Refugees in the Offenbach district will live more cheaply in the future

• ofAnnette Schlegl

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From January 1, 2021, young employed and severely disabled refugees will live cheaper in the communal accommodation in the Offenbach district. The district council decided that.

Since mid-2018, refugees living in communal accommodation have no longer paid 194 euros per person in the Offenbach district, but rather 375 euros accommodation fee. The state admission law now provides for a hardship clause from January 1, 2021, which was not previously included in the district’s fee statutes. In its most recent meeting, the district council therefore decided by a majority that single trainees and students as well as severely disabled people in refugee accommodation will have to pay 194 euros again in future. The changed rate applies from the beginning of the year in all 13 municipalities belonging to the district.

A request from the Left to lower the accommodation fee for all refugees who are gainfully employed and pay the fee themselves was only supported by the Greens; the rest of the house voted against it. “375 euros for a four-bed room, group shower and toilet – that would be described as usury on the rental market,” said Jona Löbcke (left). District Social Department Head Carsten Müller (SPD) made it clear that only 12 to 15 percent of the refugees in the accommodations pay the full rate. “Wherever you cannot afford the accommodation fee, social assistance pays the costs anyway.”

The left also criticized the fact that the amended statute now also contains a paragraph with additional sanctions. “That creates an atmosphere of fear,” said Löbcke.

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