Coffee breaks are just breaks.
Finspång’s municipality is one of several municipalities that leak money – and now the coffee is withdrawn for the municipal employees in an attempt to plug the holes.
– I think there is an understanding of that, says Mats Annerfeldt, social democrat and chairman of the municipal board to Sveriges Radio.
The strained economic situation is felt around the country. According to Sweden’s Radio, 120 of the country’s municipalities are expected to run a deficit this year. The municipality of Finspång is one of them.
The deficit is estimated to be 48 million, and now the municipality is doing everything to find solutions to counter it. Among other things, by withdrawing the coffee for its employees.
– We have to find all the opportunities we can. And this is a way that contributes some money, says Mats Annerfeldt, social democrat and chairman of the municipal board Swedens radio.
Will cut down on the emergency services
According to Annerfeldt, the annual coffee fund amounts to approximately SEK 400,000.
– It is clear that they would have liked to keep the coffee, but I think that there is an understanding of that in any case given the financial situation we are in.
The municipality has previously made attempts to save on its costs. Among other things, by making savings in the rescue service – something that was re-referred after protests.
Now, in addition to stopping the coffee, they must raise the parking fee and outsource personal assistance.
– It is not a fun decision, but there is a lot of money sitting there and we see it as necessary in this situation, says Mats Annerfeldt.