New disability sector deal aims to cut costs
A framework agreement with 25 initiatives has been reached in Denmark to reduce municipal administrative expenses in the disability sector. The deal intends to reallocate funds rather than increase them, without setting specific cost reduction targets. As municipal expenses rose from 55.2 billion DKK in 2018 to 59.7 billion in 2022, the aim is to enhance services for disabled citizens without additional costs. Some political parties, fearing the prioritization of savings over quality of life for individuals with disabilities, have withdrawn from the agreement discussions. Meanwhile, industry advocates see potential benefits in some initiatives but are cautious about the focus on short-term savings. Key measures of the agreement include easier access to basic assistive devices and educational requirements for staff in secure institutions.