German municipalities raise child‑care fees for parents

In Leinfelden‑Echterdingen the municipal council approved a substantial increase in daycare fees for the 2026‑27 school year despite opposition from the SPD faction. Fees for children over three will rise by 4.5 % and for those under three by 12.9 %, adding €8.40 per month to the former group’s bill and €50.40 to the latter. The change affects roughly 2,630 children and will generate about €110,000 in additional municipal revenue, while the SPD warned of the financial strain on families and the risk of staffing cuts in the facilities.

Meanwhile, the city of Bergkamen announced that it will also raise daycare fees starting in 2027, with yearly increases thereafter. The council disclosed the new fee levels, indicating a growing financial burden for local parents, though specific percentages were not detailed. Both towns’ decisions reflect ongoing debates over childcare funding and affordability at the municipal level in Germany.