open method of coordination

The eU Social ProTecTion and Social inclUSion ProceSS 2008–2010:

What’s in it for local practitioners?

Contents

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2 What is the Social OMC? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

3 How does the Social OMC work? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4 EUROCITIES involvement in the Social OMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

5 Supporting activities at EU level – PROGRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

6 The National Action Plans on Social Inclusion 2008–2010 – an overview for local practitioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

7 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

The EU Social Protection and Social Inclusion Process 2008–2010 / 1

1Introduction

Amid the daily routine of local government employees and social workers, the European Union’s Social Agenda often seems rather far away . One may come across the European Social Fund, but the processes of policy development and coordination in Brussels appear to be complicated, abstract, and perhaps even irrelevant . This report challenges this stereotype by making the practical value of EU social policy clear, specifically with regard to how it works and its impact on local practice .

The coordination of policies across national boundaries and administrative cultures is a complicated exercise, particularly when it means building new methods of mutual learning and changing long-held working practices . This involves politics, power and planning – the EU Social agenda is no exception . Every initiative needs a structure, a framework on which policy learning can be built . In the case of social Europe, that framework is the Open Method of Coordination (OMC), which, in Brussels jargon, is referred to as the “Social OMC” .

The “Social OMC” is restricted to the competence of national ministries and the European Commission; there is no formal place for cities . EUROCITIES has, nevertheless, carried out various activities to advance cities’ participation in this process, with the specific goal of drawing attention to urban challenges . We strongly believe that there are two dimensions to the Social OMC which have until now been overlooked and which, if addressed, would enhance the

effectiveness of EU social policy . First, local action leads to better results if it is based on sound knowledge about developments and decisions at national and European level . Second, and perhaps more important, only when cities are recognised as legitimate partners of the decision-making process can the practical value of city officers’ work be used to improve social policy .

The following report informs local practitioners about the Social OMC, describes its basic elements and identifies opportunities to get involved, at European level, through EUROCITIES or at national level . We hope that in reading this report, the process that underpins the Social OMC will become not only understandable, but also relevant to your job . Beyond that, our ambition is to get you, your colleagues and other practitioners to participate: the more those who practice social work are involved, the better the policies will be .

The overarching goal of the Social OMC is to make social cohesion visible in Europe . If this is to become a reality, the support and engagement of local practitioners is essential . With its main focus on policy learning through the exchange of knowledge at all levels of administration, there are various opportunities for practitioners not only to find out more about current trends and good practice, but actively contribute to the policy debate .

2 / The EU Social Protection and Social Inclusion Process 2008–2010

2What is the Social OMC?

The EU Social Protection and Social Inclusion Process is based on the so-called “Open Method of Coordination” . This is a soft approach to intergovernmental policy coordination, whereby policy decisions remain at the national level and cooperation is voluntary .1 The European Commission is therefore limited to being a watchdog, with the European Parliament virtually absent from the process . The main reason for coordinating social policies at EU level is that, despite the significant differences between social welfare systems across Europe, Member States face common challenges (such as demographic change, migration or, more recently, the economic recession) that require a coordinated response .

In the Social OMC, national governments agree on common objectives to pursue and common indicators to monitor their progress . On this basis, they produce National Strategy Reports on Social Protection and Social Inclusion, which are assessed in a Joint Report by the European Commission and the Council of Ministers .2 They also meet in “Peer Reviews”, where representatives of national ministries of social affairs critically assess each others’ programmes and strategies in tackling

specific social problems . Whilst legislative competence remains exclusive to national governments, there is a clear European dimension to this process: the national ministries subscribe to a common agenda and voluntarily evaluate one another’s policy performance against common indicators of achievement .

For this reason, the Social OMC is often referred to as a vehicle for mutual learning . By comparing their progress in tackling similar social problems, national governments are exposed to competition, scrutinising the success of each other’s social policies as well as their failure to deliver . Whilst this system supports favourable conditions for ‘learning through monitoring’, there are, however, no formal sanctions for poor performance . Another ambiguous aspect is that despite its supposed openness, the process is closed to Member State representatives, the European Commission and selected experts . Public involvement is negligible and non-governmental actors have only limited access via events such as the annual European Round Table on Poverty and Exclusion, or through the activities of the PROGRESS programme .

1 . First developed for European Employment Policy, today, the Open Method of Coordination is used in various policy areas, including youth policy and education .

2 . The Council of Ministers is the main decision-making body of the European Union . Composed of 27 (one per state) national ministers, the representatives change according to the subject of the Council’s meetings . For social policy, the relevant Council is the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO), which is composed of employment, social protection, consumer protection, health and equal opportunities ministers .


3How does the Social OMC work?

The Social OMC has been in place since the Lisbon European Council of 2000 where the heads of 15 Member States agreed on a 10-year strategy to enhance Europe’s economic competitiveness and make a significant impact on the eradication of poverty . The method was revised in 2002 and once again in 2005, with a notable change to its structure: the three previously independent strands (social inclusion, pensions, health and long-term care) were streamlined into a single framework with common objectives and simplified reporting procedures . As it stands, the OMC is structured in cycles to support cooperation between Member States and regular reporting to the European Commission; it consists of several key elements: common objectives, National Strategy Reports on Social Protection and Social Inclusion, Joint Reports on Social Protection and Social Inclusion, and common indicators .

a) common objectives There are two sets of objectives that national governments agreed to pursue: the overarching goals of the Social OMC, and objectives specific to each strand, namely social inclusion, pensions, and health and long-term care .3

The overarching objectives, which apply to all strands of the Social OMC, are:

1. Social cohesion, equality between men and women and equal opportunities for all through adequate, accessible, financially sustainable, adaptable and efficient social protection systems and social inclusion policies;

2. Effective and mutual interaction between the Lisbon objectives of greater economic growth, more and better jobs and greater social cohesion, and with the EU’s Sustainable Development Strategy;

3. Good governance, transparency and the involvement

of stakeholders in the design, implementation and monitoring of the policy .

The specific objectives apply to the three thematic strands of the Social OMC . Those specific to social inclusion are:

1. access for all to resources, rights and services needed for participation in society, preventing and addressing exclusion, and fighting all forms of discrimination leading to exclusion;

2. the active social inclusion of all, both by promoting participation in the labour market and by fighting poverty and exclusion;

3. that social inclusion policies are well-coordinated and involve all levels of government and relevant actors, including people experiencing poverty, that they are efficient and effective and mainstreamed into all relevant public policies, including economic, budgetary, education and training policies and structural funds (notably ESF) programmes .

On the basis of these objectives, the relevant national ministries produce their National Strategy Reports (NSRs) on Social Protection and Social Inclusion .

b) The main actorsThe Social OMC is an intergovernmental process . This means that all decisions are made by national governments, who come together in the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) .

To coordinate the process, the EU Social Protection Committee (SPC) was created .4 This group is made up of two officials of each national government and two representatives of the European Commission .5 Its tasks are to monitor social trends and the development of

3 . COM(2005) 706 final, Working together, working better: A new framework for the open coordination of social protection and inclusion policies in the European Union, Brussels, 22 .12 .2005

4 . Further information about the EU Social Protection Committee is provided here: http://ec .europa .eu/employment_social/spsi/social_protection_committee_en .htm

5 . The role of the European Commission is to provide analytical and organisational support to the Committee .


social protection policies, to promote the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practice between national governments, and prepare reports, formulate opinions or undertake other work within its fields of competence . As part of the SPC, an Indicator Sub-Group has been established to formulate and define indicators to monitor countries’ progress towards the common objectives .

The Social Protection Committee cooperates regularly with the other Committees responsible for EU social and economic policy, most notably the Employment Committee (EMCO) and the Economic Policy Committee (EPC) .

c) national Strategy reports on Social Protection and Social inclusion (nSrs)Every three years, the national ministries responsible for social affairs produce National Strategy Reports (NSRs) . These reports outline the policy measures envisaged to achieve the Social OMC’s common objectives . As shown in the table below, the NSR is made up of four sections, including a National Action Plan (NAP) on Social Inclusion (see section one in the table) .

national Strategy report on Social Protection and Social inclusion

Introduction Section one Section two Section three

Common overview and summary messages

national action Plan on Social inclusion

National Strategy Report for Pensions

National Strategy Report for Health and Long-Term Care

The NSRs provide an overview of each country’s socio-economic situation, outline the challenges related to social development, specify policy priorities of the national

administration and the measures that will support their implementation . The governance arrangements designed to improve policy coordination are also described, particularly the mechanisms intended to enhance cooperation between different levels of government, as well as the involvement of civil society .

The NSRs are a valuable source of information for practitioners at all levels of administration: they outline all current and planned policy measures in a given Member State and are one of the few documents that offer an up-to-date and accurate description of policy developments . Yet a common criticism of the NSRs is that they are more descriptive than strategic, simply compiling policy measures in a single document rather than providing a basis for their application . These shortcomings are reflected in the reports’ sections on social inclusion . Although these sections are called National Action Plans, many of them do not indicate a budget for each objective, nor do they contain an implementation schedule .

d) Joint reports on Social Protection and Social inclusion Every year, the European Commission and the Council of Ministers produce a Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion . Based on an assessment of all National Strategy Reports, it describes the progress of national policies and outlines key messages that are common to all Member States . Given that they present a common position of the Commission and the Council, the Joint Reports are a major point of reference in the modernisation and reform processes in the areas of social protection and social inclusion in Europe . These Reports are accompanied by a comprehensive supporting document and country profiles that give a detailed account of the socio-economic situation and policy measures in each Member State .6

The duration of each OMC cycle is three years . In the

6 . Given that these country profiles are produced by those who formulate policy measures at national level, they tend to portray the impact of such policies in a favorable light . For a potentially more balanced assessment of the profiles, the European Commission analysis is available at: http://ec .europa .eu/employment_social/spsi/docs/social_inclusion/2008/joint_report_en .pdf


first year, the Joint Reports present a full assessment of the NSRs . In the following years, they focus on a specific theme . The first of these light years was 2007, with a particular focus on child poverty (published in the 2008 Joint Report); in 2009, the thematic focus is on housing exclusion and homelessness . In 2010, the focus will turn to the social impacts of migration .

2006Full Year: Production of National Strategy Reports 2006–2008

2007 Light Year: Child Poverty

2008 Full Year: National Strategy Reports 2008–2010

2009 Light Year: Housing Exclusion and Homelessness

2010 Light Year: Social Impacts of Migration (tbc)

2011Full Year: National Strategy Reports 2011–2013 (tbc)

Recently introduced, the “light years” give the Commission and Member States an opportunity to do a thorough, detailed analysis of a specific social issue . The power of this initiative cannot be underestimated: the comprehensive study on child poverty in 2007 generated awareness of a subject often overlooked . This triggered a public debate in all Member States, ultimately leading to no less than 13 countries adopting child poverty as a policy priority in their current National Strategy Reports .

In 2009, the work on homelessness and housing exclusion includes various pieces of research, including

an independent study on “‘Housing exclusion: welfare policies, housing provision and labour markets” as well as a self-assessment of each Member State based on a questionnaire of the Social Protection Committee . Furthermore, the EU Social Situation Report of 2009 will have a thematic section on this subject, and common indicators will be established to monitor housing costs and housing deprivation . Whilst the self-assessment of Member States is coordinated by their national ministries for social affairs, some countries involve local and regional authorities and other stakeholders in this process .

e) common statistical indicatorsTo monitor and evaluate their progress against the common objectives, the Member States, at a meeting in Laeken (Belgium) in 2001, agreed on a set of common indicators (often referred to as the “Laeken Indicators”) .7 The indicators have been modified several times to reflect changes in social trends . They are developed by a subgroup8 of the EU Social Protection Committee . Among others, the current set of indicators includes: at-risk-of-poverty rate, unemployment rate, and early school leaving .

The common indicators have a significant impact on Member States’ methods of data collection, specifically on how they measure social phenomena . The development of new indicators and their continuous revision helps draw the attention of national ministries to emerging or previously overlooked social problems, such as child poverty or housing exclusion .

7 . EUROCITIES (2001): Strengthening the Role of Local Authorities in the EU Strategy for Social Inclusion; European Public Social Platform (2003): Report on the National Action Plans for social inclusion; EUROCITIES (2005): EUROCITIES Proposals for strengthening the OMC

8 . For more information on the subgroup: http://ec .europa .eu/employment_social/spsi/spc_indicators_subgroup_en .htm


f) Milestones of the Social oMc cycle 2008–2010 The diagram below illustrates the three year cycle of the Social OMC 2008–2010 . The cycle is designed to build on the progress of the previous three years, with the 2008 Joint Report (point 1 in the diagram) prescribing specific recommendations to be taken on board during the 2008–2010 OMC cycle .9 After the Joint Report was adopted by the EPSCO Council (point 2) the Commis sion sent a detailed briefing note on how to prepare NSRs to Member States (point 3) . Member States then had approximately six to seven months to prepare their NSRs (point 4), during which internal (interdepartmental) and external consultation (for

example with NGOs) were undertaken before the report was drafted . It was then finalised and adopted by the relevant national authority/ministry, after which it was sent to the Commission for analysis and evaluation . This exercise took three to four months, the results of which fed into recommendations in the Joint Report 2009 (points 5 and 6) . Throughout 2009, various research activities on homelessness and housing exclusion are being carried out, which will feed into the elaboration of the Joint Report 2010 (points 7 and 8) . In 2010 the EU Social Protection Committee will focus on the social impacts of migration (point 9) .

