Free Kita Places: Past Their Prime, Municipalities Demand Return to Fees
The Association of Towns and Municipalities (Städte- und Gemeindebund) in Germany is calling for an end to the current free daycare (Kita) system, citing rising costs and a looming budget deficit. According to the association, smaller towns and municipalities affiliated with the organization are facing a €400 million shortfall in their 2025 budgets.
Increasing Financial Burden
Marco Trips, head of the Lower Saxony Association of Towns and Municipalities (NSGB), emphasizes the need for financial relief for municipalities. He proposes eliminating the universal exemption from daycare fees and introducing a system of income-based contributions instead.
Impact on Child Development and Education
The Lower Saxony Ministry of Education highlights the positive impact of free daycare on child development and educational opportunities. A ministry spokesperson stresses the importance of providing equal access to education for children regardless of their parents’ socioeconomic status.
"The state government has no plans to reverse the current policy," adds a spokesperson for the State Chancellery. She emphasizes that children who attend daycare are better prepared for school.
Municipal and Political Perspectives
Hannover’s Regional President Steffen Krach (SPD) warns against placing the financial burden on children. He argues that free daycare promotes educational opportunities and equality.
Sebastian Lechner, leader of the CDU parliamentary group, criticizes the state for insufficient financial support. Education Minister Julia Willie Hamburg (Greens) acknowledges that the state currently covers 59% of personnel costs but is reviewing the possibility of increasing this share. The NSGB disputes this figure, claiming that the state’s contribution is only 42%.
Call for Support and Integration
The NSGB and seven southeastern districts recently raised the alarm about a financial crisis and demanded increased support. NSGB head Trips emphasizes the strain on municipal budgets due to rising social welfare expenses and costs associated with daycare, personnel, hospitals, and refugee accommodation.
Instead of restricting immigration, Trips argues for an integration initiative to support newcomers in finding employment. He believes this would alleviate the financial burden on municipalities and promote social cohesion.
Underlying Causes and Policy Implications
The NSGB attributes the financial crisis to high social welfare expenses, while revenue generation is not currently an issue. The association advocates for a broader discussion on integration and the need for a more inclusive society.
The return to daycare fees remains a contentious issue, with both proponents and opponents presenting compelling arguments. The ongoing debate underscores the importance of finding a sustainable solution that balances municipal financial concerns with the educational and developmental needs of children.
