Evers calls for social reform: Crisis is threatened by austerity plans in Berlin!

Evers calls for social reform: Crisis is threatened by austerity plans in Berlin!

Berlin's financial situation is tense and that has consequences. Finance Senator Stefan Evers (CDU) has called for a comprehensive reform of the welfare state. The reason for this is that loans must not only be used for important investments, but also for social assistance. With his demands, Evers aims to create a system that keeps social costs within an acceptable range. He cites examples such as nursing assistance, integration and youth welfare. He complains that the complex legal situation in the social sector is only making the situation worse. “We have to tackle the standards,” says Evers, not only referring to the high requirements for data protection and consumer protection, but also warning of “paralysis” and “exploding costs” as a result of these requirements. He calls for a reduction in the so-called German gold standards in order to remain able to act in the future. The topics addressed are taken into account Uckermark courier and brings the most pressing points to the table.

But these are not the only challenges that Berlin is currently facing. The Senate is planning savings in the current and upcoming budget, which will particularly affect social institutions. According to that rbb24 Representatives of social associations report that the first effects of these savings are already noticeable. The planned grants in the draft budget are significantly lower than in the past and should urgently be reconsidered. Areas such as homeless assistance, support for migrants and the reintegration of offenders are particularly affected. In some places, staff reductions are already being discussed, and it is not uncommon for social institutions to be on the verge of bankruptcy.

The pressure on social institutions is increasing

The financial situation of the state of Berlin is complicated. A deficit in the state treasury, rising personnel costs and falling tax revenues are driving the cuts. The cuts, which amount to €3 billion in the current double budget, are just the beginning; Further savings of around 1.6 billion euros are planned for 2026 and 2027. Social associations are therefore calling for long-term financing with fixed amounts or service agreements in order to reduce administrative costs. Current estimates indicate that 30 to 40% of the funds earmarked for social projects are used up just for their administration. In this sense, Social Senator Cansel Kiziltepe has announced that a working group will develop measures to reduce bureaucracy costs, which will be presented as early as March 2025.

Overall, a picture emerges of uncertainty and the need for reform in Berlin's social sector. The ongoing discussion about savings and the structure of the welfare state must urgently come into focus in order to finally do justice to the challenges facing social services. It remains to be seen whether the required reforms can take effect quickly enough to stop the impending paralysis and skyrocketing costs.