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The least expensive alternatives are rarely reviewed in large infrastructure investments
Although the Swedish Transport Administration is supposed to review alternative measures for renovations and new construction, this is only done in half of the infrastructure projects. The Swedish National Audit Office (Swedish NAO) is now recommending the Government to clarify what applies.
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Small positive effects of extended choices for upper secondary school
The Swedish National Audit Office’s new audit report shows that the extended opportunities to choose an upper secondary school have had small but positive effects on the future incomes and level of education of pupils. The changes have been most significant for children of parents with a low level of education.
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Significant differences in the penalties of the Swedish Unemployment Insurance Funds in the event of negligence or misconduct
There are significant differences in how often the various unemployment insurance funds administer penalties when unemployed persons fail to actively seek jobs or break the rules in other ways. The Swedish National Audit Office recommends that Swedish Government and the Swedish Unemployment Insurance Board (“Inspektionen för arbetslöshetsförsäkringen,” or “IAF”) ensure that the unemployment insurance funds receive better guidance on how to deal with the regulations.
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Reduced VAT on food is not a cost effective measure
The VAT on food was reduced in 1996 in order to enhance the purchasing power of low-income earners and families with children. The audit of the Swedish National Audit Office indicates that other measures can achieve the same result – at half the cost. Thus, the measure is not cost effective.
