In search of extra childcare through companies, nothing yields: « Sounded as a good idea, but much more complex than expected »
It sounded like a gap in the market. The Flemish government would look for companies that want to invest in childcare for their employees. They would be supported for tax purposes for investments in extra, high -quality places in existing crèches. It would be much easier than starting a real « business cream », but they could use those day care center places in the search for new employees. And the system would also help to eliminate the structural shortage of places in childcare.
“The contacts with the companies are going well. But it all turns out not to be so obvious ”
Caroline Audoor
Firm
The then ministers of family and work, the CD&Vs Hilde Crevits and Jo Brouns, spent a million euros for the search. Flanders was divided into six « testing grounds ». The large providers of childcare, such as Ferm and Helan, were instructed to contact and help companies. We are now a year later, but several stakeholders say that the harvest of that first year is particularly lean. No company has yet been found willing to really invest. The participants themselves conclude that specific realizations are hardly feasible by the summer of 2025 – when the project ends.
Objection
« There is indeed interest in companies, » says Eric Laureys of Voka, the employers' organization that is closely involved in the project. “But there are still too many obstacles and ambiguities for business leaders. Companies have questions about the tax deductibility of their investment. It is unclear whether it can be part of the employees' cafeteria plan. Investing in crèche places sounded like a good idea, but it is much more complex than expected. ” And there is also the cost price. Despite the tax assistance, every place costs the companies more than 6,000 euros per year. (Read more under the photo)
Minister of Welzijn Gennez is urgently looking for extra places, but through the companies it does not seem to work for the time being. – © Joren de Weerdt
Ferm and Helan, who have consulted with numerous companies in the past year, confirm that it is very difficult. “The contacts with the companies are going well. But it all turns out not to be so obvious, « says Caroline Audoor van Ferm. Filip Standaert van Helan nevertheless sees « a huge potential ». “Through this system, places could be released in the subsidized shelter, for people who may need it more. And Flanders should also not bear the full subsidy cost of those places. But the system simply is not launched by the practical objections. «
Voka argues for an extension of the project. « But we do hope that there will soon be a political answer to the practical problems. » Standaert is not in favor of an extension. “We have worked hard in the past year. The pond of companies in our region is exhausted. We know how the managers think about it. Asking the same question if nothing changes in the modalities, we don't think makes sense. «
Read too. Coalition partners reproach Gennez “Announcement policy” in childcare
According to the Department of Work and Social Economics of the Flemish Government, it is still too early for an evaluation, since the project is still until mid -2025. Current Flemish Minister for Welzijn Caroline Gennez (Vooruit) announced last week that she wanted to make urgent work on the search for 5,000 new reception places. She then said that they « want to encourage » initiatives around company crèches. In a response to the difficult search, she now says « that the concept of company crèches will soon be evaluated ».
