I have never lived in sweden. How to the services compare to the UK?
Is childcare subsidised by the government or is it as ridiculously expensive as in the uk?
It's very heavily subsided. It's capped at 3% of income for first child, 2% for second, 1% for third and free for any others. There's a monetary figure as well, but I can't remember what that is.
Do they have such huge demand for social housing?
Housing in Stockholm is a nightmare and people wait for decades for a flat, partly because people sublet. Generally though, it isn't a problem. I know a few people, immigrants like me, who have housing association flats that they got before moving here. My friend wanted to move to Gothenburg and it took her about 8 months to get a flat there.
How does their immigration levels compare to the uk?
Currently it's higher than the UK, 15%
What is the health system like?
In my experience, excellent. My husband had a cancer a scare. Within a week of telling his GP he'd been referred to hospital, undergone tests, seen a specialist and been given the all clear.
What are the pensions like?
I get a bit confused with this. As I understand it, my husband (an employee) will receive a state pension of 55% of his salary, an occupational pension of 15%. I haven't worked here yet so I would get the 'minimum pensions guarantee' which currently is about £600 per month
What is the education like?
I am very satisfied with the education my daughter has received. I believe that the academic standards are lower than the UK but the overall education experience is much higher. The focus isn't on grades, it's on coming out as a well rounded individual.
What sort of maternity leave is available?
You get 12 months parental leave. A certain amount has to be taken by each parent, the rest can be divided however they see fit. You also get paid time off work if you children are sick.
Are homes as expensive as in the uk?
Stockholm and Gothenburg are expensive, everywhere else would make you cry. My house is massive with a football pitch garden. Cost £55k
Are leisure activities affordable? (I think they are too expensive in the uk)
What do you mean by this? Most Swedes swim in the lakes, which is free, and go walking/skiing in the forests, which is also free.
Is transport affordable? (trains, buses)
My husband pays approx £140 a month for a ticket which covers all trains and buses in the region and allows him to make the 2 hr commute into Gothenburg every day in relative luxury. But we do have to put up with the BLUE train station