Freiburg's Social Policy in April 2026: Expansion of Social Counseling and Budget Overruns

Social Policy in Freiburg: Expansion of Social Counseling and Rising Costs

In April 2026, Freiburg focused on the challenges of municipal social policy. The Social Committee made key preliminary decisions, discussed budget developments, and initiated the expansion of social counseling. The discussions reflect the ongoing pressure due to rising social expenditures and the need to expand support for those in need.

Budget Overruns in the Social Office

The financial situation of the Social Office (AfS) remained a central topic. In the 2025 fiscal year, the allocated funds were exceeded by nearly 1.5 million euros, with the largest cost increases occurring in emergency housing assistance and security services. The costs for municipal accommodations amounted to over 2.3 million euros, representing an overrun of more than one million euros compared to the original budget.

The rising costs are mainly attributed to general price increases and higher wage costs. Expenditures in the Social Code Books IX and XII increased by 8.8 percent. The cost development shows that Freiburg must increasingly invest in the municipal social sector due to growing social challenges, particularly among homeless individuals.

Expansion of Social Counseling

In April 2026, the expansion of social counseling in Freiburg was announced. The goal is to improve assistance for citizens in need and to expand legal advice and support with social benefits. The social counseling offices are now accessible in several districts such as Betzenhausen, Brühl, Haslach, Herdern, Landwasser, Rieselfeld, Stühlinger, Weingarten, and Wiehre, with new hours and contact persons.

Providers of social counseling include, among others, the Caritas Association Freiburg City e.V., the Nachbarschaftswerk e.V., and friga e.V. The expansion is an important signal of municipal responsibility in social policy and is welcomed by the population as a necessary measure. The head of the Social Office, Mr. Gourdial, emphasized that the expansion is also due to increasing demand and the complexity of social laws.

Effects of the 13th SGB II Supplemental Act

Another focal topic in April 2026 was the presentation of the effects of the 13th Supplemental Act to the Social Code Book II (SGB II). The presentation was given by Ms. Polz and Mr. Wilde, who explained the specific impacts on services and processes in Freiburg. Although reforms in SGB II are being discussed, the transition to SGB XII remains unchanged, which provides some relief for certain actors.

In addition, the costs for software licenses for process optimization, such as housing allowance and social assistance procedures, were announced. These investments show that Freiburg also wants to remain up-to-date digitally in order to accelerate processes and increase transparency.

Outlook on the Future of Social Policy in Freiburg

The decisions and developments in April 2026 show that Freiburg is consciously aligning itself with a long-term and preventive social policy. The expansion of social counseling and investments in digital processes are steps in the right direction. At the same time, it becomes clear that the financial challenges due to rising costs and increasing demand in the current economic situation must not be underestimated.

In autumn 2026, it is planned to analyze the causes of the increasing costs and case numbers in the area of transfer payments in more detail. This could lead to further political decisions. Until then, the Municipal Council will decide in April 2026 on the approval of unplanned expenses.