ANP extension
ANNOUNCEMENTS•
The government maintains its ambition to launch a new childcare payment system in 2025. This is what Social Affairs Minister Van Gennip said in the House of Representatives. Whether it will actually work later remains to be seen.
In response to the child benefit scandal, VVD, D66, CDA and ChristenUnie agreed in the coalition agreement to introduce a completely new system. The gist of this is that the government will pay the majority of childcare costs for working parents. Furthermore, the allowance is paid directly to the childcare institution and no longer to the parents.
Planning question marks
A large majority in the House supports the basic principles, but many parties question whether 2025 is feasible. Also place various stakeholders and experts Question marks in cabinet design.
A major bottleneck is staff shortages, which could further increase if childcare becomes virtually free. It is also not yet clear who will implement the new system.
Struggle
Van Gennip said he will look into all kinds of issues in the coming months and will also consult with various parties on who will implement the new system. You acknowledged that there is a risk that childcare institutions will raise their prices. Critics fear the overhaul will then go badly for low-income parents, who already receive most of their costs.
The minister wants to draw up detailed plans before the summer. So he also wants clarity on the question of what is needed to be able to reach 2025 and what all kinds of additional calendar requirements mean. He spoke of a struggle between speed and precision, the outcome of which should be clear in the next six months. “But we’re steering strong towards 2025.”
