Bremen and Leipzig increase childcare funding and parent fees

The Bremen Senate approved an increase in the Sachkostenförderung for city‑run childcare providers, adding up to €2.2 million for 2026‑27. The per‑place reference value for children over three will rise by 4.39 % to €554.56 per full‑day place, reflecting higher consumer‑price and wage costs. Children and Education Senator Mark Rackles said the boost secures a stable financial basis for kindergartens.

In Leipzig, Mayor Burkhard Jung has proposed raising parent contributions for kindergartens, crèches and after‑school care starting 1 January 2027. The plan would set parent fees at 22.5 % of actual costs for kindergartens and after‑school care and 15 % for crèches, adding roughly €26‑36 per month for a nine‑hour place. The city expects the change to generate about €4.35 million in 2027 and €5.27 million in 2028, helping to cover rising personnel and material expenses while keeping fee exemptions for low‑income families.