Almost three percent of people in the age group 18–25 had at least one unpaid debt with the Kronofogden at the end of 2021. The number of young people in the age group 18–25 who have debts with the Kronofogden has decreased over the years, but the total mountain of debt has grown considerably.
Since 2011, the total debt has increased by 430 million and now the joint bill is 1.56 billion kroner.
Young men account for 73 percent of the amount of debt – but it is among women that the mountain of debt grows fastest. The median debt in the group of young women has doubled during the period, from SEK 7,400 to SEK 14,900.
Growth in step with digitization
Historically, women’s debts have been low, but in step with digitization they have grown.
– According to the statistics, many of these debts are about consumption and online shopping, says Davor Vuleta.
He believes that young people who get into debt early on risk ending up in a difficult spiral.
– The young people often have a lower level of education and employment rate and they have not had time to enter working life. Their incomes are lower and it can be very difficult for them to get out of this debt situation, he says.
Debts to the state and municipality have decreased at the same time as debts to companies have increased. In the Kronofogden’s analysis, it is found that 15 companies are responsible for more than half of the cases received. These are mainly companies that deal with telecoms, online shopping and companies that offer personal loans.
– We see that the norm has changed to “buy now – pay later” and that is how it is throughout society, he says.
Risk of getting worse
The imminent economic downturn means that the Kronofogden now fears that the situation could get worse.
– Those who have a tough time financially will have it tougher and they will be hit first and hardest. Unfortunately, it looks like more people will come to the Kronofogden next year.