The Bern City Council is considering a significant change to how its municipal daycare centers, known as Kitas, are managed and funded. A red-green majority recently voted to bring these facilities directly into the core city administration. This move aims to establish daycare as an essential public service, but it also raises concerns about potential financial risks and a loss of transparency, according to an external analysis.
Key Takeaways
- Bern City Council approved a motion to integrate municipal Kitas into core administration.
- This change would shift Kita funding from special financing to the general budget.
- Proponents argue it makes daycare a stronger public service and more crisis-resistant.
- Opponents warn of financial risks and a loss of economic independence.
- An external analysis from 2023 highlighted potential cost increases and transparency issues.
Motion to Integrate Daycare Centers
On Thursday, the Bern City Council approved an urgent motion proposing the integration of municipal daycare centers into the city's central administration. The vote was close, with 36 votes in favor and 32 against. This decision reflects the will of the red-green majority in the council.
The motion, submitted by the AL/PdA/TIF parliamentary group, seeks to alter the city's childcare regulations. If implemented, the 'Kitas Stadt Bern' would no longer rely on a special financing structure. Instead, their operations would be funded directly through the general municipal budget.
Key Fact
There are 12 municipal daycare centers in Bern. These facilities care for approximately 15 percent of all children receiving daycare services in the city.
Addressing a Funding Gap
Supporters of the motion argue that a funding gap has emerged due to the canton's introduction of childcare vouchers. Previously, any losses incurred by the Kitas could be covered by their special financing. However, this is no longer permitted under the new cantonal system.
The motion's proponents believe that integrating the Kitas into the general household will provide a more stable and sustainable financial solution. They emphasize that municipal Kitas are a vital part of the public service infrastructure, ensuring access to childcare for many families.
Left-leaning council members stated that municipal Kitas are an "indispensable component of public service." They argued that while these Kitas might be slightly more expensive than private options, they offer greater stability during crises and are democratically accountable.
Concerns from the Center-Right
The proposal faced strong opposition from center-right parties. Critics expressed concerns that bringing the Kitas back into the administration would undermine their pursuit of economic self-sufficiency. They suggested that private providers might be better equipped to manage daycare services efficiently.
Oliver Berger, representing the FDP, warned that this move would "nullify the desired economic independence." He argued that private entities could perform the tasks of a Kita more effectively. The debate highlighted a fundamental difference in philosophy regarding the role of public versus private services in childcare.
Background on Childcare Funding
For some time, the financing model for Bern's municipal Kitas has been a topic of discussion. The shift to cantonal childcare vouchers changed the funding landscape, creating challenges for facilities previously relying on special financing to cover operational shortfalls. This current debate is part of an ongoing effort to find a robust and equitable long-term solution for childcare provision in the city.
Critiques of the Motion
Béatrice Wertli of 'Die Mitte' party summarized her faction's view on the motion. She described it as being brought forward "without necessity, without basis, and without public support." Wertli maintained that the current system, including the childcare voucher scheme, functions well and that there is no urgent need for such a drastic change.
These arguments underscore the divide within the city council. While the red-green majority prioritizes public control and crisis resistance, the center-right emphasizes efficiency, economic independence, and the role of private providers.
Ongoing Regulatory Review
A partial revision of the childcare regulations is already underway. A consultation process for this revision concluded in the spring. The municipal council had previously proposed that the city's general budget should compensate municipal Kitas for any additional costs stemming from their organizational structure.
Ursina Anderegg, the Director of Education and Social Affairs (GB), informed the council that this matter would soon return to the municipal council for further discussion. This indicates that the broader framework for childcare provision in Bern is still under active review and development.
Previous Analysis and Risks
In 2023, the city commissioned a consulting firm to analyze different operating models for its Kitas. This analysis examined four different options for managing the facilities. The findings indicated that while a return to core administration was feasible, it would come with considerable financial risks.
The analysis also pointed to a potential loss of transparency if the Kitas were fully integrated into the general administration. These warnings contribute to the concerns raised by the center-right opposition regarding the financial implications and oversight of the proposed change.
Consulting Firm Findings
- Analysis explored four different operational models.
- Integration into core administration deemed possible.
- Warned of significant cost risks.
- Highlighted potential loss of transparency.
Earlier Proposal Rejected
The City Council recently addressed a contrasting proposal regarding the 'Kitas Stadt Bern.' In June, the red-green majority rejected a motion that aimed to entrust the tasks of the municipal Kitas to "suitable third parties." This earlier decision further illustrates the council majority's preference for maintaining municipal control over these vital childcare services.
The current vote to integrate the Kitas into the administration aligns with the majority's stance against privatizing or outsourcing these services. It reinforces their commitment to a publicly managed childcare system, despite the financial and transparency concerns highlighted by external reports and political opposition.
The debate surrounding Bern's municipal Kitas reflects a broader discussion about the role of government in providing essential social services. As the city moves forward with the partial revision of its childcare regulations, the long-term structure and funding of these facilities will remain a key focus for residents and policymakers alike.