Nyborg Youth School’s Uddannelsesraketten program faces closure amid budget cuts in Denmark

The sudden announcement last week that the Nyborg Youth School’s program for vulnerable youth, known as Uddannelsesraketten, is set for closure caught the school’s head, Carsten Højgaard, completely off guard. The closure appeared alongside three other cost-cutting measures proposed by a majority of the city council, including members from the Liberal Party, the Conservatives, and an independent member. These measures had not been part of the publicly reviewed budget cuts.

Højgaard expressed his deep dismay, stating, “I do not think it was the right way to close a program. I was quite surprised that there was no public hearing or opportunity for input.” Employee representative Dorthe Gammelgaard echoed these sentiments, expressing feelings of helplessness and disappointment over the process, especially on behalf of the affected youth.

The decision was only brought to public hearing after staff formally complained to the MED committee, where the municipality’s chief executive serves as chair. Gammelgaard criticized the rush, highlighting that the new savings proposals were presented only five days before the budget’s final approval.

Among the proposals are a reduction in the Center for Community Pedagogy, closure of Uddannelsesraketten, reduced funding for Nyborg Library, and the introduction of welfare technology in elderly care. Closure of Uddannelsesraketten is expected to save 1.3 million kroner annually.

Experts have raised concerns over the rushed nature of the hearing period, arguing it undermines proper employee involvement in decision-making. Roger Buch, a municipal research expert, warned that inadequate input could result in poor decisions.

Mayor Kenneth Muhs acknowledged the short consultation period but attributed it to the emergence of new proposals in political negotiations. He insisted that the council is obliged to explore all options and reach decisions, even if the process is compressed.