2023-09-07 16:32:00
The Last Hour announced it at the beginning of the summer: the funds of the CPAS of Schaerbeek know a big hole. It might have been avoidable, since it is due to an accounting error, but it will not be easy to fill. Last June, it was estimated that this miscalculation led to a void between 6 and 20 million euros. It would seem that this is the worst-case scenario that is emerging. “The COCOM, Region, Municipality and the federation of recipients have gone through the CPAS accounts following the announcement by its President, Mrs. Querton, of an error in the CPAS’s accounting since 2017, can we read in a press release from the cabinet Eraly, alderman (Ecolo) in charge of the CPAS, which does not spare its president, Sophie Querton (MR). It must be recognized that the financial impact of the accounting error of 20 million euros is catastrophic.
Millions are missing from the coffers of the CPAS in Schaerbeek, we are talking regarding 6 million deadweight losses: “we made registration errors”
As a reminder, the CPAS estimated, since 2017, that the federal State would reimburse 100% of the Social Integration Income (RIS) to the Public Center for Social Assistance of the municipality. However, it only reimburses… 70%.
Jobs or dishwashers
In addition, the Schaerbeek CPAS is also facing an explosion of poverty, a major challenge. “The number of people in a position to benefit from the integration income continues to increase in Schaerbeek, exceeding 8,000 people. The impact of the increase in social assistance is enormous. It will be necessary to provide for a budget modification with additional needs of 3 million euros in 2023”, we read in the press release. “Legally, the municipality is required to finance the deficits of the CPAS without delay.” In the meantime, the president is called upon to find savings measures without harming the beneficiaries for whom the aid is essential.
Surprised by the exit of the alderman even before the figures are communicated to the social action advisers, the president “wonders if there is not a little nervousness at Ecolo, one year from the elections” . She recalls the current crisis situation is due to political decisions prior to her arrival, she who took office in 2019. “The municipality and the region have validated these plans. Today, we have five million in equity aid, that’s where we’re going to have to save money. We may no longer rebuild everyone’s teeth, we will lower energy aid, in short, non-compulsory social aid. I prefer to guarantee the employment (of my employees, Editor’s note) of those who work than to offer dishwashers to those who do not work. If we do not guarantee employment, we will not be able to support aid.
In addition, Les Engagés have requested an external audit to clarify personal responsibilities.
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