Social Affairs Minister Karien van Gennip believes it is “a pity for parents” that childcare does not become almost free for everyone from 2025, but only two years later. “I think it’s very important to implement it carefully, because it would benefit nobody if prices skyrocket in 2025,” the minister told political journalist Mats Akkerman.
Estate
There is currently a severe shortage of staff in the childcare sector, long waiting lists and quality concerns. ‘Studies say that if we suddenly dramatically increase demand, there is a chance that the price will go through the roof or the quality will go down. In any case, there are concerns about accessibility.’ That is why the minister opts for a gradual introduction. “I think in the end we will all be happy if after two years we can say: this is a good system, this is a good system and we have a good offer for everyone”.
“It will be a completely different system”
Child care allowance will be increased significantly in 2025 and 2026, Van Gennip says. “This is important for the market, because this will increase demand and supply can gradually grow in line with this.” It is now up to the government to determine who should receive the childcare allowance. “So that we make sure that parents really benefit from it.”
New plans
The new childcare plan, which was due to go into effect in 2025, was designed together with the executors and the sector. We looked at affordability, affordability and quality, Van Gennip explains. That means almost free, which is a 96 percent refund for parents. This allowance will be paid to children’s organisations, and therefore no longer to the parents themselves. “It will be a completely different system,” the minister said.
The plans should also ensure that women work harder. Despite the fact that nearly free childcare has been shelved, that goal remains, the minister says. ‘As you grow supply over those two years, more women also have the option to work because there are more places in the shelter. But we cannot suddenly increase demand on January 1, 2025, because then the market freezes.’
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
