Municipality of Aalten revises poverty policy
Really listening, showing empathy, acting proactively, and acting in the spirit rather than the letter of laws and regulations. That, in a nutshell, is the wish of a group of 16 "poverty experts." They have provided the municipality of Aalten with comprehensive advice and suggestions to be taken into account in the reassessment of its poverty policy. Based in part on that advice, the mayor and aldermen adopted an amended poverty policy on October 10. The municipal council will discuss the proposal in November.
Alderman Wikkerink: "I am pleased with the valuable input from the experts by experience. They have named their report 'From Arm-lastig to Arm-slag' (From Arm-difficult to Arm-strike), and I can very much identify with that. The report contains useful tips and recommendations for improving our poverty policy and, with that, their own situation and that of other residents in similar situations. Some of these recommendations concern money, but more often they concern personal contact and customization, how people want to be treated, whether they are taken seriously and receive professional help. They also believe that the regulations could be made easier to find and understand, so we will be working on that as well."
2025: update and improve findability
In the adjusted poverty policy, the Municipal Executive proposes to update existing schemes by 2025 and to focus (even) more on the possibilities for residents to participate. Amounts and benefits will be adjusted and it must become easier for residents to find and receive support, both from the municipality and from (referring) partners. Special attention is given to families in poverty. For children there are allowances to participate in sports and culture, for swimming lessons and for extra school expenses.
The sequel: financial livelihood security
The next step will be taken next year. On the basis of an external study (baseline measurement), it will be examined whether regulations need to be added, can be scrapped or whether regulations may need to be organized differently. In 2026 the policy will then be developed more broadly in the direction of 'subsistence security'.
De Alderman: "We will continue to consult with experts in the field. They have indicated that they would like to remain involved in the form of a sounding board group, and we are happy to take them up on that offer."