Hohen Neuendorf: Social Affairs and Housing Policy in March 2026 – Challenges, Criticism, and Future Visions

Social Affairs and Housing Policy in Hohen Neuendorf – Challenges in Focus

The city of Hohen Neuendorf engaged intensively with social policy issues in March 2026. The Social Committee and the Senior Advisory Council discussed, among other topics, the future of senior policy, the financing of care, youth participation, and the organization of public safety. These topics reflect the challenges of a demographically changing city and illustrate how the municipality is responding to evolving social needs.

Senior Policy: Criticism, Innovation, and Financial Constraints

Senior services in Hohen Neuendorf face significant challenges. The Senior Advisory Council presented the 2025 annual report, which drew criticism due to unimplemented projects. Nevertheless, the planning of the Senior Week remains an important goal, even though the budget is strained.

A central issue was the commissioning of an agency to develop a Senior Guide, although this project has low priority. The cancellation of the Senior Fair in favor of alternative formats such as a Specialist Conference indicates a new direction.

Volunteer work is particularly important in this area. Frau Bethke, who has been working as a Senior Guide for five years, supports approximately 73 people, 12 of whom are supported on a voluntary basis. Her work includes counseling, home visits, and the mediation of care and household services. However, the accessibility of the Senior Guide remains a problem that should be addressed through improved communication (social media, newspaper articles, posters).

The funding for the Senior Guide is set to expire in mid-2026, and discussions are underway on how to secure the premises and funding until the end of the year. A Socio-Demographic Analysis is seen as a proposal for future-oriented senior policy.

Care: Data, Funding, and Areas for Action

The care policy in Hohen Neuendorf is marked by financial constraints and a lack of valid data. While the Pflegedosier provides data, valid figures on population structure and care needs are missing. The funding guidelines for the Care Pact are set to expire in mid-2027, and the funds have already been reduced.

Institutional care remains a problem that must be addressed beyond the city's boundaries. The Senior Policy Guidelines of Brandenburg address topics such as housing, digitization, and infrastructure, which Hohen Neuendorf can use as a reference.

According to § 71 SGB, the city is also obligated to create offers against loneliness and meeting places. Hohen Neuendorf has discussion circles for caregivers and digital counseling sessions for seniors at the Dr. Hugo Rosenthal Secondary School, which are viewed positively.

Youth Participation: Legal Rights, Formats, and Challenges

Youth participation is regarded as a legal right under Social Code Book 8 in Hohen Neuendorf. Nevertheless, there is criticism regarding the insufficient implementation. A Guideline for the Participation of Children and Youth is in development and is intended to define clear formats.

The city signals willingness to cooperate with self-organized youth groups, which is seen as positive. At the same time, the age definition (0–18 years) and the lack of parental involvement are subjects of discussion. The guideline is to be evaluated every three to five years to adapt it to needs.

A digital participation approach (platform) is being pursued to better include youth. However, it is criticized that existing participation offers, such as geoports and committees, are perceived as insufficient.

Public Safety and Urban Cleanliness: Proposals, Controls, and Digital Solutions

Public safety and urban cleanliness are issues that are both politically and socially relevant. Young people commented on litter problems and proposed warning signs, advertising campaigns, and stricter penalties. In the train station area and in districts such as Stolpe and Bergfelde, there are hotspots with high levels of litter.

The municipal works department regularly carries out cleaning measures, but proposals such as litter collection events with rewards, mobile clothing collection points, and cooperation with schools in the design of signs are being discussed. The inspections by the municipal authority are to be intensified to prevent illegal disposal.

Sensors for waste bins are being tested, an initiative that was launched during the 2023 election campaign. A digital participation platform for Oberhavel is being developed to enable the reporting of defects.

Conclusion: A City in Transition – Politics Must Pay Attention

In March 2026, the city of Hohen Neuendorf faces the task of shaping a socially balanced future. The challenges of senior policy, the financing of care, youth participation, and urban cleanliness show that the municipality must not only respond to changing demographic structures but also plan proactively.

The criticism of unimplemented projects and the discussions about better communication formats show that Hohen Neuendorf depends on dialogue with its citizens. The guidelines for youth participation and the approach to digital platforms are steps in the right direction, but implementation remains decisive.

In the coming months, it will depend on whether the city sees the social challenges as an opportunity to create an inclusive, livable, and future-oriented community.