Erfurt (dpa/th) - The state parents' representatives at Thuringian schools and kindergartens do not see the interests of children being taken into account in the energy flat rate. The lump sum is paid to employees who are subject to tax, the self-employed, pensioners and students, but children have been forgotten, criticized school parent spokeswoman Claudia Koch together with Mirco Trippens from the kindergarten parent representation on Monday. "Family feel the price increases in the energy sector in particular," it said in a statement. "Children need just as much energy as adults do." In addition, families with children are "de facto worse off" when it comes to the energy flat rate than adults without children.

The one-off energy price lump sum of 300 euros has already been paid to working people. It has to be taxed. Pensioners also receive this sum. Students should receive a one-off payment of 200 euros.