9 . Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2008, p .118–119

1 > Joint Report 2008

2 > Joint Report adopted by the EPSCO Council

3 > European Commission produces guidelines (based on the Joint Report’s recommendations) for Members States’ National Strategy Reports (NSRs)

4 > Member States prepare NSRs (6–7 months)

5 > European Commission analyses and evaluates NSRs and includes findings and recommendations in the Joint Report of 2009

6 > Joint report 2009

8 > Joint report 2010

2008

2009

2010

OMC Cycle

7 > Thematic focus on housing exclusion and homlessness – a report is produced by the European Commission on the basis of questionnaires sent to Members States

9 > Thematic focus on the social impacts of migration 2010


4EUROCITIES’ involvement in the Social OMC

Since 2000, EUROCITIES has closely monitored the involvement of cities in the Open Method of Coordination, specifically their participation in the preparation and implementation of the National Action Plans (NAPs) on Social Inclusion . In 2001, we set up a Working Group on Social Inclusion to support the contribution of cities to the OMC and collaborated with other European networks in developing a European Public Social Platform to improve the cooperation between local and regional authorities .

In our position papers and evaluation reports we pointed out the inadequate involvement of local authorities in the preparation and content of the NAPs, the lack of awareness of the EU Social Agenda at city level and the absence of local inclusion policies in the NAPs .10 Given that they play a crucial role in delivering social welfare, we stressed the importance of cities’ involvement in the preparation and implementation of the NAPs .

Similar concerns were acknowledged in several Joint Reports on Social Protection and Social Inclusion which pointed out the insufficient participation of city administrations in the OMC . For example, the Joint Report of 2008 called for “further governance improvements by ensuring the continuous involvement of stakeholders, including local authorities, throughout the OMC policy cycle” .11

To overcome these challenges, EUROCITIES and the European Commission established the Inclusive Cities for Europe programme . This initiative works in two directions: from the bottom up, it furthers the participation of cities in the Social OMC by enhancing their knowledge of the European Social Agenda and, from the top down, by generating awareness among national governments of the role of cities in strengthening social inclusion .

With regard to the Social OMC 2008–2010 cycle, we began our activities with a focus on deepening city involvement in preparing the NAPs Inclusion 2008–2010 . To this end, we organised a series of national seminars that brought together practitioners from city administrations and their counterparts at national level, including the

officers that were responsible for drafting the NAPs . These seminars took place in the UK, Poland and the Netherlands and provided a valuable opportunity for city representatives to discuss their main concerns and priorities related to the design and implementation of social inclusion policies at national and EU level . These seminars were mutually beneficial: the representatives of national ministries had the opportunity to learn about local concerns related to the implementation and delivery of services on the ground, whilst the city officers received first-hand information about the NAPs and the EU Social Inclusion Process .

Among the issues discussed at these seminars were social housing, providing services for long-term unemployed and the accessibility and take up of social services . Specific problems mentioned by the participants included the poor uptake of social benefits in the Netherlands due to a lack of clear information, the emergence of urban areas in the UK that suffer from an accumulation of multiple social problems and the persistent existence of ‘hard to reach groups’ in Poland . Notwithstanding this diversity of problems, all participants stressed the need for integrated approaches at local level to combat the increasingly imperceptible and fluid nature of social challenges . The conclusions of these seminars formed the basis of recommendations by cities to their ministries responsible for drafting the NAPs .12 The Dutch and the Polish NAPs make explicit reference to these EUROCITIES’ seminars .

To reinforce the impact of these activities, we wrote a letter to the Social Protection Committee (SPC) in which we highlighted the relevance of the NAPs for cities, specifically in relation to problems exclusive to urban areas, including, for example, multiple deprivation . We also provided SPC members with the contact details of senior officers and experts in several large cities to facilitate dialogue . Our message echoed the conclusions of the national seminars, stressing the role of local authorities in providing public services and the difficulties they face in implementing social policies on the ground .

10 . EUROCITIES (2001): Strengthening the Role of Local Authorities in the EU Strategy for Social Inclusion; European Public Social Platform (2003): Report on the National Action Plans for social inclusion; EUROCITIES (2005): EUROCITIES Proposals for strengthening the OMC

11 . See: Council of the European Union, document 7274/08, Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2008 12 . There were three national seminars: in Bydgoszcz (Poland), Eindhoven (Netherlands) and Leeds (UK)


In the second half of 2008, after the NAPs had been drafted by Member States, our work focused on their evaluation . We wanted to see the extent to which they took local concerns into account . To this end, we drafted a questionnaire to help city practitioners evaluate the NAPs, the results of which were further developed during an international review seminar which brought together representatives of national governments, cities, NGOs, experts and the European Commission . The results of our evaluation were submitted to the Commission as a contribution to the Joint Report .

The evaluation revealed that cities were involved in the preparation of these plans in various ways, including, among others, consultations via national associations or

specific consultation events . All reports acknowledged the role of local authorities in implementing social inclusion policies, yet most reports failed to recognise specific urban problems and local disparities, with only a few referring to integrated approaches to tackle poverty and exclusion . Consequently, in our recommendations we asked for a deeper, earlier and more systematic involvement of cities in drafting the NAPs and better mechanisms for cooperation between local and national authorities . We also offered to support the European Commission in developing voluntary guidelines on consultation processes for the next OMC cycle .13

13 . These guidelines for consultation were announced by the European Commission in the document “A renewed commitment to social Europe: Reinforcing the Open Method of Coordination for Social Protection and Social Inclusion”, COM (2008) 418 final, Brussels 2 .7 .2008

1 > EUROCITIES organises one international and three national seminars on social inclusion

2 > EUROCITIES sends a message to the Social Protection Committee (SPC): “The many faces of social exclusion need to be addressed in a comprehensive approach and in true partnership with all relevant actors”

3 > EUROCITIES analyses the National Actions Plans on Social Inclusion 2008–2010

4 > EUROCITIES launches its brochure “The EU Social Protection and Social Inclusion process 2008–2010: What’s in it for local practitioners?”

5 > EUROCITIES publishes a position paper on affordable housing

6 > EUROCITIES releases a statement on the social impacts of migration

2008

2009

2010

OMC Cycle


5Supporting activities at EU level – PROGRESS

In the previous sections we described the main elements of the OMC, namely common objectives and common indicators and the NSRs and Joint Reports . To strengthen their application, a series of supporting activities are financed under the EU programme for employment and social solidarity 2007–2013 PROGRESS . With the research, exchange activities and networks it supports, PROGRESS provides an essential evidence-base for the Social OMC, supporting informed policy analysis and development .14 Due to their relatively open nature, these activities are a way for city practitioners to get involved in the OMC process .

Peer review in the Social Protection and Social inclusion sub-programmeThe objective of the Peer Review programme is to facilitate mutual learning between national ministries through a series of seminars on various themes . Ministries are free to choose which subjects are particularly relevant to them . In 2009, there are ten peer review seminars in eight countries with topics including social care (Denmark), the UK City Strategy (UK), integrated approaches to tackle Roma exclusion (Greece) or planning assistance to the homeless (Austria) .15

Each seminar sees a Member State representative present a programme or a policy measure to experts from the Commission, other countries and selected experts and organisations . These are then discussed by the participants, who look at how they operate in a national context, how they contribute to EU objectives and if some elements of the policy under review could be applicable in other countries . The conclusions of these seminars are valuable sources of information for practitioners . They can be downloaded at: http://www .peer-review-social-inclusion .eu/peer-reviews .

assessment sub-programmeThis programme aims to help the Commission in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the National Action Plans on Social Inclusion . The Commission set up a Network of Independent Social Inclusion Experts who produce a series of reports that assess the implementation of the NAPs and their implications for the future of EU social policies .16 The experts are required to provide their reports three times a year: two reports on a specific issue singled out as priority issues under the Social Inclusion Strategy and an independent assessment of the “social inclusion strand” of the National Strategy Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion . The reports provide a valuable and independent assessment of national policies and an analysis of the context of the policy measures described by the ministries in their reports . Two notable examples of these reports are the assessment and recommendations for the improvement of the EU Social Inclusion Process (2008) and the interaction between the EU Social Inclusion Process and the Lisbon Strategy (growth and jobs, 2007) . All reports are available at: http://www .peer-review-social-inclusion .eu/network-of-independent-experts

Transnational exchange Projects17These projects aim to promote mutual learning and the exchange of good practices between practitioners (from NGOs, local authorities etc .) in the EU Member States and also in candidate countries and EFTA/EEA countries . In 2008 and 2009, among these projects are:

■ European Cities Against Child Poverty18, led by the Greater London Authority, which aims to address the root causes of child poverty in several cities and share practical experiences on successful approaches . The project focuses on the role of education and health care policy in breaking

14 . In this respect, the goal of PROGRESS differs from the European Social Fund, which supports ‘direct action’ i .e . the implementation of employment and social inclusion policies in Member States

15 . The 2009 programme for peer review seminars is available at: http://www .peer-review-social-inclusion .eu/peer-reviews 16 . All reports are available at: http://www .peer-review-social-inclusion .eu/network-of-independent-experts 17 . For more information on transnational exchange projects: http://ec .europa .eu/employment_social/spsi/transnational_exchange_en .htm18 . For More information on the European Cities Against Child Poverty project: http://www .againstchildpoverty .com/


cycles of deprivation, access to employment for parents, and the impact of poor housing conditions on children . Through questionnaires and case studies, the partner cities exchange knowledge and, on this basis, develop a manual on child poverty and how cities can tackle it .

■ The CONNECTIONS project,19 led by the City of Rotterdam aims to explore and understand governance structures that connect social policy, services and relevant partners and lead to coordinated, effective approaches that combat social exclusion . This project uses a peer review method, through which the participating cities comment on each others’ policies . Each city identified one topic which it uses to illustrate a ‘joined-up’ or integrated response . These topics include:

■ Providing access to quality services for excluded groups (including health, social services, housing, neighbourhood facilities);

■ Preventing and tackling financial exclusion; ■ Long term residential facilities for homeless people; ■ Inclusion of vulnerable groups such as lone parents

and problematic youth; ■ Joined-up policy-making/strategy development .

Each city’s peer review team consists of a local authority policy officer or service delivery expert, a Voluntary and Community Sector/NGO partner with experience of delivering services in the chosen field and an academic/research partner .

eventsThe main international events funded by the European Commission through the PROGRESS programme are the Round Table on Poverty and Social Exclusion and the European Meeting of People Experiencing Poverty .

The Round Table on Poverty and Social Exclusion is an annual event that brings together around 300 representatives of national ministries and major EU networks . Organised by the country which holds the EU Presidency (for the second half of 2009 it is Sweden),

it takes place in October . This year, the focus is on new challenges to active inclusion in light of the economic downturn . The agenda for this event is always prepared in closed consultation with civil society through the EU networks that are supported by PROGRESS .

Every year in May, the European Meeting of People Experiencing Poverty takes place in Brussels . Organised by the European Commission, the country that holds the EU Presidency and the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN), the event enables people who suffer from poverty and exclusion the opportunity to engage in a dialogue with national and European policy makers .

StudiesPROGRESS also funds international, comparative studies that focus on areas identified in the NSRs and develop proposals for future action .20 These reports are usually accompanied by country-specific studies and offer a comprehensive overview of challenges and policy measures in a given field .

Support for major european networksTo build capacity and engage in a dialogue with representatives of civil society, PROGRESS contributes to the operating costs of major EU networks, such as European Anti-Poverty Network, Eurochild, COFACE, Caritas Europa, Eurodiaconia, FEANTSA and the European Social Network . Since 2008, EUROCITIES also receives support for the Inclusive Cities for Europe programme .21 Arguably, the support of EU networks is the most important strand of the PROGRESS fund, as it creates a concrete working relationship between the European Commission and the SPC and civil society . It significantly strengthens the networks’ analytical and communication capacity, resulting in numerous reports, position papers, events etc .

19 . For more information on the CONNECTIONS project: www .connectionsprogress .eu 20 . The studies are available at: http://ec .europa .eu/employment_social/spsi/studies_en .htm21 . For more information on the supported networks: http://ec .europa .eu/employment_social/spsi/european_networks_en .htm


6

The National Action Plans on Social Inclusion 2008–2010 – an overview for local practitioners

As discussed in the introductory sections of this paper, each of the National Strategy Reports on Social Protection 2008–2010 includes, as its second chapter, a National Action Plan on Social Inclusion (NAP Incl) . These documents are a valuable source of information about national trends and priorities concerning social policy . All these reports can be accessed via the European Commission Website for the Social OMC: http://ec .europa .eu/employment_social/spsi/strategy_reports_en .htm

The following tables summarise all 27 National Action Plans, specifically the main policy priorities and their accompanying measures . The last column details the local dimension of the plans, including any specific references to policies or programmes in which local authorities are involved . Contact details of the departments responsible for the NAP in the national ministries are also given . The summaries in the tables were produced by the EUROCITIES’ Brussels office and where possible, with the input of our members . All page numbers cited under “Policy Priorities” refer to those in the original document .


Policy priorities Key policy measures local dimension

Learning opportunities for children and young people

(pp 13–22)

Enhancing the supply of childcare facilities

Adequate money transfers - child and family allowances

Educational reforms (from pre-school to lower secondary education) – language support, reduction in class sizes, personalised curriculum, more options for migrant and disabled children, etc .)

Youth employment package (labour market and education measures)

Support for families

Local authorities are responsible for childcare facilities together with the “Länder” (federal states), for childcare facilities .

