The city council’s planned abolition of the so-called sibling child regulation is currently causing heated discussions among affected parents and politicians in Karlsruhe. Since 1998, the regulation has relieved the financial burden on families with several children by only having to pay for the most expensive childcare service for one child. The fees are waived for all other siblings – regardless of the parents’ income. The city would save around six million euros a year by abolishing this voluntary service.
Against the backdrop of a serious budget crisis, the abolition of this regulation is now being discussed on the basis of a proposal from the city administration. The City of Karlsruhe is expecting an additional structural deficit of 50 million euros in 2025 and as much as 80 million euros in 2026 and 2027. These funds may not be covered by loans. As savings must be made primarily in the area of voluntary services, the sibling regulation is also up for discussion.
Families with several children, especially those with a medium income who are just above the assessment basis, would be affected by a possible abolition. Low-income families below the assessment basis can be supported by the city’s economic youth welfare service.
The burden for everyone will be increased by rising daycare fees from September 2025, which will increase by up to 24 euros per month depending on income and the amount of childcare provided.
The decision on the future of the sibling scheme will be made in June, when the city council groups will discuss and decide on cost-saving measures due to the budget freeze.
FÜR Karlsruhe is committed to family and child-friendly policies. Families must be supported and encouraged. We will strive for a solution that accommodates both low-income and middle-income families by staggering the fees. Families who are above the assessment base must be taken into account and not overburdened.
It will not be possible to do this without any cuts at all in order to avoid being placed under the administration of the regional council and thereby risking all voluntary services being cut.
