Leipzig's future in danger: Court of fundamental agreement!

Leipzig's future in danger: Court of fundamental agreement!

On June 30, 2023, the city administration of Leipzig terminated the fundamental agreement on the operation of the daycare centers and day care with free carriers on December 31, 2025. This decision is part of a necessary budget consolidation, which is caused by new savings requirements of the state directorate. The termination was discussed in a special meeting of the youth welfare committee (JHA) after the deadline for termination on June 30th. This short -term decision was critically discussed in public.

The city of Leipzig plans to negotiate new agreements with the free organizations under a wide range of savings. In particular, the working group of top associations in Leipzig (AGW) expressed significant concerns about this measure. She criticizes that there has been a negotiating group for the revision of the KITA's principle agreements for 1.5 years, the efforts of which are undermined by the termination. AGW points out that the termination has damaged the trust between the negotiating partners because the existing agree was not observed.

financial challenges in the daycare landscape

In Leipzig there are currently around 4,000 non-occupied daycare places, with 2,000 being considered superfluous. This situation was tightened by the closure of 18 daycare centers. In addition, sponsors report that the money for urgent renovation measures is often missing. The financing structure of the daycare centers is largely based on state funds, while the municipal part is now to be reduced. This reduction could also endanger the financial stability of the facilities.

The city plans to switch from the flat -rate cost statement to the pointed cost statement. This procedure is intended to reduce costs of 1.5 million euros per year. Parents' contributions for crèche and kindergarten places that are set differently regionally are also a critical point. These contributions should not exceed more than 15 to 30 percent of the community average personnel and material costs, which could certainly be a challenge under the new financial framework in Leipzig.

political reactions and outlook

City councilor Juliane Nagel (Die Linke) emphasized the urgency to ensure the care of all children in Leipzig and to redesign the daycare financing. The Office for Youth and Family emphasized that the termination is the result of lack of agreements with the providers and new requirements of the state directorate. These developments contribute to a serious location in the Leipzig daycare landscape.

The incumbent office manager, Mr. Kamphausen, expressed that the termination was inevitable to secure the city's budgetary situation. The city of Leipzig calls on the Free State of Saxony to adequately participate in the municipal additional expenses. It remains to be seen whether negotiations with the free providers will lead to a stable and fair solution.