Labour market integration

(pp 23–32)

Re-integration measures for the long-term unemployed and benefit claimants

Increasing labour market participation of older people, women, people with disabilities

Measures targeted at people with a migrant background and low-skilled persons

Financial measures – minimum income, unemployment insurance benefits

Responsibilities for support services for the unemployed, older people, young people and people with a migrant background .

Territorial Employment Pacts and their infrastructure are used to implement labour market policies .

Disadvantaged urban youth is one of the target groups of the federal employment campaign .

Employment counselling services for persons with a migrant background in urban areas .

Means-tested minimum income

(pp 33–35)

Adoption of minimum monthly allowance of €1,000

Uniform minimum standards for welfare benefits, tax and legal measures, health insurance coverage, incentives to economic activity, increasing the benefit take up rate

Changes to unemployment insurance (reduction of contributions for low earners and increased coverage)

No specific references to local authorities are made .

Integrated measures

(pp 35–42)

Increase in the social housing stock and affordable accommodation

Services for homeless people – better information on available services, assistance in setting up bank accounts, setting up socially assisted homes, etc

Measures against over-indebtedness

Measures to support victims of crime and violence

Improved access to culture (Kulturpass)

Improved services for people with disabilities, migrants and refugees

Reference to Vienna as the largest public housing owner in Europe, with 220,000 communal flats (1/5 of all flats in the city) that are allocated on the basis of low income and need .

Reference to the work of EUROCITIES WG Homelessness .

A discount card for public transport (Mobilpass) .

Local authorities are part of the government working group that discusses integration measures for migrants and actively promotes a social mix in urban neighbourhoods .

During the preparation of the NSR 2008-2010, the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs and Consumer Protection and the Federal Ministry of Health, Family and Youth consulted a wide range of stakeholders through a series of workshops and written contributions . Cities were consulted through the Federation of Cities and Municipalities . The province of Vienna (Department for Health and Welfare Planning) was responsible for coordinating a common draft of the provinces of Section 2 (the National Action Plan) of the NSR .

contact details of the nSr coordinatorMs Bianca RendlFederal Ministry for Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer ProtectionEU Policy and Coordination DepartmentStubenring 11010 Vienna, AustriaTel: +43 171 100 6273 E-mail: bianca .rendl[at]bmask .gv .at

aUSTria



Access to decent affordable, housing

(pp 23–24)

Improving access to the private real estate market through rental allowance schemes and the re-occupation of previously empty apartments

Increasing the social housing stock and temporary accommodation (facilitated by ‘social real estate agencies’)

Preventing and combating homelessness

Energy allowances/subsidies to reduce energy use

Local governments are referred to as partners in the fight against homelessness and in ensuring access to domestic energy .

Brussels Capital Region will continue developing proactive and integrated measures to combat homelessness (shelters, training social workers to work ‘on the street’) .

Activation of the workforce and ensuring workforce diversity

(pp 24–26)

Tax incentives and employment bonuses, measures to increase employability (skills)

Improving the availability and affordability of childcare facilities to help parents back into work

Measures to increase the employment rate of people with mental disabilities

Increasing the capacity of the social welfare system through increasing the number of mediators

Measures aimed at increasing cultural participation

Brussels Capital Region will increase its provision of childcare facilities and services to boost the employment of women, provide training for family support workers as well as services through social action centres (CPAS) .

The Flemish Region will improve the accessibility of local employment centres and develop local social policies .

The French speaking community will increase access to culture for disadvantaged groups .

Combating child poverty

(pp 26–29)

Measures aimed at increasing the purchasing power of families: tax rebates for low-income families, increasing the minimum wage and social benefits, measures aimed at fighting indebtedness

Measures aimed at increasing the availability of childcare and early education (for children as young as 2 .5 years old)

Education measures and a strategic plan to tackle illiteracy (Flanders)

Improving access to social credit

Measures aimed at facilitating access to education for children of illegal immigrants (and also Roma) (French speaking community)

Developing knowledge base – studies on the situation of children in Belgium

Brussels Capital Region will develop services to combat indebtedness, such as debt mediation and social credit .

Increase in the number of childcare places and day care centres .

Improve access to sports infrastructure for disadvantaged youth and develop education support services (help with homework) .


Learning opportunities for children and young people

(pp 13–22)

Enhancing the supply of childcare facilities

Adequate money transfers - child and family allowances

Educational reforms (from pre-school to lower secondary education) – language support, reduction in class sizes, personalised curriculum, more options for migrant and disabled children, etc .)

Youth employment package (labour market and education measures)


Local authorities are responsible for childcare facilities together with the “Länder” (federal states), for childcare facilities .

Labour market integration

(pp 23–32)

Re-integration measures for the long-term unemployed and benefit claimants

Increasing labour market participation of older people, women, people with disabilities

Measures targeted at people with a migrant background and low-skilled persons

Financial measures – minimum income, unemployment insurance benefits

Responsibilities for support services for the unemployed, older people, young people and people with a migrant background .

Territorial Employment Pacts and their infrastructure are used to implement labour market policies .

Disadvantaged urban youth is one of the target groups of the federal employment campaign .

Employment counselling services for persons with a migrant background in urban areas .

Means-tested minimum income

(pp 33–35)

Adoption of minimum monthly allowance of €1,000

Uniform minimum standards for welfare benefits, tax and legal measures, health insurance coverage, incentives to economic activity, increasing the benefit take up rate

Changes to unemployment insurance (reduction of contributions for low earners and increased coverage)


Integrated measures

(pp 35–42)

Increase in the social housing stock and affordable accommodation

Services for homeless people – better information on available services, assistance in setting up bank accounts, setting up socially assisted homes, etc

Measures against over-indebtedness

Measures to support victims of crime and violence

Improved access to culture (Kulturpass)

Improved services for people with disabilities, migrants and refugees

Reference to Vienna as the largest public housing owner in Europe, with 220,000 communal flats (1/5 of all flats in the city) that are allocated on the basis of low income and need .

Reference to the work of EUROCITIES WG Homelessness .

A discount card for public transport (Mobilpass) .

Local authorities are part of the government working group that discusses integration measures for migrants and actively promotes a social mix in urban neighbourhoods .

The NSR 2008–2010 was prepared on the basis of work carried out by the permanent working group (Actions group), a federal body . The group, which consists of representatives of local governments, social partners and NGOs, met regularly over the last two years to ensure that the progress made by the previous NAP (2006–2008) was followed up . The group was responsible for updating, interpreting and developing a series of indicators to take account of the various facets of poverty and social exclusion in Belgium . In the Brussels Capital Region, cooperation among various stakeholders and levels of government is organised via various platforms (such as the platform on access to healthcare for the homeless) and observatories (such as Heath and Social Observatory or Housing Observatory) . In the near future, Belgium plans to carry out an assessment of the cooperation between the Federal State, Communities and the Regions .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MemberMs Elise WilliameSPF Sécurité SocialePlace Victor Horta, 40 Bte 201060 Brussels, BelgiumTel: +32 2 528 6322E-mail: elise .willame[at]minsoc .fed .be

BelgiUM



Limiting the inter-generational transmission of poverty and social exclusion

(p 25)

Support for families and children (parenting skills, access to preschool and school education, access to healthcare)

Development of community based social services for families and children and improved cooperation with NGOs

Enhancing the capacity of the child protection system (children’s rights, capacity building – training for staff)


Active inclusion of people furthest form the labour market

(pp 27–28)

Employment measures – targeted programmes (apprenticeships, vocational training, internships), encouraging employers to diversify their workforce

Nation-wide measures (minimum income) along with targeted social assistance (energy, transport and housing allowances)

Social services – supporting transition to work for young people, recognition of the need to further develop services for the unemployed, benefit claimants and the low skilled

Improving employment opportunities for young people and the low skilled; improving cooperation between Employment Agency and Social Assistance Agency


Equal opportunities for the most vulnerable groups in society

(pp 29–30)

The main focus of activities is on the Roma and people with disabilities

Introduction of anti-discrimination legislation

Removal of barriers to education and employment, creating more employment opportunities for people with disabilities, improving access to services

Developing more community based social services for people with disabilities

Developing integrated services for vulnerable ethnic communities, improving educational and employment opportunities, improving housing conditions of the Roma

Measures aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for men and women


Better governance of social inclusion policy

(pp 37–38)

Development of a social inclusion strategy focusing on poverty (focus on long-term goals)

Establishment of a national body focusing on social inclusion and the design of mechanisms the coordination of social inclusion policy

Creation of a national consultative body for social inclusion

Support for local and regional authorities in designing local strategies for combating poverty and exclusion

Implementation of the NSR will be carried out by providing assistance in developing local inclusion plans and through support from the national level .

Local authorities will be part of the national consultative body for social inclusion .

The NSR 2008–2010 was prepared on the basis of the work carried out by an interdepartmental expert group, a national body which includes ministries, central agencies and institutes (full list is available in Annex 2 .4 of the NAP) . In addition, there was a broad national consultation through which municipalities were consulted through the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) . The aforementioned expert group is also responsible for following up the implementation of the NSR . In doing so, it engages with a wide range of stakeholders, including local governments .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MemberMs Elena KremenlievaUnit Social Protection and Social Inclusion DirectorateMinistry of Labour and Social Policy2 Triaditza St .1051 Sofia, BulgariaTel: +359 21 811 9645E-mail: ellena[at]mlsp .government .bg

BUlgaria



Limiting the inter-generational transmission of poverty and social exclusion

(p 25)

Support for families and children (parenting skills, access to preschool and school education, access to healthcare)

Development of community based social services for families and children and improved cooperation with NGOs

Enhancing the capacity of the child protection system (children’s rights, capacity building – training for staff)


Active inclusion of people furthest form the labour market

(pp 27–28)

Employment measures – targeted programmes (apprenticeships, vocational training, internships), encouraging employers to diversify their workforce

Nation-wide measures (minimum income) along with targeted social assistance (energy, transport and housing allowances)

Social services – supporting transition to work for young people, recognition of the need to further develop services for the unemployed, benefit claimants and the low skilled

Improving employment opportunities for young people and the low skilled; improving cooperation between Employment Agency and Social Assistance Agency


Equal opportunities for the most vulnerable groups in society

(pp 29–30)

The main focus of activities is on the Roma and people with disabilities

Introduction of anti-discrimination legislation

Removal of barriers to education and employment, creating more employment opportunities for people with disabilities, improving access to services

Developing more community based social services for people with disabilities

Developing integrated services for vulnerable ethnic communities, improving educational and employment opportunities, improving housing conditions of the Roma

Measures aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for men and women


Better governance of social inclusion policy

(pp 37–38)

Development of a social inclusion strategy focusing on poverty (focus on long-term goals)

Establishment of a national body focusing on social inclusion and the design of mechanisms the coordination of social inclusion policy

Creation of a national consultative body for social inclusion

Support for local and regional authorities in designing local strategies for combating poverty and exclusion

Implementation of the NSR will be carried out by providing assistance in developing local inclusion plans and through support from the national level .

Local authorities will be part of the national consultative body for social inclusion .


Reduction of the risk of poverty and social exclusion

(pp 19–23)

Increase in the minimum wage and social transfers (including grants for disabled people, child benefits etc) of the most vulnerable groups (particularly pensioners and single parent families)

Through the Public Transportation Unit, the national government has announced a range of programmes including, among others, a mobility scheme for all cities to improve the efficiency and accessibility of public transportation .

Labour market integration, particularly of the most vulnerable groups

(pp 23–27)

Schemes to promote entrepreneurship among women and flexible arrangements at work as well as subsidised childcare services . Provision of social services (particularly counselling, guidance and vocational training) for the most vulnerable groups


Prevention of social exclusion of children

(pp 27–31)

Reform of the educational system with actions to reduce regional educational inequalities; provision of learning support for children with special needs and counselling services; prevention of early school leaving and the integration of children who are not native Greek speakers


Modernisation of institutions for the enhancement of procedures and policies for social cohesion

(pp 31–34)

Plans to reorganise the Ministry of Education and the Social Welfare Service and to modernise the Public Employment Service

The Social Welfare Service has established 12 local offices to facilitate the decentralisation of social care structures and services . The local offices will form a network of independent and coordinated agencies . Whilst local authorities and the voluntary sector will participate in this network, they are only responsible for the implementation of specific projects e .g . “Expansion and Improvement of Care Services for Children, the Elderly, Disabled persons and other Dependants .”

The preparation of the National Strategy Report was coordinated by the Social Welfare Services of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance . An interdepartmental committee has been set up to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the 2008–2010 strategy . An enlarged committee is expected to meet annually with social partners, local authorities and other agencies to facilitate the monitoring process . A grant has been provided by the Social Welfare Service to Local Authorities to improve the coordination of actions between the national administration and local authorities, specifically, the recording and appraisal of the needs of vulnerable social groups, the investigation of social trends as well as the recording of existing social structures at local level . The current strategy sees an increase in measures for vulnerable groups and yet, according to the European Commission, policies targeted at the inclusion of immigrants and mainstreaming of persons with disabilities could be improved . Most of the quantitative targets are related to the reduction of poverty; EU Structural Funds are a significant source of funding, particularly the European Social Fund .

contact details of the nSr coordinatorMs Niki OdysseosSocial Welfare Services1468 Nicosia, CyprusTel: +357 22 406 610E-mail: nodysseos[at]sws .mlsi .gov .cy

Mrs . Toula KouloumouDirector of the Social Welfare ServicesMinistry of Labour and Social Insurance, CyprusTel: +357 22 406 602E-mail: director[at]sws .mlsi .gov .cy

cyPrUS



Integration of socially excluded individuals and individuals at risk of social exclusion

(pp 22–25)

Focus on preventative social services and social assistance, direct assistance to excluded groups

Systemic measures such as a reform of the education system (including improved quality of education for all pupils, and in particular disabled persons and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and teacher training)

Measures targeted at deprived communities/areas: local partnerships for disadvantaged localities (Roma) in 12 municipalities, specialised workers in the police (for ethnic minority affairs)

Measures aimed at integration of foreigners

Measures aimed at increasing employability and skills (active ageing, lifelong learning and further education strategies)

In the framework of policies aimed at disadvantaged areas (and at Roma), local partnerships will be established .

