German Housing Minister Defends Planned Cuts to Housing Benefit Program

Federal Minister for Building and Urban Development Verena Hubertz (SPD) has defended planned cuts to the housing benefit program, totaling two billion euros. The reform aims to save one billion euros federally and one billion euros from the states, reducing the annual budget from five billion to three billion euros. Hubertz acknowledged that these reductions will affect all current recipients, with approximately one-third of households potentially losing their eligibility. She described the situation as 'very bitter, but unavoidable' due to the difficult budget situation, emphasizing the need for savings across all ministries to ensure future flexibility.

This details significant proposed cuts to a social welfare program, impacting low-income households and sparking debate about social support.