childcare Costs to Rise Sharply for Low-Income Families, Consultant Says

Low-income working parents could‌ face significantly higher childcare expenses than previously anticipated, according to recent ‌projections. Childcare consultant Ed Buitenhek estimates that some families could pay hundreds, adn in some cases, over a thousand euros ‌more in ⁤2026‌ compared to this year. ⁣Buitenhek’s calculations ‌are based on the latest ⁤forecasts from⁣ the Central Planning Bureau (CPB).

As a notable example, a family earning up to 20,000‌ euros annually could see their childcare costs for two children increase by 1,578 euros this year, and potentially rise to 2,793⁢ euros next year. This is 271 euros higher than previous government ‌estimates.

The discrepancy stems from the CPB’s updated figures,⁤ which factor in ⁣higher price increases than ⁤the ⁢government’s earlier projections.

While ​low-income families face rising costs, central and high-income families are expected to see a ‌decrease in their childcare‌ expenses next year.

the ‍increased costs ⁤for low-income families are‍ linked to the government’s ⁤plan to freeze childcare ​allowance⁤ increases ⁤in line with expected price hikes, a move intended to save approximately 254 ‍million euros.

While‍ the austerity measure ⁤affects ⁢all families, higher-income households stand to benefit more significantly from a plan to make childcare nearly free for everyone by​ 2027, with​ 96% of costs reimbursed. An intermediate step is planned for 2026, with‍ an increase in the allowance‌ percentage, though the exact figure remains​ unclear.

Currently, low-income families already receive a 96% reimbursement of childcare costs, making the planned⁣ cutback‍ a substantial financial ⁣burden​ for them.

The⁣ proposed cuts have drawn criticism from opposition parties. Member of parliament Hans Vijlbrief (D66) accused the VVD of sending a “double message” ​to parents. “The VVD says: we have⁣ to make childcare cheaper, but at the same time the current cabinet is working to make childcare more expensive,” Vijlbrief saeid during a debate in early March.

Vulnerable Group

The planned cut is particularly concerning given a meaningful price correction last‍ year that resulted in increased childcare allowances for all families.

Gjalt Jellesma, ​of the interest group of parents ​in⁣ childcare (Boink), argues that‍ the 2026 cut would negate that correction. “The threshold for low-income parents to bring their children to daycare‍ is ‌even higher,” Jellesma said.

Jellesma emphasized⁢ the societal benefits⁢ of enabling low-income parents to​ work. “There are huge shortages⁤ in ⁣the ‍healthcare ‌sector,for example. So why are we making it even more ⁤challenging for this group to work?”

the ⁣proposed cutback is currently under discussion‍ during negotiations regarding the Spring Memorandum. It also requires a change in​ the ‌law, which must secure a majority⁣ in both the Lower and Senate, where ⁣the coalition parties ⁤lack​ a majority.