Cities with more than 25,000 inhabitants are obliged to prepare a strategy for crime prevention for the 2008–2011 period .

In selected areas, in particular those that are inhabited by minorities, there are special assistants to the police .

There are plans to improve communication between foreigners and national and local level institutions, as well as the involvement of foreigners in social and public life at local level .

Support for families with specific needs

(p 27)

Measures to support families (services for improving parenting skills, service facilities for parents and families, better legal protection for children, better services for children and young people leaving care, better cooperation between various actors, including local governments)

Improved methods of social work – social activation centres, multidisciplinary approach

Local and regional authorities will be supported in implementing counselling services for the social and legal protection of children . The experiences and observations on legal protection of children will be used to implement a community planning method for social services .

Governance (support for policy making and partnership at all levels of administration)

(pp 29–31)

Projects to develop social services (especially at regional and local level), with an emphasis on community planning and the provision of social services

Capacity building of institutions responsible for delivering social services (also the police)

Assistance to local and regional authorities in modernisation and improvements of social housing and other types of social services

Measures aimed at the prevention of neighbourhood decline and the revitalisation of neighbourhoods in cities

Awareness raising projects e .g . in the context of the European Year on Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010

The NAP makes several references to municipalities and regional authorities, particularly in the context of community planning and improving services design and delivery (social housing, outreach services, etc .) . References to cities relate to regeneration measures, specifically the prevention of urban decline .

The NSR 2008–2010 was prepared by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) in cooperation with the National Commission for Social Inclusion . This Commission includes representatives of regions, cities and municipalities, government offices, NGOs and experts . It is also responsible for selecting good practice examples for the Peer Review Programme . The NAP makes reference to two projects led by MoLSA that include partners from municipalities and cities: Creating a Methodology for the Creation of Regional and Local Action Plans (with EU support) to develop a methodology for local and regional social inclusion plans, and a follow-up project to develop such plans . In addition, there were two awareness raising projects under which two expert studies were carried out, on segregated Roma communities in South Moravia Region and homelessness in Prague .

contact details of the naP coordinatorMs Zuzana ZajarošováDepartment for Social Services and Social InclusionSocial Inclusion Policy UnitMinistry of Labour and Social AffairsNa Poříčním právu 1128 01 Praha 2, Czech RepublicTel: +420 221 922 818E-mail: Zuzana .Zajarosova[at]mpsv .cz

czech rePUBlic



Supporting disadvantaged children and youth

(pp 28–31)

Early and cohesive intervention in identifying socially disadvantaged children

Measures aimed at improving educational outcomes (improving literacy, early learning programmes, improving integration of pupils with migrant background)

Educational measures for youth (guaranteed right to education for young people under 30, right to a 3-year education programme for under 25’s)

Targeted measures for specific social problems (counselling, crime prevention, support for substance misusers)

Support for establishing networks (for young people, especially those leaving care, introducing social janitors in youth housing projects)

Improving parental skills and responsibility

Developing evidence base for policies through studies and follow up of their results

Local authorities have a statutory requirement to formulate child policies with specific focus on providing early support for disadvantaged families . Local authorities are eligible for government subsidies to implement local strategies, extra school activities and framework conditions for learning . They are also responsible for ensuring that people under the age of 30 from limited educational backgrounds can enroll in education programmes .

Local authorities, together with the national government, also provide a 24-hour counselling service for young people, implementation of support programmes for substance misusers and programmes for parents .

Supporting socially disadvantaged groups

(pp 36–40)

Measures for disadvantaged adults, including drug and alcohol abusers, the mentally ill and the homeless

Housing measures – to prevent ghettoisation, improve the quality of social housing and reduce rental costs

Preventive measures in social housing estates, urban renewal projects and the establishment of a social housing development centre

Health promotion measures (mainly through sports and diet counselling)

Employment measures – mentoring schemes, enterprise promotion, training courses for disadvantaged persons and those who work with them, forming teams of marginalised people in local authorities, outreach activities (“satellite offices” in deprived areas), skills upgrading (basic skills), IT skills courses

The NAP makes a reference to the existence of deprived urban areas and the need to gather knowledge and experience on what works . Local authorities carried out a mapping of homeless people and their housing needs . They are also an important partner in developing measures for the homeless .

Ten local authorities received a grant to set up interdisciplinary teams to provide assistance for marginalised people . (Eight local authorities received grants to establish “satellite offices” in deprived neighbourhoods to provide public services .

Social inclusion of people with a foreign background

(pp 41–43)

Measures aimed at improving educational and employment outcomes and improving access to services – with an emphasis on language training, better evaluation of pupils performance at school, support for getting employment and attracting immigrant youth to education

Pilot projects for local authority-based support measures for traumatised refugees and their families

Prevention of extremism and radicalisation – promoting equal opportunities, mutual responsibility and open dialogue (action plans, government working groups, research)

Integration of women (Women’s Programme with measures in a variety of areas)

Employment measures, also focusing on immigrants (pilot projects, diversity programmes, ethnic consultants in job centres, improved benefit allocation for families)

Under the Integration Act, local authorities offer 3-year introduction courses for refugees (covering language and culture courses and, where relevant, employment-related services) . They also provide support to traumatised refugees (pilot projects) and language courses for bilingual children . Local authorities also develop measures to prevent extremism and radicalisation among young people .

Local authorities are eligible for grants under the Women’s Programme and provide services to immigrant women (guidance, skills upgrading, training and wage subsidies) .

The process of preparing the NAP was launched at the 2008 Conference on Social Inclusion and Social Protection which brought together representatives of ministries, local and regional government, the European Commission, social partners, the Danish National Centre for Social Research (SFI) and voluntary organisations and NGOs . The NAP makes numerous references to the role of local authorities in performing a considerable number of Denmark’s welfare tasks . Welfare tasks are governed through legislation but local authorities assess the needs in their areas of intervention and actually implement the policies .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MemberMr Jørgen Witsø-LundMinistry of Social WelfareHolmens Kanal 221060 København K, DenmarkTel: +45 33 92 93 00E-mail: jlu[at]VFM .dk

denMarK


Integration of socially excluded individuals and individuals at risk of social exclusion

(pp 22–25)

Focus on preventative social services and social assistance, direct assistance to excluded groups

Systemic measures such as a reform of the education system (including improved quality of education for all pupils, and in particular disabled persons and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and teacher training)

Measures targeted at deprived communities/areas: local partnerships for disadvantaged localities (Roma) in 12 municipalities, specialised workers in the police (for ethnic minority affairs)

Measures aimed at integration of foreigners

Measures aimed at increasing employability and skills (active ageing, lifelong learning and further education strategies)

In the framework of policies aimed at disadvantaged areas (and at Roma), local partnerships will be established .

Cities with more than 25,000 inhabitants are obliged to prepare a strategy for crime prevention for the 2008–2011 period .

In selected areas, in particular those that are inhabited by minorities, there are special assistants to the police .

There are plans to improve communication between foreigners and national and local level institutions, as well as the involvement of foreigners in social and public life at local level .

Support for families with specific needs

(p 27)

Measures to support families (services for improving parenting skills, service facilities for parents and families, better legal protection for children, better services for children and young people leaving care, better cooperation between various actors, including local governments)

Improved methods of social work – social activation centres, multidisciplinary approach

Local and regional authorities will be supported in implementing counselling services for the social and legal protection of children . The experiences and observations on legal protection of children will be used to implement a community planning method for social services .

Governance (support for policy making and partnership at all levels of administration)

(pp 29–31)

Projects to develop social services (especially at regional and local level), with an emphasis on community planning and the provision of social services

Capacity building of institutions responsible for delivering social services (also the police)

Assistance to local and regional authorities in modernisation and improvements of social housing and other types of social services

Measures aimed at the prevention of neighbourhood decline and the revitalisation of neighbourhoods in cities

Awareness raising projects e .g . in the context of the European Year on Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010

The NAP makes several references to municipalities and regional authorities, particularly in the context of community planning and improving services design and delivery (social housing, outreach services, etc .) . References to cities relate to regeneration measures, specifically the prevention of urban decline .



Prevention of long-term unemployment and inactivity and the employing of unemployed and inactive people

(pp 26–28)

Improve career guidance and the counselling system, improve support measures for jobseekers/long-term unemployed

13 active labour market measures targeted at unemployed and inactive persons

New measures planned: integrated career guidance system, increasing employability of jobseekers, ex-prisoners, designing support measures (employment), training of home and community workers, raising awareness on flexible forms of work

Local authorities are partners in implementing labour market measures (implemented by 15 regional departments of the Labour Market Board) .

Prevention and alleviation of poverty and social exclusion of children and families

(pp 31–35)

Financial and non-financial measures

Allowances for children’s upbringing and education and tax incentives for families and single parents (such as partial write-off of a study loan), allowances for disabled children, services for children

Parent education programme (2008–2015), development of services for families and children (implementation of the new Social Welfare Act and Housing Development Plan 2008–2013), supporting parents into employment

Education measures (two programmes, 2009–2012, and 2008–2013): curriculum development, counselling, teacher training, more places in pre-school education, flexible opportunities (vocational education)

Surveys on the situation of children

Some local authorities provide support assistants to help in the education of a disabled child . They also have an obligation to provide housing for families in difficulty . Local authorities are also responsible for organising childcare and kindergartens, as well as for assessing the amount of refund to families for childcare services . Some local authorities provide loan counselling services .

Supporting participation of disabled persons in social life and employment

(pp 39–42)

Social Welfare Act measures – counselling, rehabilitation, care services, etc .

4 out of 13 labour market measures are aimed at the disabled (adjustment of premises, wage subsidy, special aids and equipment, support during interviews)

Education measures (such as individual curricula, support measures), (also planned for 2008–2013)

Plans to develop a rehabilitation system, to improve social services provision, income support and in-work support; surveys on the situation of the disabled people and services available to them

Local authorities provide services that are stipulated in the Social Welfare Act, i .e . counselling, rehabilitation service, provision of technical appliances, domestic services, housing services, foster care and care in social welfare institutions) . They also provide additional services such as transportation, personal assistance, support persons, catering, laundry, etc . They are also responsible for ensuring appropriate conditions for vocational studies for students with special needs .

Prevention of social exclusion of the elderly and support for active and dignified ageing

(pp 44–47)

Social Welfare Act measures – services for the elderly

Increasing employment opportunities for the elderly, increasing the range of available services to them and developing a network of care institutions (3 ESF programmes)

Awareness raising programmes (information and counselling) on available services and expansion of care institutions aimed at local governments

Local authorities are mentioned in the context of adapting housing to the needs of the elderly . Local authorities are responsible for elderly care and can provide additional services to those stipulated by the Act, such as housing . They will also be consulted on the design of network of care institutions .

The NAP was prepared by working groups made up of a range of stakeholders, including representatives from local authorities and cities (through the Association of Estonian Cities and Tallinn City Government) . In addition, the Ministry held thematic workshops and roundtables, in which representatives of local authorities participated, to discuss priorities of social inclusion policy in Estonia . Workshops and roundtables, with the involvement of local authorities, will also be used to monitor and evaluate the new and additional measures introduced under the NAP .

contact details of the naP coordinatorMrs Eha LannesAdviser to the Social Welfare DepartmentMinistry of Social Affairs of EstoniaGonsori 2915027 Tallinn, EstoniaTel: +372 626 9217E-mail: eha .lannes[at]sm .ee

eSTonia



To increase the number of employment opportunities and the take up of vocational education

(pp 24–25)

The Government aims to raise the employment rate to 72 per cent by the spring of 2011 . This will be achieved through flexible working arrangements, vocational training and cooperation with the private sector

The specific role of local authorities is not explained in detail but the city of Turku is has an inter-sectoral welfare policy programme for children and young people to facilitate women’s participation in the labour market .

Prevention of social problems and social risks

(pp 25–27)

Alcohol, drugs and indebtedness are the focal areas of action under this priority

The national alcohol programme involves joint efforts of the state administration, local authorities and NGOs . For example, municipal programmes on homelessness have been effective and the national government has set the objective to halve the number of long-term homeless by 2011 .

Safeguarding the continuity of measures that prevent and correct social exclusion and poverty

(pp 27–28)

To enhance employment incentives and ensure sufficient minimum social security benefits . The SATA committee has been set up to oversee the measures under this priority, the focus of which is the reinforcement of employment incentives and the improvement of social security

The KATSE programme (see below) forms the basis of cities involvement . In this regard, the development of social structures that safeguard people’s welfare is noted as particularly important in achieving substantive results; short-term programmes and projects have a limited impact .

