Helsinki proposes cutting municipal supplement for home-care support

Helsinki is considering a significant cut to its municipal home-care support, proposing to eliminate the "Helsinki supplement." This additional payment, currently providing 264 euros monthly to families caring for children under one year old, is part of the city's budget proposal for 2027. The move aims to adjust municipal spending and potentially influence family care decisions.

The Helsinki supplement was previously extended to cover children under two years old but was reduced in 2021. The rationale behind the proposed cut includes promoting children's language development. In 2020, Nasima Razmyar of the Social Democrats noted the supplement's popularity, particularly in immigrant-heavy areas. However, the proposal has faced criticism, with Children's Ombudsman Elina Pekkarinen questioning the lack of assessment on its impact on children.

The potential elimination of the supplement will be discussed by the economic and education committee on Tuesday, September 1st. If approved, families currently receiving the supplement might opt for earlier enrollment of their children in early childhood education. This shift could impact childcare services and parental employment patterns.

This proposal aligns with broader political discussions surrounding home-care support. Both the National Coalition Party and the Social Democrats have suggested abolishing the support entirely, citing the goal of increasing women's employment. As home-care support is primarily utilized by women, reducing this benefit could encourage them to return to the workforce sooner.