Rising costs for social expenditure
City Council decides to provide additional funds totalling almost 16 million euros
At its meeting yesterday, the city council decided to provide additional funds for social expenditure totalling 15.9 million euros.
The reasons for these additional costs are, on the one hand, the increase in the number of benefit communities according to SGB II and the associated higher expenses for accommodation and heating as well as for the initial furnishing of flats. Additional expenses were also necessary, particularly for lunchtime meals, due to an increase in the number of eligible children and higher meal prices (benefits from the education and participation package).
More funding is also required for subsistence benefits in accordance with SGB XII, as the number of people entitled to benefits has risen more than expected and the federal government has decided to increase the standard benefit. In the area of outpatient care, increased remuneration rates for service providers have resulted in considerable additional expenditure.
In addition, the costs for the care of non-insured persons under SGB V have risen over the past two years. Even the already increased budget for 2024 is not sufficient. The main reason for the additional expenditure is the increased number of people entitled to benefits, most of whom are Ukrainians who do not have health insurance. Rising case numbers and higher remuneration rates for integration assistance for people with disabilities in accordance with SGB IX in connection with the reform of the Federal Participation Act (BTHG) are leading to further cost increases.