Improving the functioning of the service system

(pp 28–35)

The KASTE (2008–2011) and PARAS programmes form the basis of this priority . Each municipality is required to take decisions on how PARAS’ legislative requirements will be fulfilled – this includes responsibility for the organisation and provision of services as well as the integration of social and health services in areas with a minimum population of 20,000, a reform on the practices for granting state aid to municipalities will enter into force as of the beginning of 2010 and the use of the municipal service voucher has been extended to home health care . Citizens’ right to seek care across municipal borders will be expanded allowing all handicapped persons and the elderly to choose their home municipality independent of where they reside

The KASTE programme is a national development plan, with 39 measures, that sees municipalities and regional steering groups prepare regional projects and development measures to reduce social exclusion, specifically inequalities in wellbeing and health between population groups and regions through improved social and health services . NGOs can participate in the implementation of such projects in the fields of recreation and culture .


Prevention of long-term unemployment and inactivity and the employing of unemployed and inactive people

(pp 26–28)

Improve career guidance and the counselling system, improve support measures for jobseekers/long-term unemployed

13 active labour market measures targeted at unemployed and inactive persons

New measures planned: integrated career guidance system, increasing employability of jobseekers, ex-prisoners, designing support measures (employment), training of home and community workers, raising awareness on flexible forms of work

Local authorities are partners in implementing labour market measures (implemented by 15 regional departments of the Labour Market Board) .

Prevention and alleviation of poverty and social exclusion of children and families

(pp 31–35)

Financial and non-financial measures

Allowances for children’s upbringing and education and tax incentives for families and single parents (such as partial write-off of a study loan), allowances for disabled children, services for children

Parent education programme (2008–2015), development of services for families and children (implementation of the new Social Welfare Act and Housing Development Plan 2008–2013), supporting parents into employment

Education measures (two programmes, 2009–2012, and 2008–2013): curriculum development, counselling, teacher training, more places in pre-school education, flexible opportunities (vocational education)

Surveys on the situation of children

Some local authorities provide support assistants to help in the education of a disabled child . They also have an obligation to provide housing for families in difficulty . Local authorities are also responsible for organising childcare and kindergartens, as well as for assessing the amount of refund to families for childcare services . Some local authorities provide loan counselling services .

Supporting participation of disabled persons in social life and employment

(pp 39–42)

Social Welfare Act measures – counselling, rehabilitation, care services, etc .

4 out of 13 labour market measures are aimed at the disabled (adjustment of premises, wage subsidy, special aids and equipment, support during interviews)

Education measures (such as individual curricula, support measures), (also planned for 2008–2013)

Plans to develop a rehabilitation system, to improve social services provision, income support and in-work support; surveys on the situation of the disabled people and services available to them

Local authorities provide services that are stipulated in the Social Welfare Act, i .e . counselling, rehabilitation service, provision of technical appliances, domestic services, housing services, foster care and care in social welfare institutions) . They also provide additional services such as transportation, personal assistance, support persons, catering, laundry, etc . They are also responsible for ensuring appropriate conditions for vocational studies for students with special needs .

Prevention of social exclusion of the elderly and support for active and dignified ageing

(pp 44–47)

Social Welfare Act measures – services for the elderly

Increasing employment opportunities for the elderly, increasing the range of available services to them and developing a network of care institutions (3 ESF programmes)

Awareness raising programmes (information and counselling) on available services and expansion of care institutions aimed at local governments

Local authorities are mentioned in the context of adapting housing to the needs of the elderly . Local authorities are responsible for elderly care and can provide additional services to those stipulated by the Act, such as housing . They will also be consulted on the design of network of care institutions .

The report was prepared in cooperation with various ministries, organisations representing the poor and socially excluded, health and labour unions, research institutes, local government representatives, social work representatives as well as religious organisations and churches . Separate hearings (in May and June 2008) were arranged for such stakeholders where they had the opportunity to make written comments on the draft report before it was finalised . The Finnish government is currently introducing a raft of structural changes and policy reforms, specifically social protection reform (SATA), the national development plan for social welfare and health care (KASTE) and the restructuring of municipalities and services (PARAS) . Due to these developments, there are no specific policy measures foreseen to address the NAP’s policy priorities . There are, however, broad areas of action including: socio-economic health inequalities, the consumption of alcohol and substances, the low employment rate of immigrants and the insufficient supply of welfare services for children and youth . Many decisions that have a direct bearing on the position of vulnerable groups are made at local level . The Administrative Procedure Act applies the principles of good governance by ensuring that the implementation of citizens’ rights is monitored by special authorities, such as social ombudsman appointed by the local authorities .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MemberMr Arto KohoMinisterial AdviserMinistry of Social Affairs and HealthPO box 33 Helsinki00023 Government, FinlandTel: +358 9 160 73827 E-mail: arto .koho[at]stm .fi

Finland



Labour market integration (focusing on those living in deprived areas and visible minorities)

(pp 15–18)

The key measure is the RSA (revenue de solidarité active), an income support scheme designed to support individuals through their transition back to work

An increase in the availability and affordability of childcare is also foreseen to help parents back into work . To this end, legislation is planned to improve childcare services

Merging the national employment agency (ANPE) and the unemployment insurance bodies (Assedic) and plans to re-launch subsidised contracts


Social and occupational integration of young people

(pp 18–19)

Improved provisions for young people leaving education without qualifications and mentoring for pupils with difficulties to reduce drop-out rates . This includes individual support and second chance schools . The plan “Espoir Banlieues” (Hope for Suburbs) was launched in March 2008 and targets young people living in deprived areas . It provides individual support for young persons (aged 16–25) to facilitate their access to employment, education or training

A personal microcredit (Le Microcrédit personnel) scheme will soon be rolled out across the whole of Paris .

‘Espoir Banlieues’ is targeted at young people living in deprived urban areas (zones urbaines sensibles – ZUS) and urban areas covered by urban contract for social cohesion (contrat urbain de cohesion sociale – CUCS) .

Increasing the supply of social housing

(pp 19–22)

Legally enforceable right to housing (Droit au logement opposable – DALO) was introduced in 2008 for people in dire need of housing (from 2012 the law will apply to all people eligible for social housing)

A national urban renewal programme and programmes of reclassification of run down neighbourhoods will allow large scale intervention in urban areas, taking into account the objectives of maintaining/promoting social mix (mixité sociale) in the neighbourhoods, which is a horizontal objective present in many policy and legal measures related to housing

Implementation of DALO will have to involve all relevant parties, including social housing companies, stakeholder organisations and local community groups . Housing policies are supported by local, departmental and regional studies on housing stock and housing needs .

The NAP was preceded by work conducted mainly by the National Council for Policies to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion . The consultation and drafting process (referred to as “Grenelle de l’insertion”) was overseen by a monitoring committee made up of several working groups, and involved a series of 14 information events that looked at various employment issues, including working conditions, the promotion of health at the work place and methods and tools to help young people find employment .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MembersDominique Libault, Director of Social SecurityMinistry of Labour, Social Relations and Solidarity14 Ave . Duquesne, 75350 Paris, FranceTel: +33 140 56 70 34 E-mail: dominique .libault[at]sante .gouv .fr

Marie KeirleMinistry of Labour, Social Relations and Solidarity14 Ave . Duquesne, 75350 Paris, FranceTel: +33 140 56 85 31 E-mail: marie .keirle[at]sante .govu .fr

France



Labour market integration (focusing on those living in deprived areas and visible minorities)

(pp 15–18)

The key measure is the RSA (revenue de solidarité active), an income support scheme designed to support individuals through their transition back to work

An increase in the availability and affordability of childcare is also foreseen to help parents back into work . To this end, legislation is planned to improve childcare services

Merging the national employment agency (ANPE) and the unemployment insurance bodies (Assedic) and plans to re-launch subsidised contracts


Social and occupational integration of young people

(pp 18–19)

Improved provisions for young people leaving education without qualifications and mentoring for pupils with difficulties to reduce drop-out rates . This includes individual support and second chance schools . The plan “Espoir Banlieues” (Hope for Suburbs) was launched in March 2008 and targets young people living in deprived areas . It provides individual support for young persons (aged 16–25) to facilitate their access to employment, education or training

A personal microcredit (Le Microcrédit personnel) scheme will soon be rolled out across the whole of Paris .

‘Espoir Banlieues’ is targeted at young people living in deprived urban areas (zones urbaines sensibles – ZUS) and urban areas covered by urban contract for social cohesion (contrat urbain de cohesion sociale – CUCS) .

Increasing the supply of social housing

(pp 19–22)

Legally enforceable right to housing (Droit au logement opposable – DALO) was introduced in 2008 for people in dire need of housing (from 2012 the law will apply to all people eligible for social housing)

A national urban renewal programme and programmes of reclassification of run down neighbourhoods will allow large scale intervention in urban areas, taking into account the objectives of maintaining/promoting social mix (mixité sociale) in the neighbourhoods, which is a horizontal objective present in many policy and legal measures related to housing

Implementation of DALO will have to involve all relevant parties, including social housing companies, stakeholder organisations and local community groups . Housing policies are supported by local, departmental and regional studies on housing stock and housing needs .


Improving the educational opportunities of people facing multiple obstacles to (re)entering the labour market

(pp 27–32)

A suite of programmes are foreseen to improve life-long learning opportunities and vocational training including: wage subsidies for employers to recruit long-term unemployed workers over 18 years of age (“Job Prospect scheme”)

An increase in flexible modes of employment

New employment benefits and plans to extend grants/loans to students from disadvantaged backgrounds

1000 additional placement officers will enhance the capacity of the public employment service to help the unemployed

Extension of the short-time working allowance (Kurzarbeitergeld) from 6 to 18 months

Soziale Stadt: this programme supports 500 urban micro-regions complemented by ESF support for employment and training measures . Supplementary programmes aimed at the long-term unemployed and young people (particularly from immigrant backgrounds) are now integral to this initiative .

Kommunal Kombi: this federal employment programme allocates “regional budgets” to finance local authority projects with the aim of stimulating local employment among other initiatives .

Economic and social integration of migrants

(pp 32–35)

Support for persons with a migration background has been mainstreamed and a national action plan for integration has been launched which contains 400 measures including improved access to educational opportunities (German language courses etc) and individual counselling services

Federal community and residential environment projects are also helping to promote the social integration of immigrants at local level . The projects are designed to improve the social integration of immigrants . For example, with the help of Federal Government assistance, Hamburg is implementing measures to improve educational assistance to immigrants that are being directed by regional integration centres on a decentralised, needs-oriented basis .

The fight against poverty among families and children through improved access to education

(pp 35–37)

Increased benefits for low-income families (Elterngeld) and enhanced child tax allowance (Kinderfreibetrag) . 750,000 additional childcare places by 2013 for children under 3 years


Disabled people

(pp 34–37)

“Jobs without barriers” and “job4000” are two programmes specifically geared toward helping disabled people through targeted and result-oriented benefits


Similar to the previous period, the main focus of the NSR is on reducing unemployment . The report was drafted by The Federal Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs in cooperation with the Länder and other key stakeholders (p20) . Involvement of local authorities and the Lander was largely limited to the submission of their social reports . In 2001, the ‘Permanent Council of Advisors for Social Integration’ was set up to assist in drawing up the National Action Plans . Equally important are the FORTEIL (A Forum for Participation and Social Integration) series of events that the Federal Government has been holding since 2005 to further dialogue with all relevant stakeholders . In the course of these meetings it became clear that reporting procedures in the Federal Government, Länder and local authorities are largely dissimilar with different priorities and objectives . Regional governments have also taken steps to deepen the consultation process . For example, the Government of North Rhine-Westphalia established a “Help for Children in Need” round table, bringing together representatives of local authorities, churches and voluntary organisations with the aim of creating opportunities for children from low-income families . This will eventually lead to the development of a joint action plan .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MembersDr . Christoph Schumacher-HilderbrandMinistry of Labour and Social AffairsMohrenstrasse 6210117 Berlin, GermanyTel: +49 3018 527-6690Email: christoph .schumacher-hildebrand[at]bmas .bund .de

Joerg CapellenMinistry of Labour and Social AffairsRochusstrasse 153107 Bonn, GermanyTel: +49 3018 527 4625Email: joerg .capellen[at]bmas .bund .de

gerMany



Increase the labour market participation of vulnerable groups

(pp 28–32)

The main objective is to increase the rate of employment to 64% by the year 2010 with a focus on improving the efficiency of existing policies and developing new measures to enhance labour attractiveness of the labour market

Training in basic computer skills for early school leavers

The enhancement of Young Freelance Professional’s Grant programmes and the development of pilot “entrepreneurship schools”

An increase in subsidies for employers who hire senior citizens


Improve the educational and training opportunities of vulnerable groups

(pp 32–37)

The broad objective is to build on previous actions to improve the quality of public education and remove obstacles to educational opportunities . Measures will target illiteracy, the reduction of the school drop-out rate and the take up of life-long learning . The expansion of Second Chance Schools and Adult Education Centres as well as the Counselling and Career Guidance (SEP) institution is also foreseen



(pp 37–39)

Increased income support, childcare services and home help assistance for elderly people . The employment of women is targeted through various measures including: subsidised job placements in enterprises in combination with training opportunities and the accreditation of working experience (the appointment of women in vacant positions due to maternity leave); the provision of assistance to NGOs involved with women’s issues to develop information centres on employment and entrepreneurship; allowances to families who have children in education will continue (€300 school allowance and €1,000 housing allowance to students)

Local Administrations will continue to implement the “Assistance at Home” programme (financed by the Ministries of Health and Social Solidarity and of Internal Affairs) .

The new Municipal and Community Code (L . 3463/2006) allows Local Administrations to provide counselling and other support to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking .

