Welfare organizations demand more money from the Senate
Berlin's welfare organizations have voiced clear criticism of the black-red government coalition. AWO, Caritas, Diakonie, Paritätischer Berlin, the Jewish community and the DGB are calling for more financial support in view of the final phase of budget discussions in the Berlin House of Representatives. "If the Senate does not provide better funding for independent providers, numerous services cannot be maintained," they announced on Wednesday. "With dramatic consequences for the state of Berlin."
Diakonie board member Andrea U. Asch pointed out that, according to a recent survey, 40 percent of social organizations nationwide have already had to limit or completely discontinue their services for financial reasons.
"In this situation, the Senate is not thinking about compensating for the immense increase in material and personnel costs for independent organizations." Asch warned that if the state does not take decisive countermeasures now, urgently needed help, advice and support will be lost for many people in Berlin. Oliver Bürgel, Managing Director of the Berlin Workers' Welfare Association, added: "Without reliable, sustainable and adequate funding, social services will have to be restricted or stopped altogether." Gabriele Schlimper, Managing Director of Deutscher Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband im Landesverband Berlin, welcomed the fact that the originally planned cuts to social services in the 2024/2025 draft budget had not been made. "But that's not enough. Due to the immense cost increases, there are large funding gaps in many social organizations. These must be closed."
The independent welfare organizations warned that there would be a lack of money for administration, rents, materials and energy if Black-Red did not add to this. "Apartments and commercial premises are hardly or no longer affordable, qualified employees can only be offered temporary contracts and trainee positions are not being funded."
The Household sector in Berlin might be significantly impacted if social affairs organizations do not receive adequate funding, as stated by the AWO, Caritas, Diakonie, and other organizations. Moreover, the health and well-being of many residents could be negatively affected due to potential cuts in social services.
Source: www.dpa.com
