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Marburg is introducing fees for kindergartens – this is how expensive it will be from 2026!
Marburg will introduce fees for kindergartens from April 2026 in order to close budget gaps. Details about the new statutes here.
Marburg is introducing fees for kindergartens – this is how expensive it will be from 2026!
The city of Marburg is facing a drastic change in childcare. How op-marburg.de reported, the previously free kindergarten care will be abolished on April 1, 2026 due to significant budget shortfalls. The newly introduced fee regulations stipulate that a fee of 60 euros per month will be charged for care from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., while daily ten-hour care costs 120 euros. This measure comes after years of the city trying to stabilize its budget.
Mayor Nadine Bernshausen (Greens) and treasurer Dr. Thomas Spies (SPD) emphasize the urgency of these measures, especially in view of the growing number of children in Marburg. There are currently almost 2,400 children in kindergartens and 600 in crèches. In order to cover the financing needs, the city charged an additional 30 euros per hour from the seventh hour of care.
Increase in fees for daycare places
A fee increase for daycare places will also be announced at the turn of 2024. The lowest fee increases from 95 to 120 euros, while the highest tier climbs from 175 to 195 euros. These adjustments are part of a plan to increase fees to up to 260 euros by 2028.
In addition, the fees for primary school care will also be increased by 20 percent, with holiday care increasing to 70 euros per week. The city expects these fee increases to generate annual income of between 1 and 1.5 million euros, supplemented by 350,000 euros from higher meal fees, where each lunch meal is charged at 3.50 euros.
Long-term perspectives
The mayor described the development of fees as “still very tolerable” and regrets the need for these increases, but emphasizes the importance of early childhood education. The long-term goal remains to financially structure childcare in Marburg in such a way that it can be offered inexpensively or even free of charge, provided the financial situation allows it.
It is particularly important to the city to promote family settlements in Marburg, as childcare is considered a crucial economic factor. In view of the state financing shares, the city hopes that the budget situation will soon ease. In the run-up to these measures, even the idea of a social scale of fees was rejected, although hardship cases still have the opportunity to apply for reimbursement.
These developments in the area of childcare come at a time when the city is also faced with challenges such as the Marburg virus. Loud WHO Marburg virus disease is a serious, often fatal illness. The transmission routes and high mortality rates of up to 88% in past outbreaks are worrying, highlighting the need for effective health and hygiene policies.
A far-sighted look at the development of fees and the health situation is crucial for the city of Marburg in order to ensure both the quality of life of its citizens and to ensure a solid financial basis.