Promote the social inclusion of people with disabilities and immigrants

(pp 41-45)

The focus of this priority is on ensuring access to public services, particularly educational and employment opportunities as well as housing and cultural events . Measures to ensure access to housing include reduced insurance requirements and housing assistance programmes


A Working Group for the NAP on Social Inclusion 2008–2010 was established in the Ministry of Employment and Social Protection to draft the NSR . The group was made up of representatives from various national ministries and agencies (including, among others, the National Statistical Service and the Manpower Employment Organisation (OAED) . The preparation of the NSR saw a questionnaire sent to various agencies involved in the implementation of the previous NAP to establish how best to monitor the success of each policy priority for 2008–2010 as well as correspondence between the NAP working group and a representative sample of civil society agencies . A new social protection national council is to be created that should support a network consisting of observatories, study centres and the National Statistical Institute in the monitoring of the NAP . The consultation process on the draft report did not foresee the structured involvement of various stakeholders, particularly regional and local authorities . According to the European Commission evaluation of the NAP, their involvement in the policy cycle continues to be limited and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and arrangements are urgently needed .

contact details of the nSr coordinatorsVasso RigaMinistry of Employment and Social Protection, Analysis and Documentation Unit40 Pireos Street, 10182 Athens, GreeceTel: +30 213 151 6028E-mail: vriga[at]otenet .gr

Konstantinos GeormasOffice of the General Secretary of Employment and Social Protection, Analysis and Documentation Unit40 Pireos Street, 10182 Athens, GreeceTel: +30 210 5295140 E-mail: yperggg[at]otenet .gr

greece



Promote labour market inclusion (focus on disadvantaged groups)

(pp 13–14)

The target group of the Public Employment Service (PES) will be extended to include inactive people capable of working . Entitlement to some social benefits will be linked to labour market services

Training schemes for low-skilled people and the long term unemployed with a focus on various ESF funded programmes (Start Plusz for long-term jobseekers, Start Extra for long-term jobseekers over 50 and ‘first step’ programmes for people with low employment chances) . To facilitate this, an accreditation system has been designed in cooperation with recruitment organisations so they can access customised labour market services

Various forms of subsidised temporary employment schemes will be organised at local level including: regional integrated vocational training centres (‘TISZK’) to tailor training opportunities to meet labour market needs . Public employment schemes continue to play a significant role in employing disadvantaged groups .

Child poverty

(pp 15–16)

Includes measures to increase benefits for low income families; improve parents’ employment opportunities and children’s access to social and health care services; increase pre-school attendance for children with multiple disadvantages, also by providing attendance allowances and increased subsidies for day care centres . Independent housing is being provided to homeless people by two public foundations under a government decree

An integrated, micro-regional programme to tackle child poverty was started in 2007 as a pilot model in the Szécsény micro-region in Northern Hungary .

The development of social and welfare services falls within the competence of local authorities and will be financed from regional operational programmes .

Reduce territorial and housing disadvantages (with a focus on the Roma)

(pp 16–21)

Since 2008 micro-regional cooperation formed by the local governments have been operating in all 174 micro-regions . Subsidised by the State, they are increasingly important in delivering educational, health, social and administrative services . These programmes will continue to deliver both basic and specialised social services in disadvantaged areas, focusing on home assistance, community and daytime care, and community care-giving service)

“No one left behind” programme: 33 micro-regions will prepare an action plan to develop community programmres to improve access to and provision of public services

New Hungary Closing Up Programme’ (2008–2013), funded predominantly by the EU resources (coordinated action across all operational programmes) and aimed at 33 micro-regions most in need

Social urban rehabilitation programme that aims at deprived urban areas (including Roma colonies)

174 micro-regions have voluntary cooperation agreements between local governments .

Several government departments were involved in the consultation process for the preparation of the NSR, together with bodies representing civil organisations . The first draft of the report was available to the general public for consultation via the internet . However, according to the European Commission, though there are several permanent consultation Councils (Roma inclusion, concerning elderly people, disabled, gender equality), the involvement of regional and local authorities appeared insufficient . The consultation process is supported by roundtables (available online) in three areas: education and chances for children; pensions and old age; and economic competitiveness . There are no plans to involve stakeholders in the policy cycle .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MembersGyörgyi VajdaSocial Inclusion Unit, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour H-1052 Budapest, Kálmán I . u . 2 ., HungaryTel: +36 1 472 8432 E-mail: vajda .gyorgyi[at]szmm .gov .hu

Judit Rezmuves, Head of UnitMinistry of HealthArany János street 6–8, 1051 Budapest, HungaryTel: +36 1 301 7964 E-mail: rezmuves .judit[at]eum .hu

hUngary


Increase the labour market participation of vulnerable groups

(pp 28–32)

The main objective is to increase the rate of employment to 64% by the year 2010 with a focus on improving the efficiency of existing policies and developing new measures to enhance labour attractiveness of the labour market

Training in basic computer skills for early school leavers

The enhancement of Young Freelance Professional’s Grant programmes and the development of pilot “entrepreneurship schools”

An increase in subsidies for employers who hire senior citizens


Improve the educational and training opportunities of vulnerable groups

(pp 32–37)

The broad objective is to build on previous actions to improve the quality of public education and remove obstacles to educational opportunities . Measures will target illiteracy, the reduction of the school drop-out rate and the take up of life-long learning . The expansion of Second Chance Schools and Adult Education Centres as well as the Counselling and Career Guidance (SEP) institution is also foreseen



(pp 37–39)

Increased income support, childcare services and home help assistance for elderly people . The employment of women is targeted through various measures including: subsidised job placements in enterprises in combination with training opportunities and the accreditation of working experience (the appointment of women in vacant positions due to maternity leave); the provision of assistance to NGOs involved with women’s issues to develop information centres on employment and entrepreneurship; allowances to families who have children in education will continue (€300 school allowance and €1,000 housing allowance to students)

Local Administrations will continue to implement the “Assistance at Home” programme (financed by the Ministries of Health and Social Solidarity and of Internal Affairs) .

The new Municipal and Community Code (L . 3463/2006) allows Local Administrations to provide counselling and other support to victims of domestic violence and human trafficking .

Promote the social inclusion of people with disabilities and immigrants

(pp 41-45)

The focus of this priority is on ensuring access to public services, particularly educational and employment opportunities as well as housing and cultural events . Measures to ensure access to housing include reduced insurance requirements and housing assistance programmes




Child Poverty

(pp 19–21)

A National Childcare Strategy has been designed to provide for early childhood development and care . This includes an action plan to reduce educational exclusion including measures to ensure access to school meals and books (commensurate to a child’s level of disadvantage); home/school/community liaison services and a range of supports under the School Completion Programme

The Poverty Impact Assessment (PIA) is a mainstreaming tool which requires government departments, local authorities and state agencies to assess the likely impact of policies and programmes (at their design, implementation and review stages) on the eradication of poverty . The Combat Poverty Agency (CPA) has been working with a number of local authorities on applying the new guidelines at the local level .

Access to quality work and learning opportunities, particularly for lone parents and people with disabilities

(pp 21–23)

Introduction of a new active case management approach that will support those on long-term social welfare into education, training and employment . This includes enhanced access to and provision of vocational training for adults from disadvantaged communities, including those in rural areas with particular emphasis on basic literacy, numeracy and IT skills and counselling services to those on literacy and language learning programmes

Increase in child income support and structured payments to remove employment disincentives . An increase of 100,000 childcare places is foreseen by 2015


Social inclusion of immigrants

(p 24)

An Office of the Minister for Integration has been established together with the publication of an integration strategy focusing on facilitating participation in employment, improving access to services at national and local level including education and training, income support, health and language training for immigrants


Access to quality services, with a focus on the homeless

(pp 25–30)

List of comprehensive measures covering education, employment, health care, housing, homelessness and income support including: out-of-hours GP services; an increase in the number of primary healthcare teams; enhanced day care services and home care packages; Rural Transport Programme to develop community-based transport and improve social participation and all-Ireland Free Travel Scheme for senior residents

Programmes RAPID (€9 .3m) and CLAR (€21 .1m) will tackle rural and urban disadvantage .

An extensive consultation process began in 2005 upon which the current NSR is largely based . The annual Social Inclusion Forum is an ongoing opportunity for poor people (or groups representing them) to participate in the process . The cabinet committee on social inclusion (chaired by the Prime Minister) is responsible for coordinating the implementation of social inclusion policy whereas the Office for Social Inclusion is responsible for its day-to-day monitoring . In addition, a working group has been established to create a data matrix containing indicators for each goal, target and action in the NAP . In July 2007 the social inclusion unit programme was extended to include nine more local authorities . The role of the units is to promote and facilitate the involvement of the local authorities in tackling social exclusion in a cohesive manner and in co-operation with other relevant agencies at local level . Social Inclusion Monitoring (SIM) groups (representative of local public agencies) and local development groups have also been established by each County and City Development Board to improve coordination of social inclusion activities at local level . Other programmes to enhance policy coordination at the local level include the “Integrated services and Interventions for Children” programme .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MembersTom Mulherin, Assistant Secretary GeneralDept . of Social and Family AffairsStore StreetDublin 1, IrelandTel: +353 1 704 35 17E-mail: tom .mulherin[at]welfare .ie

Anne McmanusDept . of Social and Family AffairsStore StreetDublin 1, IrelandTel: +353 1 704 38 81E-mail: anne .mcmanus[at]welfare .ie

ireland



Extreme poverty and homeless people

(pp 29–30)

Introduction of a shopping card for very poor people (paying for food, utilities, discounts), plans to link this card with accessing other services (for example allowances)

National programme to combat homelessness and extreme poverty (register of homeless people that would enable them to access services to which they are entitled)

Establishing guidelines to compare poverty between urban areas

Establish a national round table on social inclusion similar to the round table at EU level, that would include local authorities and other stakeholders

Measures in the field of combating homelessness (registration of homeless people) will be implemented jointly by national, regional and local authorities, using the experience of local monitoring units (funded by local authorities and the EU) . Thus far the programme has been implemented in several large municipalities but may be rolled out across the country through an agreement with the Union of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) .

A plan for supporting low income households

(p 30)

National plan for public housing aiming at increasing the public housing stock and improving the existing one, and urban regeneration projects (specific focus on low-income households, the elderly, people facing eviction, students in rented accommodation)

Shopping card (see above) and improvement of network of local services available to low income households and households with children

The national plan for public housing stresses to the need to invest in integrated urban regeneration projects .

A plan for citizens growing up

(pp 31–33)

Action plan for children (2008–2010) that will include comprehensive support to children and families in such fields as education or employment but also child abuse/exploitation

Improvement of fostering services

Increasing the availability of childcare places, especially in regions where this availability is low

In the field of fostering services, regional coordination boards are to collect information on the local reality and launch new initiatives based on this knowledge . Local authorities are also responsible for providing childcare services and the indicators to monitor the measures aimed at increasing the number of childcare facilities include local authorities .

A plan for the integration of immigrants, Roma and Sinti people

(pp 33–34)

Measures focusing on improving knowledge of Italian language (especially among children of newly arrived immigrants), promoting access to employment (especially among immigrant women, through job placements and training programmes) and access to housing (renewing of housing stock, urban regeneration schemes, increasing housing stock)

Mapping the situation of Roma, Sinti and Traveller communities by identifying local facilities and services available to these communities, as well as local inclusion projects

Exchange of experience in the field of working with Roma between Italy and Western Balkans

Local authorities are mentioned in the context of urban regeneration schemes, as well as with regard to gathering local experience in combating exclusion of Roma and Sinti and exchange of experiences between European regions .


Child Poverty

(pp 19–21)

A National Childcare Strategy has been designed to provide for early childhood development and care . This includes an action plan to reduce educational exclusion including measures to ensure access to school meals and books (commensurate to a child’s level of disadvantage); home/school/community liaison services and a range of supports under the School Completion Programme

The Poverty Impact Assessment (PIA) is a mainstreaming tool which requires government departments, local authorities and state agencies to assess the likely impact of policies and programmes (at their design, implementation and review stages) on the eradication of poverty . The Combat Poverty Agency (CPA) has been working with a number of local authorities on applying the new guidelines at the local level .

Access to quality work and learning opportunities, particularly for lone parents and people with disabilities

(pp 21–23)

Introduction of a new active case management approach that will support those on long-term social welfare into education, training and employment . This includes enhanced access to and provision of vocational training for adults from disadvantaged communities, including those in rural areas with particular emphasis on basic literacy, numeracy and IT skills and counselling services to those on literacy and language learning programmes

Increase in child income support and structured payments to remove employment disincentives . An increase of 100,000 childcare places is foreseen by 2015


Social inclusion of immigrants

(p 24)

An Office of the Minister for Integration has been established together with the publication of an integration strategy focusing on facilitating participation in employment, improving access to services at national and local level including education and training, income support, health and language training for immigrants


Access to quality services, with a focus on the homeless

(pp 25–30)

List of comprehensive measures covering education, employment, health care, housing, homelessness and income support including: out-of-hours GP services; an increase in the number of primary healthcare teams; enhanced day care services and home care packages; Rural Transport Programme to develop community-based transport and improve social participation and all-Ireland Free Travel Scheme for senior residents

Programmes RAPID (€9 .3m) and CLAR (€21 .1m) will tackle rural and urban disadvantage .

