Laholms Kommun Reports Fiscal Surplus, Plans Major Investments

Laholms kommun has announced a significant financial turnaround, reporting a surplus of approximately 43 million kronor for 2024, following employment of crucial economic measures. Ove Bengtsson (C), chairman of the municipal council, stated that tough decisions were vital to restore the economy, which had suffered due to high inflation, rising costs, and increased pension expenses. The municipality first recognized the need for intervention back in the fall of 2022, leading to a series of stringent budget cuts and a tax hike of 82 öre that took effect on January 1, 2024.

In 2023, Laholm faced a projected deficit of 50.7 million kronor, but through rigorous financial management and corrective measures, the loss was reduced to 25.2 million kronor. For the fiscal year 2024, the municipality not only balanced its budget but improved it significantly, finishing 2024 with a surplus that exceeded initial expectations by a notable 31 million kronor. This turnaround marks the first time since 2020 that all municipal departments have met their budget goals, an achievement that underscores effective fiscal management and collective departmental accountability.

The surplus positions Laholms kommun favorably for future initiatives, particularly investments in local properties expected to amount to over a billion kronor. Despite this positive development, Bengtsson emphasized that there remains work to be done, as only three out of seven municipal goals were achieved, particularly in addressing challenges related to social issues such as segregation and the well-being of youth. He noted that with a stabilized financial backdrop, the municipality can now refocus efforts towards these critical social objectives, including improving high school graduation rates and the mental and physical health of children and teens.