Lolland Kommune has published a savings catalog that could close two schools and cut the number of nursing homes from ten to three. The municipality says it must close a budget gap of more than 500 million kroner in the 2027 budget.
Arbejderen reports that Lolland Kommune faces drastic reductions as part of its 2027 budget work. The proposals cover schools, care for the elderly and a range of other local services.
According to DR, the municipality is missing 531 million kroner in next year’s budget. DR reported that the sparekatalog was released to show where the money could be found, and that the draft includes closing Østofte Skole and Søllested Skole and merging two schools in Nakskov.
Folketidende reported that the catalog was presented on a Wednesday and sets out how the first 200 million kroner in savings could be reached. Per the same outlet, the savings are organized in seven budget packages.
Nursing homes and schools
Folketidende also reported that the plan proposes reducing the number of plejecentre from ten to three. The three remaining nursing homes would be concentrated in Maribo, Nakskov and Rødby, according to the newspaper.
The same budget material proposes moving pupils from Østofte to Maribo and pupils from Søllested to Nakskov, Folketidende reported. The closures and mergers are listed among the measures intended to deliver the first round of savings.
Lolland Kommune states that the 2027 budget is under pressure from a falling population, falling tax revenue and large social spending. The municipality adds that the equalisation system does not cover the shortfall, leaving the budget more than 500 million kroner short.
Politiken reported that the plan targets 200 million kroner in 2027 and has already triggered strong reactions among local residents. According to Politiken, schools, sports halls and daycare facilities are among the institutions listed for possible closure.
BT reported that the municipality risks a deficit of 531 million kroner. As stated by BT, the savings are intended to prevent the municipality from being placed under state administration if the finances are not brought into balance.
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Why now
The timing follows the municipality’s own 2027 budget process. Lolland Kommune says the savings proposals are part of that process, and Folketidende reported that the catalog was presented on Wednesday, which brought the proposed cuts into public debate.
The size of the gap is described differently by the sources. DR puts the figure at 531 million kroner, while Lolland Kommune describes the shortfall as more than 500 million kroner.
