Since 1 October 2024, the fresh government programme "Active Parent", commonly called "grandmother", is launched to support the parents of young children. However, in Opole, where the city council liquidated the grant for nursery care, the program is controversial. Despite the introduction of a fresh benefit, parents complain of an increase in the cost of childcare, and any plan to file a complaint with the city authorities.
Żłobków subsidies Eliminated in Opole
According to local media, the Opole authorities have decided to destruct the urban surcharge of PLN 650, which has so far supported parents utilizing private nursery services. Reason? “Active Parent” program, which offers financial support of between 500 and 1500 PLN per month, and in the case of children with a disability ruling – up to 1900 PLN. The Vice president of Opole, Przemysław Zych, underlines that the fresh government initiative offers higher support than the urban surcharge so far.
Parents Are Dissatisfied: Care Costs proceed to Grow
Despite the introduction of a “grandmother”, many parents in Opole fear that kid care costs will increase alternatively than decrease. Although theoretically government support should cover any of the expenses for care, private daycare increases prices. “It was expected to be cheaper and more expensive,” says 1 of the mothers quoted by the local media. On social networks, a petition was launched in which parents request the restoration of the urban subsidy, arguing that the financial situation of families will deteriorate.
Will there be a complaint to the court?
In consequence to the decision of the city authorities, private nursery schools and parents consider submitting a complaint to the administrative court. In their view, the city council resolution on the abolition of subsidies is unfair and can lead to unequal treatment of families who have chosen private nursery. In Opole, the situation has become the subject of public debate and parents anticipate clarification and restoration of financial support.
“Grandmother” – fresh Benefits on the Horizon
The Active Parent Programme, which entered into force on 1 October 2024, is aimed at parents returning to the labour marketplace or continuing to work after the birth of the child. The monthly benefit ranges from PLN 500 to 1500, depending on the number of children and the material situation of the family. This programme is intended to support those who want to combine childcare with work. In the case of children with a disability ruling, this amount is increased to PLN 1900.
How to Make Conclusions?
The key information for parents who plan to apply for ‘grandmother’ is that applications can only be submitted in electronic form. Parents must prepare to submit online papers to improve and velocity up the transportation process.
Summary: Will “Grandmother” truly Help?
The Active Parent strategy aims to support parents’ financial support, but the controversy in Opole shows that local changes in the payment policy can have a counterproductive effect. Although the fresh form of support is higher than erstwhile subsidies, the expanding costs of private nursery services can make families feel no improvement, but on the contrary, they will feel a greater financial burden. The future of this programme will depend on the consequence of local authorities and on how the programme will be implemented at local government level.
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“Grandmothers” dispute in Opole: Parents Complaints for the Elimination of Żłobków Subsidies