The NAP was prepared in consultation with regional and local authorities, as well as with the NGOs and social partners . The NAP stresses the need for a suitable framework for cooperation between all government levels, in particular through ensuring permanent round tables between all levels of government, as well as through defining basic standards of provision of public services at all levels . The NAP also mentions the “North-South divide” with differences in poverty rates that have no equivalent elsewhere in Europe .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MembersRaffaele TangorraMinistero Solidarietà, Senior EconomistPrime Minister’s Office, Department of Economic AffairsVia Barberini 38, 00187 Rome, ItalyTel: +39 06 36 75 4457E-mail: rtangorra[at]lavoro .gov .it

Giovanni GeroldiDirettore Generale Politiche PrevidenzialiMinistero del LavoroVia Flavia 6, 00187 Rome, ItalyTel: +39 06 46832431E-mail: ggeroldi[at]lavoro .gov .it

iTaly



To facilitate more efficient participation and inclusion in the labour market

(pp 30–31)

Improve the quality, volume and take up of primary vocational education programmes

Enhanced vocational orientation and career guidance (private tutorials) in vocational and Higher Education institutions in cooperation with employers

To this end, a new national education database has been created: www .niid .lv

Improved child care services and opportunities for short-term employment and the promotion of entrepreneurship and rehabilitation programmes


To improve income support systems

(pp 32–33)

A wide range of measures to support low-income families, poor and aged people including: an increase in the minimum wage and in the threshold for the exemption of income tax, thereby raising the number of eligible people; an increase in the minimum income benefit and subsidised lunches during the first year for pupils in primary school

Maintaining a guarantee fund for people who continue to study after secondary education

Introduction of pension supplements

An agreement was made between the Ministry of Welfare and the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments on the increase in the minimum wage .

In 2008, local governments’ budgets for housing benefits increased from 24% to 28% .

To promote access to qualitative services

(pp 34–37)

Improvement of educational opportunities for vulnerable groups including the Roma, young people, immigrants and asylum seekers

Tailoring of lifelong learning opportunities for targeted groups (e .g . E-studies for disable people and work experience in a range of professions for unemployed people with secondary education)

Improvement of services, quality and accessibility of child care institutions . Better services and access to family support centres

The continuation of subsides for the construction of social housing and financial assistance to specific groups – allocated to local authorities to improve access to affordable/social housing

Increase in the new youth initiative centres established in local municipalities (10 new centres were set up in 2007) where counselling on voluntary work and informal education is available . An increase in salary for social workers has facilitated the recruitment capacity of municipalities .

Improvement of the family support system in local municipalities – in 2008 a pilot project was implemented to strengthen the coordination of the system for children, parents, state employees and employees of local governments .

The 2008–2010 stategy was developed by the Ministry of Welfare together with the Social Inclusion Policy Coordination Committee . This committee includes NGOs that represent vulnerable groups of the population, local authorities, third sector organisations, the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments and the Parliament . This group will also monitor implementation of the new strategy . Seminars on the content of the report and challenges it seeks to address are foreseen to help inform all stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of the social inclusion policy . The main targets include the Lisbon employment target (70% by 2010) and increasing the percentage of students in vocational education .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MembersMs . Sandra BaltinaMinistry of Welfare28 Skolas iela, Riga LV-1331 LatviaTel: +371 7021612 E-mail: Sandra .Baltina[at]lm .gov .lv

Ms . Jana MuiznieceMinistry of Welfare28 Skolas iela, Riga LV-1331 LatviaTel: +371 7021551E-mail: Jana .Muizniece[at]lm .gov .lv

laTvia



To facilitate more efficient participation and inclusion in the labour market

(pp 30–31)

Improve the quality, volume and take up of primary vocational education programmes

Enhanced vocational orientation and career guidance (private tutorials) in vocational and Higher Education institutions in cooperation with employers

To this end, a new national education database has been created: www .niid .lv

Improved child care services and opportunities for short-term employment and the promotion of entrepreneurship and rehabilitation programmes


To improve income support systems

(pp 32–33)

A wide range of measures to support low-income families, poor and aged people including: an increase in the minimum wage and in the threshold for the exemption of income tax, thereby raising the number of eligible people; an increase in the minimum income benefit and subsidised lunches during the first year for pupils in primary school

Maintaining a guarantee fund for people who continue to study after secondary education

Introduction of pension supplements

An agreement was made between the Ministry of Welfare and the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments on the increase in the minimum wage .

In 2008, local governments’ budgets for housing benefits increased from 24% to 28% .

To promote access to qualitative services

(pp 34–37)

Improvement of educational opportunities for vulnerable groups including the Roma, young people, immigrants and asylum seekers

Tailoring of lifelong learning opportunities for targeted groups (e .g . E-studies for disable people and work experience in a range of professions for unemployed people with secondary education)

Improvement of services, quality and accessibility of child care institutions . Better services and access to family support centres

The continuation of subsides for the construction of social housing and financial assistance to specific groups – allocated to local authorities to improve access to affordable/social housing

Increase in the new youth initiative centres established in local municipalities (10 new centres were set up in 2007) where counselling on voluntary work and informal education is available . An increase in salary for social workers has facilitated the recruitment capacity of municipalities .

Improvement of the family support system in local municipalities – in 2008 a pilot project was implemented to strengthen the coordination of the system for children, parents, state employees and employees of local governments .


Eradication of child poverty and strengthening family assistance

(pp 36–37)

Eradication of child poverty and strengthening children’s rights through numerous government programmes (funded by the State budget and EU funds): access to services for children and families, measures for orphans and children in institutional care, child allowances scheme, programme for getting young people back into education, prevention of violence, and measures aimed at improving pre-school education, assistance to children whose parents emigrated

Support for disadvantaged families and families at risk

National Strategy on the Demographic (Population) Policy (ensure better targeting of family allowances, increasing allowances for large families, information campaigns on men and women’s roles)

2008–2010 Programme for the development of a Social Accommodation Fund (right to social housing for families)

The NAP stresses that regional and local authorities play a role in bringing forward proposals and implementing some of the measures within the scope of their competences but no further details are given .

Increasing participation in the labour market

(pp 36–40)

Active labour market policies to ensure a better link between labour force supply and demand, improving services for businesses, promoting urban and rural development (especially supporting entrepreneurship in rural areas), developing lifelong learning opportunities, ensuring better correspondence between labour market training and basic vocational education, measures aimed at supporting entrepreneurship (especially among young people and women), encouraging the return of emigrants

Supporting employment and participation of vulnerable groups through improving services available to them and combating discrimination (with focus on the elderly, women, immigrants and Roma), increasing digital inclusion

The NAP stresses that regional and local authorities play a role in bringing forward proposals and implementing some of the measures within the scope of their competences . One of the measures envisaged under this objective is to ensure ‘smooth urban development’, but no further details are given .

Improving the access to services

(pp 42–45)

Developing quality standards for social care applicable to all providers

Developing specialised services for specific target groups, such as people with disabilities, people released from prison, foreigners and refugees, victims of domestic violence (especially women)

Developing a Social Support Information System to gather data on social welfare recipients

Increasing participation of vulnerable groups in culture, sport and community life

The NAP envisages creating a network of social services at municipal and regional levels to provide services for the most vulnerable groups The delivery of services will be supported by the Social Support Information System which will be developed further so that municipalities can use it . In addition, there are plans to improve qualifications of social workers at municipal level .

The NAP stresses the importance of mainstreaming good practice from various initiatives, such as the EU programme EQUAL, in order to improve policies and to better involve local governments and communities .

The NAP was prepared by a working group composed of representatives of national and local governments and NGOs . Public and private sector organisations were invited to submit proposals regarding the goals and measures of the NAP, and a web survey was launched . The working group is also responsible for monitoring the implementation of the NAP and coordinates the policies between different ministerial departments and between various levels of government .

contact details of the nSr coordinatorsMs Rita ZemaityteDeputy Director of the International Affairs Department Ministry of Social Security and LabourA .Vivulskio str . 11, LT-03610 Vilnius, LithuaniaTel: +370 5 2664 298E-mail: rzemaityte[at]socmin .lt

Ms Grazina JalinskieneHead of Unit of Social Inclusion DivisionMinistry of Social Security and LabourA .Vivulskio str . 11, LT-03610 Vilnius, LithuaniaTel: +370 5 2668 1262E-mail: gjalinskiene[at]socmin .lt

liThUania



Ensuring children’s wellbeing (particularly immigrant children)

(pp 32–33)

Increase in families’ income level through a range of measures including a voucher scheme that entitles families to a certain number of hours in a childcare centre . This will be facilitated by support in the form of parental assistance and complemented by efforts to create more jobs for women

By 2010 children at risk of social exclusion will be entitled to ten hours of educational support per week provided by childcare centres (MREs) .

Targets have been set for developing the care and social-educational support offered by MREs by the year 2015, including among others: the establishment of an MRE in every municipality and ensuring that MREs in 75% of municipalities offer afternoon care .

Encouraging young people and older workers to enter the labour market

(pp 33–35)

Extension of the career guidance services provided by the Employment Administration (ADEM)

Assistance and support for young people who leave school without qualifications

Introduction of an “activation agreement” to jobseekers under the age of 30 . This ‘work support contract’ is designed to encourage both young people and work providers to be proactive in their employment/recruitment practices

Individual training leave for aged employees

Under the ‘work support contract’, a young jobseeker is placed with a state or municipal work provider for practical and theory-based work to help him or her join/return to the labour market . Workplace mentors play a key role in this scheme .

Modernising social assistance

(pp 36–38)

Given the scale of the administrative reorganisation at the local level, the modernised social-assistance system will not be operational until 1 January 2010

New legislation sees the consolidation of small municipalities’ (with less than 6,000 inhabitants) social welfare offices into regional service centres with at least one social worker and administrative staff; harmonised operating methods with a one-stop-shop approach; enhanced quality, efficiency and transparency of social services

The regional service centres will have the power to determine the amount and nature of assistance it plans to allocate, taking account of the specific circumstances of its locality . The State will cover 50% of costs of the provision of assistance (including staff costs); the remaining 50% will be payable by the municipalities in which the respective welfare offices operate .

Facilitating access to housing, particularly for the most vulnerable groups

(pp 38–41)

The new ‘Social Estate Agency’ (AIS) structure will be responsible for this priority . It aims to promote social inclusion through ‘rent top-ups’ in order to prevent tenants from being priced out of a given area

The AIS will identify suitable properties for rent and act as an intermediary between landlord and tenant in the preparation and management of rental agreements, specifically targeting low-income households and groups at risk of social exclusion because of mental, social or physical conditions

SYVICOL, the Union of Towns and Municipalities of Luxembourg, is responsible for supporting the work of the AIS (and overseeing its future development) in cooperation with various agencies, including the public housing promoter (Fonds du Logement) .

In cooperation with a number of municipal authorities, the preparation of the NAP 2008–2010 saw a series of ‘Participatory Social Inclusion Meetings’ (Rencontres Participatives pour l’Inclusion Sociale or REPIS) . With the aim of improving dialogue between practitioners, socially marginalised people and politicians, these meetings were attended by the Minister for the Middle Classes, Tourism and Housing (MIFA) as well as a number of MPs . The conclusions of this meeting and the demands of the REPIS are then sent to MIFA and the Interior Ministry which is tasked with coordinating the inclusion process . The impact of these meetings is manifest in the current NAP; the creation of a social real estate agency (the AIS, which is under the direction of the federation of municipalities) was the direct result of a proposal made by APN-Lëtzebuerg (the organisation responsible for organizing the stakeholder meetings) . Local and regional social welfare offices will receive a data-collection system by the national administration that will enable them to record the nature, extent and distribution of applications for social assistance as well as the types of assistance provided and their impact .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MembersRaymond WagenerInspection Generale de la Securite SocialeB .P . 1308, 1308 LuxembourgTel: +352 247 863 66 E-mail: raymond .wagener[at]igss .etat .lu

Brigitte WeinandyMinistère de la Famille et de l’IntégrationService national d’action sociale12–14 Avenue Emile Reuter, 2420 LuxembourgTel: +352 247 836 53 E-mail: brigitte .weinandy[at]fm .etat .lu

lUxeMBoUrg



Enhancing social inclusion prospects of children and young persons

(pp 24–26)

Reform of the education system (covering a wide array of measures, from investing in education infrastructure, through teaching of teachers and trainers, to promoting inclusive education)

Developing after-school activities in order to enhance informal learning (sport, art, but also a national policy on accrediting informal and non-formal learning)

Measures aimed at promoting youth employment (developing services of Public Employment Services targeted at young people, improving guidance and counselling)

Access to affordable housing for young people (young couples, but also those leaving care)

Improving services targeted at children (screening programmes, support for families, more community based resources and empowerment centres)

Improving policies targeted at families


Rights, interests and responsibilities

(pp 26–27)

Community mobilisation and awareness raising on children’s rights, review of the Juvenile Justice System, review of the National Youth Policy

Consolidation of services targeted at substance misusers


Promoting active inclusion

(pp 27–29)

Adequate income support: review of social security system, subsidies for utilities (water and energy)

Access to inclusive labour market: review and improvement of the existing employment schemes, introducing new measures, such as the Social Inclusion Partnership Programme (specialised and individualised support for various groups), investing in education and skills at all levels (from jobseekers to universities and research centres)

Access to quality services: strengthening work-life balance measures and consolidation of family-friendly measures, facilitating access to social welfare services by improving administrative procedures, improving effectiveness of social services

Local authorities, along with the NGOs, are mentioned as potential applicants for EU funding for projects aiming at strengthening the voluntary sector . The NAP also stresses the need to develop more community-based services, especially in such fields as health care, social welfare services, services for people with disabilities and mental health patients .

