Helsinki parties agree on next year’s city budget

Five Helsinki council groups have agreed on the city’s budget for next year, with spending focused on schools, children’s literacy and access to primary healthcare, Yle reported. The agreement was announced at City Hall on Monday morning.

The groups are the National Coalition Party, the Social Democratic Party, the Greens, the Left Alliance and the Swedish People’s Party. The budget still needs approval from the city board and city council. Municipal tax will remain at 5.3 per cent, while property tax rates will stay at the legal minimum.

Mayor Daniel Sazonov’s proposal includes €10 million in targeted education funding and an additional €14 million to avoid possible cuts to schools and early childhood education. Funding for school meals will rise by just under €1 million. The city will also add €1 million to employment funding to support hiring young people and keep its Helsinki supplement to the home-care allowance unchanged.

The city plans to improve the comfort, safety and cleanliness of metro stations and other public spaces, and add mooring places for small boats. The largest suburban libraries are set to open on Sundays next year. Grants for sports, culture and youth organisations will increase by €1 million.

Helsinki will seek a site for a new swimming pool in the city’s southeast and has approved a renovation of Itäkeskus swimming hall, with work due to begin in June 2028. Facilities at Meilahti baseball field will also be built to meet the requirements of the men’s Superpesis league.

In health and social services, the city plans to improve access to non-urgent appointments at health centres, reduce dental care fees and expand breast cancer screening. It also intends to develop substance-use services and the Symppis service network.