News - 09.10.2025

The VR Board criticises proposals for changes to preschools in the capital area

The VR Board expresses concern over Reykjavík City’s proposals regarding changes to preschool fees, which are intended to encourage shorter stays for children. With these proposals, Reykjavík City follows in the footsteps of Kópavogur and other municipalities that have placed increased burdens on full-time working parents of young children.

The VR Board emphasises that preschool matters are wage issues and that access to preschools is fundamental for parents to be able to engage in paid employment. Through price controls and social pressure, parents are being forced to reduce their children's preschool hours in order to solve the municipalities' funding problems. Instead of improving working conditions in preschools—and drawing on the experience of those preschools that are already outstanding—the challenges of the preschool system are being shifted onto parents.

The VR Board regrets the negative discourse about parents that has emerged in connection with changes to preschool fees and children's attendance hours. Parents of young children face extremely high housing costs and most have no choice but to work full time. They need support and understanding from society, not condemnation.

The VR Board reiterates that in the general labour market, where the majority of wage earners work, working hours are longer than in the public sector, and it is not acceptable to refer to reduced working hours in the state and municipal sectors as a justification for cutting services for all families with children. The current collective agreements remain in effect for another three years, and thus, no further general reduction in working hours will take place in the coming years.

The VR Board reaffirms its demand that municipalities seek other solutions to adapt to changes in the preschool environment, rather than placing the burden on full-time working parents and at the same time taking a step backwards in terms of gender equality.

Reykjavík, 8 October 2025
VR Board