suburbs grappling with social exclusion. "It’s unlikely that they all perform to the same level. Some districts will be receiving more and others less,” minister for integration, Erik Ullenhag, told daily Svenska Dagbladet (SvD).

Rinkeby and Tensta in Stockholm, as well as Herrgarden and Hjällbo in Malmö are examples of the fifteen city districts chosen to receive the promised cash injection. The subsidy - which is performance based - will be awarded for three criteria: how the areas deal with education, employment, and social benefits.

According to the paper, all the districts will receive some financial help, but those that do best in combatting social exclusion will receive the highest subsidies.

Behind the scheme are the social challenges many city areas across Sweden are struggling with, according to Ullenhag. (...)