Youth Policy in Lübeck: Funding, Care, and Inclusion in the Spotlight

Kindergarten Funding: Where Does the Money Come From?

The funding of municipal daycare centers (kindergartens or Kitas) was one of the central topics of the 22nd meeting of the Youth Welfare Committee in February 2026. Councillor Judith Balke (BÜNDNIS 90 / DIE GRÜNEN) asked about the cost distribution of Kitas in the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as the roles of the federal government, state, city, and parental contributions. The administration's response showed that the city of Lübeck bears a considerable share of the costs:

• 2022: 33.25 million € in expenses for municipal Kitas
• 2023: 34.46 million €
• 2024: 36.90 million €

Although there were federal subsidies, they were extremely low in the years mentioned (2022: 195,392 €, 2023: 55,434 €, 2024: 0 €). Parental contributions also made up a significant share—2.7 million € in 2022, for example. The discussion revealed that Lübeck takes on a strong financial responsibility for Kitas, with the administration emphasizing that funding is allocated on a per-group basis—individual evaluations per Kita are not possible.

Meal Cost Calculation: Flat-Rate or Individual Calculation?

Another controversial topic was the calculation of meal costs in municipal Kitas. Councillor Juleka Schulte-Ostermann (GAL) asked about the legal conformity of the flat-rate calculation across all providers according to the KiTaG (Kindergarten Act of Schleswig-Holstein). The city’s current practice is to calculate meal costs for all 28 Kitas as an average value. An individual calculation per Kita, which the State Youth Office would require if cost structures vary, is not currently applied.

The administration argued that all Kitas have the same pedagogical concept, caterer (Appetito), and number of meals—thus, an individual calculation is not necessary. Critics, however, questioned how financial discrepancies (e.g., parents who paid too much or too little) are regulated. The discussion also addressed whether the meal cost calculation constitutes a municipal subsidy that should also apply to parents in private Kitas. The administration promised to create individual calculations for each Kita and share them with parent representatives and the political bodies.

Full-Day Schools: Space Planning and Inclusion

The construction of a primary school with a sports hall and Kita at Geniner Ufer also sparked contentious debates. The inquiry asked about the planning of full-day capacities, the designation of dedicated spaces for the full-day program (e.g., care rooms, rest areas), and the assurance of inclusive requirements. According to the administration’s response, 270 full-day places will be offered, with the theoretical possibility of increasing the quota to 100% (300 places).

The space will be used 58% for the school and 42% for the full-day program. The planning does not include explicitly designated spaces for the full-day program, instead relying on flexible learning environments and multifunctional areas. Critics questioned how rest areas, support spaces, and pedagogical collaboration with the future full-day provider will be ensured. The administration argued that the available space is sufficient to cover both educational and care needs. Tactile floor guidance systems, barrier-free bathrooms, and color concepts were considered for inclusive settings.

Support for Unaccompanied Minor Foreign Nationals

A particularly sensitive topic was the support for unaccompanied minor refugees. The case of a 19-year-old Syrian who was left without support in the cold after turning 18 made the discussion particularly concrete. Lübeck is currently caring for 127 unaccompanied minor refugees, of whom 69 will turn 18 in 2026. The unanimously adopted motion by the Youth Welfare Committee in 2017 to establish youth shared housing for young refugees has not yet been implemented. Instead, many move into shared accommodations with a care ratio of 1:40—a step backward in the integration process.

Critics called for long-term support offers, better housing and care structures, and clear transition support after reaching adulthood. The administration promised to report on the implementation of the 2017 plan.

Conclusion: On the Way to an Inclusive and Transparent Youth Policy

Lübeck is pursuing youth policy based on transparency, inclusive structures, and long-term planning. The discussions in February 2026 show that the city is ready to address challenges—whether in the funding of Kitas, the calculation of meal costs, or the support of refugees. At the same time, open questions remain: Is the flat-rate calculation across all providers actually legally compliant? How can an inclusive full-day school be financed and spatially realized? And where are the youth shared housing units for young refugees?

In 2026, it will depend on whether the political decisions made in the past years are implemented—and whether Lübeck can establish its youth policy as a model for other cities in northern Germany.