The Danish government, in collaboration with the Socialist People’s Party and the Conservative party, has reached a political agreement to implement a price cap on daily rates for shelters and crisis centers. This measure aims to prevent misuse of public funds and ensure reasonable expenses in the sector, as announced by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing.
The new price cap will limit daily rates to DKK 2322 for shelters and DKK 3197 for crisis centers. According to Social Affairs and Housing Minister Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, this initiative provides municipalities with essential management tools to control expenses and deter unscrupulous entities from exploiting the system at the expense of vulnerable citizens.
Charlotte Broman Mølbæk, social spokesperson for SF, emphasized that the price caps were carefully considered to ensure a reasonable balance, taking into account current rates and the sustainability of crisis centers. The agreement includes differentiated rates to accommodate situations where a parent seeks refuge with three or more children, recognizing the increased financial demands.
While generally supportive of the initiative, Maja Løvbjerg Hansen, director of Stenbroens Jurister, expressed concerns about potential negative impacts on the quality of services for the most vulnerable. She also noted the timing of the price cap implementation in relation to recent cuts in supervision, suggesting that increased oversight might have been a more effective solution. Shelters specifically designated for veterans will be exempt from the price cap.