Proposed reduction in global flat rates for cantons problematic
Published: Thursday, Oct 3rd 2024, 12:00
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The Conference of Cantonal Social Directors opposes the planned reduction in federal funding for refugees. Due to the changed situation, it is effectively difficult to develop an overall asylum strategy with the federal government, it said in response to an inquiry.
The federal government, cantons and municipalities have only recently begun work on the asylum strategy. Among other things, the aim is to better adapt the Swiss asylum system to fluctuating numbers and to solve problems with the accommodation of refugees.
The board of the Conference of Cantonal Directors of Social Affairs (SODK) is therefore seeking talks with the responsible asylum minister Beat Jans, the SODK announced on Thursday. The "Tagesanzeiger" had first reported on this. The reason for this was the recently published savings plans of the federal government, the SODK confirmed on request.
The proposed savings program was drawn up by a group of experts led by the former Director of the Federal Finance Administration, Serge Gaillard. It provides for the federal government to pay less money to the cantons for refugees.
In future, the funds are to flow for a maximum of four years. The federal government expects this to save at least CHF 300 million by 2028. By 2030, it should be at least CHF 500 million.
The federal government currently pays the cantons a global lump sum for refugees for up to five years. For temporarily admitted persons, the federal government pays for up to seven years. According to the federal government, these global lump sums cover all remunerated social welfare services - including emergency aid costs.
©Keystone/SDA
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