Willich approves 2026 budget with daycare fee increases

Willich's 2026 budget sparks outrage over soaring daycare fee hikes

Willich Parents' Outrage Over Childcare Fees—Then a Surprise U-Turn in City Council

In recent weeks, many parents in Willich had vocally expressed their frustration. The controversy stemmed from a CDU proposal—against the backdrop of the city's dire financial straits—to introduce sibling fees for childcare (Kita-Beiträge) and raise the annual cost adjustment for childcare services from two to three percent. Just two weeks ago, the Youth Welfare Committee had rejected both measures, voting against charging fees for siblings and increasing the contribution rate.

But the city council took a different stance. Surprisingly, the issue wasn't even the main focus of the meeting, which centered primarily on the 2026 budget. According to a city press release, the council approved the budget in "record time." "This was partly because all faction speakers stuck roughly to the pre-agreed five-minute limit for their remarks," explained city spokesperson Michael Pluschke. After voting on a list of amendment proposals (which the factions had also coordinated in advance), the budget passed unanimously—and the entire session lasted less than two hours. The budget will enter into legal force in July.

The SPD's Take on the Budget: "Tough but Necessary" The city still faces a projected deficit of around €25 million, and the SPD made it clear: Willich must remain capable of action. However, they warned that budget consolidation should not come at the expense of families.

"We are not approving this budget because we think it's good. We are approving it because we bear responsibility for this city," said SPD faction leader Lukas Maaßen. "But we've also made one thing clear in recent weeks: If cuts are necessary, they should start with non-essential spending—not with parents, children, and students."

The SPD also highlighted a second key point: as the only faction, they had thoroughly reviewed the city's discretionary spending and non-essential expenses, submitting concrete savings proposals for the 2026 budget. Based on these recommendations, several areas will now be cut, reduced, or reassessed. These include expenditures for indoor greenery in municipal buildings, certain sustainability initiatives, rental subsidies for businesses, tourism promotions, market stall fees, and the city's economic magazine.

The SPD welcomed the council's decision to apply the Bauturbo (fast-track construction) policy, which they believe will help accelerate the creation of affordable housing—a crucial signal for the years ahead. However, they criticized the elimination of the Deutschlandticket (nationwide public transport pass) for eligible students, arguing that while the move does not address structural budget issues, it directly harms young people's mobility and social participation.

Willich Greens Sound the Alarm on Structural Deficits The Green Party faction (BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN) also approved the 2026 budget but emphasized the urgent need for action given the city's precarious financial situation.

The budget draft still shows a significant shortfall. Despite savings measures, the deficit remains at roughly €25 million, while the city's reliance on liquidity loans continues to grow—a clear sign of deep-seated structural problems.

"The numbers don't lie. Persistent high debt is a warning sign of chronic underfunding in our city. We must now find the courage to reprioritize and act decisively," said deputy faction leader Paul Muschiol. "We need strict cost controls, a focus on essentials, and the willingness to make long-term investments that pay off," he added.

The city council also reached the expected decisions regarding kindergarten fees: despite earlier discussions, the policy of not charging reduced sibling fees will remain in place (unanimous). A majority vote raised the annual fee adjustment in the daycare sector from two to three percent and made it a permanent component. This move overrides the professional recommendation from the Youth Welfare Committee. During the council meeting, the CDU supported the adjustment of daycare fees (indexation), while the SPD, Greens, and Left Party voted against it.

Currently, 24 percent of children in Willich's daycare centers pay fees; the rest are either in a fee-free year, are siblings exempt from charges, or fall below the relevant income threshold.