The social association VdK has sharply criticized the federal government over proposed budget cuts to projects focusing on barrier-free living.
Verena Bentele, the president of the VdK, told the “Rheinische Post” that it is completely incomprehensible that the federal government would target cuts specifically related to accessibility during budget negotiations in the Bundestag. She highlighted the overwhelming demand for the KfW program “Altersgerecht Umbauen” (Age-Appropriate Remodeling), noting that the 50 million euros allocated in April 2026 were exhausted completely by the end of July. Despite this high utilization, the program is slated to be reduced-to six million euros for 2027 and even lower, to only 1.5 million euros in 2028.
Bentele insisted that this reduction does not reflect genuine demand but rather marks the effective end of a successful initiative. She argued that an aging society urgently requires more accessible housing, not less. She warned that individuals needing specific accommodations-such as a floor-level shower, wider doorways, or the removal of steps-should not be prevented from making necessary changes simply because government funding is suddenly insufficient. Without the ability to undertake these modifications for financial reasons, she warned, people could face forced, unnecessary relocations or earlier reliance on care services.
The VdK demanded that the federal government pivot its strategy. Bentele called for that substantial funding dedicated to social housing and urban development to be channeled much more heavily into accessibility improvements. Furthermore, the VdK explicitly requested that the “Altersgerecht Umbauen” investment grant be permanently expanded and adequately funded to 390 million euros annually. According to the association, any approach neglecting the demographic shift and the enormous requirements for accessible dwellings is simply ignorant.
