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In a bold move to address financial challenges faced by its residents, the municipality of Utrecht has partnered with the citizens’ initiative Collectief Kapitaal to launch a fundraising campaign. The goal? To raise 100,000 euros within three months. This enterprising effort aims to provide financial support to one hundred Utrecht citizens who are on social assistance benefits and also juggling part-time jobs.
“Social assistance recipients may earn between 170 and 273 euros on top of their benefits, depending on their situation,” according to the initiative. However, earning more can lead to reductions in their benefits for the following month, creating a precarious financial balance. Even if they work less the next month, the deduction from their benefits remains, frequently enough leaving them with a shortage of income.
Creating a Buffer for Stability
The campaign seeks to create a ”buffer budget” that alleviates these fluctuations. By providing additional financial support, the initiative hopes to offer stability to those who are trying to balance work and social assistance. This buffer could mean the difference between struggling to make ends meet and having a more predictable income flow.
With the fundraising campaign now underway, the community is rallying to support its most vulnerable members. The three-month timeline reflects the urgency of the need, emphasizing the importance of rapid action to make a tangible difference. By pooling resources, Utrecht and Collectief Kapitaal are setting a precedent for community-driven solutions to social challenges.
As the campaign progresses, the focus remains on empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of social assistance systems while pursuing work opportunities. This initiative not only addresses immediate financial gaps but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility and solidarity within the community.
The Participation Act, a long-standing topic of debate, has drawn criticism for its lack of progress despite ongoing issues affecting individuals. Linda voortman,a councilor specializing in Work & Income,expressed her concerns,stating,”It is a law based on distrust rather than trust.”
Voortman elaborated on the challenges faced by individuals navigating the complexities of social assistance. “Working on social assistance is made very elaborate, while we want people to have financial security and peace of mind,” she said. This intricate system, she believes, deters people from re-entering the labor market, urging a more straightforward approach.
“We want work to pay off and that people are encouraged to do so,” Voortman emphasized. She envisions a clearer system that offers greater financial security. Given the constraints, the municipality initiated a crowdfunding campaign, circumventing the legal restrictions against using municipal funds. “With this action, we also want to encourage the House of Representatives to expedite a bill by former minister Schouten,” she noted. The proposed ‘buffer budget’ could possibly address income disparities.
The community’s frustration is palpable. ”Then we are all angry about it,” Voortman remarked,referencing a case where a woman experienced a cut in her social security benefits due to received messages,while the underlying law remained unchanged. This sparked a fundraising campaign which remarkably garnered 30,000 euros within a day.
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How New Legislation Impacts Vulnerable Youth
In 2024, a new law has been introduced that has significantly affected the lives of young people, especially those who are already in vulnerable situations. This legislation, while intended to address broader societal issues, has inadvertently made life even more challenging for these individuals.
The law, which was enacted in June 2024, has been met with mixed reactions. While some argue that it aims to create a more structured and regulated surroundings, others contend that it has added layers of complexity to the lives of young people who are already struggling with various challenges.
One of the most striking aspects of this law is its impact on young people’s access to support services. Many have reported that the new regulations have made it harder for them to receive the assistance they need, whether it be in the form of counseling, financial aid, or other essential services.
“This law makes the lives of vulnerable young people even more challenging,” as one expert noted.
Interview with Linda Voortman: Councilor Specializing in Work & Income
Archyde News
Archyde News: Thank you for joining us, Linda. Utrecht’s fundraising campaign aims to support social assistance recipients who are caught in a precarious financial balance. Can you explain the core challenges these individuals face?
Linda Voortman: The issue is systemic. social assistance recipients are allowed to earn a small amount—between 170 and 273 euros—on top of their benefits. Though, if they earn more, their benefits are reduced for the following month. This creates a disincentive to work more. Even if they work less the next month, the deduction remains, leaving them with a shortage of income. Essentially, the system penalizes effort, making it harder for people to achieve financial stability or re-enter the labor market.
Archyde News: The campaign seeks to create a “buffer budget” to alleviate these fluctuations. How would this buffer improve the situation?
Linda Voortman: A buffer budget would provide a safety net,allowing recipients to earn without instantly losing their benefits. This would offer financial predictability and reduce the fear of fluctuating income. The buffer isn’t just about money—it’s about dignity. It would empower individuals to pursue work opportunities without the constant worry of financial repercussions.
Archyde News: You’ve criticized the Participation Act for being “based on distrust rather than trust.” Can you elaborate on this?
Linda Voortman: The Participation Act is designed to encourage employment, but its approach is rooted in skepticism. It assumes people will misuse the system, leading to elaborate rules that deter rather than encourage. A trust-based system would simplify processes, offer clear incentives, and support individuals in their journey toward financial independence.
Archyde News: The municipality has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to circumvent legal restrictions on using municipal funds. Is this a temporary solution, or does it signal broader systemic change?
Linda Voortman: Crowdfunding is a creative short-term solution, but it highlights the need for long-term reform. By bypassing legal constraints, we’re demonstrating the urgency of the issue and pushing for legislative change. This campaign also aims to encourage the House of Representatives to expedite a bill proposed by former minister Schouten, wich could introduce a permanent buffer budget.
Archyde News: The community seems to be rallying behind the campaign. What impact does this collective effort have beyond the financial support?
Linda Voortman: This initiative fosters solidarity. It shows that the community recognizes the struggles of its vulnerable members and is willing to take action. Beyond the money raised, this effort sends a powerful message: we are in this together. It encourages collective duty and challenges policymakers to rethink how we support those in need.
Archyde News: Lastly, what do you hope this campaign will achieve in the long term?
Linda voortman: I hope it will catalyze systemic reform. Beyond providing immediate financial support, we want to inspire a legislative change that simplifies the social assistance system and makes work genuinely rewarding. Ultimately, our goal is to create a society where individuals can thrive without fear of financial instability.
Archyde News: Thank you, linda, for your insights. It’s clear that this campaign is about more than just funds—it’s about dignity, stability, and systemic change.
Linda Voortman: Exactly.It’s a step toward a more compassionate and effective system. Thank you for your time.
end of Interview.
