The Social and Cultural Planning Office (SCP) says the government can do more to support vulnerable people. It argues that policies aimed at providing basic security should address not only financial problems, but also social and health issues.
One recommendation is for civil servants to regularly review government processes with the people affected by them. The SCP says this would help ensure that “regular contact between residents and civil servants becomes normal at all levels of government”.
The SCP also advocates having a ‘neighbourhood connector’ in every neighbourhood where people face insecurity over their basic needs. This person would be permanently present and help residents quickly find the right support.
People could also receive more help within their neighbourhoods to find suitable activities. These should be activities they are able and willing to take part in, and that can help them move forward.
The proposals emerged from discussions with experts by experience, scientists and others.
The SCP acknowledges that the ideas are not entirely new. In recent years, the government has already taken steps towards working on the basis of trust, partly in response to the childcare benefits scandal.
Some areas also already have neighbourhood officials. However, their role is not always focused on directly solving residents’ practical problems.
Structural policy
The researchers say existing initiatives have yet to become part of structural government policy. One reason is that politicians often focus on economic or legal considerations.
By contrast, the proposed measures may take longer to have an effect. Their impact may also be seen in other areas, including people’s social lives and health.
According to the SCP, there is also not always enough public support for measures aimed at ensuring basic security. The researchers say society often assumes that vulnerable people are responsible for their own problems. However, they argue that these problems often stem from people’s circumstances.
The SCP believes the government can help change this mindset by actively pursuing policies that address these issues.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
