After the financial equalization period, the federal government will make additional resources available for childcare until 2030. The future fund is intended for 500 million euros per year, with the amount guaranteed and growing as inflation increases. In addition, 200 million per year currently come from the kindergarten billion (until 2027). What is new is the introduction of a monitor that should reflect the status quo.
A total of 4.5 billion should be pumped into the system. Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP) emphasized in the press foyer after the cabinet meeting that there must be a clear commitment from the mayors that there will also be money if they invest in childcare. His goal is to ensure that parents have freedom of choice. Family Minister Susanne Raab (ÖVP) added that she does not want a woman to be unable to do work because of a lack of childcare. Vice Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) also assumed a better balance between work and family and also saw positive effects on the labor market.
The childcare quota for children under the age of three will be increased
In the future fund, which has been agreed in the context of financial equalization, 500 million euros will be reserved annually for primary education. At the end of the financial equalization period – including 2027 – each country must either achieve a 38 percent childcare quota for children under three years old (taking into account childminders) or increase its own quota by at least one percentage point per year.
If the quota is met, the resources can be used differently
The latter alternative exists because it would be unrealistic for some countries with a particularly high catch-up need to reach 38 percent within the next five years. Others, such as Vienna and Burgenland, have already met the quota and can therefore use the resources freely. Raab called the fact that funds can also be used for ongoing operations and not just expansion a “game changer.”
The distribution of resources is mainly based on population size. For example, 108 of the 500 million go to Vienna and 16.6 million to Burgenland. Half of the money goes directly to the communities. In addition to increasing the number of places for children under the age of three, there is also a need to invest in improving the quality of places and making them compatible with full-time work.
Progress is displayed on the new monitor
The childcare monitor is new, which will be published for the first time in March. The aim of this – broken down by regions – is to better map progress and existing gaps in care and to deploy resources where necessary. The report will then be published annually in the autumn based on the latest data from Statistics Austria, which is also carrying out the project. The information must be accessible to everyone via an interactive map.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