Promoting equal opportunities

(pp 30–31)

Combating discrimination through legislation and improvement of services towards disabled people, as well as through awareness raising campaigns

Promoting the integration of third country nationals through developing new and/or better services targeted at refugees and migrants, developing knowledge base on the situation of migrants (mainly in relation to employment)

Mainstreaming social inclusion and anti-discrimination issues through strengthening administrative structures that deal with social inclusion and increase user involvement through more consultation



Ensuring children’s wellbeing (particularly immigrant children)

(pp 32–33)

Increase in families’ income level through a range of measures including a voucher scheme that entitles families to a certain number of hours in a childcare centre . This will be facilitated by support in the form of parental assistance and complemented by efforts to create more jobs for women

By 2010 children at risk of social exclusion will be entitled to ten hours of educational support per week provided by childcare centres (MREs) .

Targets have been set for developing the care and social-educational support offered by MREs by the year 2015, including among others: the establishment of an MRE in every municipality and ensuring that MREs in 75% of municipalities offer afternoon care .

Encouraging young people and older workers to enter the labour market

(pp 33–35)

Extension of the career guidance services provided by the Employment Administration (ADEM)

Assistance and support for young people who leave school without qualifications

Introduction of an “activation agreement” to jobseekers under the age of 30 . This ‘work support contract’ is designed to encourage both young people and work providers to be proactive in their employment/recruitment practices

Individual training leave for aged employees

Under the ‘work support contract’, a young jobseeker is placed with a state or municipal work provider for practical and theory-based work to help him or her join/return to the labour market . Workplace mentors play a key role in this scheme .

Modernising social assistance

(pp 36–38)

Given the scale of the administrative reorganisation at the local level, the modernised social-assistance system will not be operational until 1 January 2010

New legislation sees the consolidation of small municipalities’ (with less than 6,000 inhabitants) social welfare offices into regional service centres with at least one social worker and administrative staff; harmonised operating methods with a one-stop-shop approach; enhanced quality, efficiency and transparency of social services

The regional service centres will have the power to determine the amount and nature of assistance it plans to allocate, taking account of the specific circumstances of its locality . The State will cover 50% of costs of the provision of assistance (including staff costs); the remaining 50% will be payable by the municipalities in which the respective welfare offices operate .

Facilitating access to housing, particularly for the most vulnerable groups

(pp 38–41)

The new ‘Social Estate Agency’ (AIS) structure will be responsible for this priority . It aims to promote social inclusion through ‘rent top-ups’ in order to prevent tenants from being priced out of a given area

The AIS will identify suitable properties for rent and act as an intermediary between landlord and tenant in the preparation and management of rental agreements, specifically targeting low-income households and groups at risk of social exclusion because of mental, social or physical conditions

SYVICOL, the Union of Towns and Municipalities of Luxembourg, is responsible for supporting the work of the AIS (and overseeing its future development) in cooperation with various agencies, including the public housing promoter (Fonds du Logement) .

The NAP was prepared by a working group composed of Directors for Policy Development and Programme Implementation within the Ministry for Social Policy and ancillary staff, the permanent SPC Representative, the Director for EU Affairs, the Director General of the Social Security Division (all from the same Ministry) and an NGO representative . The group is chaired by an academic from the University of Malta . Policy Development and Programme Implementation Directorates also organised a series of focus groups involving groups at risk but also service providers, also on Gozo Island, in order to grasp regional specificities (p .33) . Both Directorates plan to liaise regularly with regional and local governments in implementing social inclusion policy .

contact details of the nSr coordinatorDr Miriam Dalmas MD, MSc (Public Health), MBADirector Policy Development, EU and International Affairs (Health), Strategy and Sustainability DivisionMinistry for Social Policy15, Merchants str ., VallettaMalta, VLT 2000Tel: +356 22992405E-mail: miriam .dalmas[at]gov .mt

MalTa



Increasing participation through the acceptance of work, schooling and voluntary schemes

(19–26)

Introduction of an income-related tax credit and an increase in the supplementary tax credit which is now income-dependent . Legislation for a compulsory combined work and learning scheme has been proposed to prevent youth unemployment and early school-leaving . Such measures have been agreed in cooperation with the Association of Dutch municipalities (VNG)

The availability of micro-credits for entrepreneurs has been increased

Consultation of local authorities via G4, G27 and VNG, EUROCITIES seminar, municipal cooperation with organisations of the ‘National Empowered Neighbourhoods Alliance’ on sports programmes aimed at disadvantaged children .

Municipal action plans (Actieplan Krachtwijken) are foreseen over the next decade in 40 deprived neighbourhoods . These plans have five focal areas: living, working, learning/growing up, integration and safety; they also contain measures to improve the take-up of benefits, tackle indebtedness and increase children’s participation, particularly by increasing the number of community schools . They involve physical developments (restructuring, demolition etc) and social measures . The majority of municipalities also have a social relief action plan (Municipal Compass) to prevent homelessness .

Combating poverty and promoting participation among children and young people

(26–32)

Temporary wage cost subsidy to employers when they employ people in a “step-up” job

Introduction of a child allowance (instead of child tax credit) to increase the income of families with more than one child

Diversity in Youth Policy . Municipalities and migrant organisations are involved in this process

Municipalities will be able to give extra financial support to low-income families; those with children in full-time education will receive further support, in the form of provisions (e .g . computers and sport club memberships) . To encourage sustainable labour market participation, people aged 18–27 will no longer be entitled to social assistance benefits . Municipalities are obliged to give young people applying for benefits a personal offer consisting of work and/or training . The provision of Dutch language classes for migrants also falls under the remit of municipalities .

Encouraging the take up of benefits

(32–35)

The conditions under which the long-term minimum income allowance can be granted are now determined by municipalities (instead of national government)

Simplification of application procedure: applications can now be submitted online (‘www .berekenuwrecht .nl’) and potential applicants can calculate whether they are eligible for national and municipal income support

Municipalities have formed intervention teams which use a personalised approach to assist people in their application for income support . Many municipalities use the food banks to identify those who are eligible but have not applied for benefits and also assist them in applying for schemes .

Tackling indebtedness

(p 35–37)

The rules for credit advertisement are now more stringent and the fines for non-compliance have been increased

Improvements in the quality and provision of debt counselling (they are part of the social relief action plans of municipalities) across sectors including housing corporations, debt counselling organisations and municipalities

Free telephone numbers and freepost letters are provided by the municipality for people applying for municipal schemes

Better data-sharing between municipalities and tax authorities

Local authorities are responsible for the re-integration and participation of disadvantaged groups; to ensure that participation policy remains coherent, the existing budgets for reintegration, civic integration and adult education will be combined from 1 January 2009 onwards .

A new target for early detection of indebtedness has been set, increasing the remit of the municipal banks (‘Volkskredietbank’) . The banks are key actors in to combating indebtedness, offering a range of services including the provision of affordable credit (including loans of up to €4,000) and individual advice .

A broad range of stakeholders, including municipalities and organisations in daily contact with groups at high risk of poverty (e .g . the municipal credit bank and social housing associations) as well as NGOs and people living in poverty were involved in the development of the NAP . Focus group meetings were held throughout the consultation process, the results and impact of which are included in the plan itself . This led to administrative agreements between the national government and other stakeholders (particularly municipalities) on the scope of the NSR in the areas of youth participation, fighting illiteracy and dealing with problematic debts . This is reflected in the depth of municipalities’ involvement in the implementation of social policies and the monitoring of their impact . For example, the Work and Benefits Core Card allows municipalities or regions to assess their performance against national indicators . The Interdepartmental Work Group (the ‘WIK’) on Income and Remission Policy has made a proposal to broaden the policy freedom of municipalities, provinces and district water boards so that these authorities have the power to reduce the level of local tax levies .

contact details of the naP coordinatorHeidi de Bodt-KloosterzielPolicy advisor poverty and social inclusionSpecific Reintegration and Activation DepartmentDirectorate for Reintegration and ParticipationMinistry of Social Affairs and EmploymentPO Box 908012509 LV The Hague, Netherlands Tel: +31 70 333 5912 E-mail: HdBodt[at]minszw .nl

neTherlandS



Counteracting poverty and social exclusion of children and youth

(pp 23–28)

Improvement of family income – vocational activation of parents, tax breaks, better support for children by the welfare benefit system

Care services for children and dependants directed at people who want to return to the labour market following maternity leave

Developing more services for families through family assistants

Facilitating access to education – promoting pre-school education, lowering mandatory school age to 6, education allowances for children from poor families, in-kind support (school meals), bonuses, grants for gifted students, improving access to education and culture for children in rural areas

Local self-governments are responsible for support to foster families (322 programmes at local level were selected for support from the Ministry: 139 municipalities and 183 counties) .

Local self governments are responsible for the organisation of day centres for children at local level (also providing services for parents) and for support kindergartens .

Local self governments and NGOs implement some additional programmes (textbooks, safety at school programmes) .

Services for families are coordinated at regional level but work of family assistants is carried out at municipal level with support of interdisciplinary teams .

Integration through activation

(pp 28–32)

Supporting the social economy through the creation of 40 centres providing services for the social economy sector and establishing a task force within the Ministry that would be responsible for developing the strategy for social economy, support for social integration clubs and centres and social cooperatives

Developing tools for active inclusion (e .g . social integration models at local level, new and better tools and instruments for social work, public works, vocational training)

(Re)integration services for migrants returning to Poland

Integration schemes for people with disabilities – legislation review, employment support, educational offer, guidance and counselling

Local self governments, in partnerships with NGOs, are the main providers of activation measures within the social economy sector .

Local self governments will be included in the Ministry task force that will support the institutionalisation of social economy .

Developing models of social integration will involve legislative changes facilitating cooperation between public employment and social welfare services, especially at local level . In addition, pilot regeneration projects are planned in municipalities and urban areas (local partnerships) between 2008 and 2010 .

Local self governments can apply for grants to organise public works (vocational integration measures) .

Access to high-quality social services

(pp 32–39)

Improvement of the quality of schools: curriculum reform, modernisation of the vocational education and training system and promoting lifelong learning

Development of social housing

Preventing substance and alcohol abuse

Development of services for the elderly – knowledge base and information exchange, education initiatives, capacity building initiatives for nurses and carers .

Prevention of domestic violence

Development of free legal assistance

Further training for social and health care workers, probation officers, police and school counsellors, creating interdisciplinary teams to support families at risk of violence

Regional and local authorities are members of the Assessment Advisory Group appointed by the Ministry of Education to prepare the basis for reform of the vocational education and training system .

There are legislative changes envisaged in 2009 that will allow municipalities to make more flexible decisions under their housing strategies .

Prevention programmes for substance misusers will be carried out in cooperation with local authorities .

Plans for introducing senior councils (advisory board composed of representatives of older people) within local self government to inform local policy .

Local Family Assistance Centres provide legal assistance (free of charge) and counselling to families in need for support regardless of their income, in areas such as family and guardianship law, social security, protection of tenants’ rights . In the case of metropolitan areas, this is carried out by the social assistance centres (as a task assigned by the central administration) .


Increasing participation through the acceptance of work, schooling and voluntary schemes

(19–26)

Introduction of an income-related tax credit and an increase in the supplementary tax credit which is now income-dependent . Legislation for a compulsory combined work and learning scheme has been proposed to prevent youth unemployment and early school-leaving . Such measures have been agreed in cooperation with the Association of Dutch municipalities (VNG)

The availability of micro-credits for entrepreneurs has been increased

Consultation of local authorities via G4, G27 and VNG, EUROCITIES seminar, municipal cooperation with organisations of the ‘National Empowered Neighbourhoods Alliance’ on sports programmes aimed at disadvantaged children .

Municipal action plans (Actieplan Krachtwijken) are foreseen over the next decade in 40 deprived neighbourhoods . These plans have five focal areas: living, working, learning/growing up, integration and safety; they also contain measures to improve the take-up of benefits, tackle indebtedness and increase children’s participation, particularly by increasing the number of community schools . They involve physical developments (restructuring, demolition etc) and social measures . The majority of municipalities also have a social relief action plan (Municipal Compass) to prevent homelessness .

Combating poverty and promoting participation among children and young people

(26–32)

Temporary wage cost subsidy to employers when they employ people in a “step-up” job

Introduction of a child allowance (instead of child tax credit) to increase the income of families with more than one child

Diversity in Youth Policy . Municipalities and migrant organisations are involved in this process

Municipalities will be able to give extra financial support to low-income families; those with children in full-time education will receive further support, in the form of provisions (e .g . computers and sport club memberships) . To encourage sustainable labour market participation, people aged 18–27 will no longer be entitled to social assistance benefits . Municipalities are obliged to give young people applying for benefits a personal offer consisting of work and/or training . The provision of Dutch language classes for migrants also falls under the remit of municipalities .

Encouraging the take up of benefits

(32–35)

The conditions under which the long-term minimum income allowance can be granted are now determined by municipalities (instead of national government)

Simplification of application procedure: applications can now be submitted online (‘www .berekenuwrecht .nl’) and potential applicants can calculate whether they are eligible for national and municipal income support

Municipalities have formed intervention teams which use a personalised approach to assist people in their application for income support . Many municipalities use the food banks to identify those who are eligible but have not applied for benefits and also assist them in applying for schemes .

Tackling indebtedness

(p 35–37)

The rules for credit advertisement are now more stringent and the fines for non-compliance have been increased

Improvements in the quality and provision of debt counselling (they are part of the social relief action plans of municipalities) across sectors including housing corporations, debt counselling organisations and municipalities

Free telephone numbers and freepost letters are provided by the municipality for people applying for municipal schemes

Better data-sharing between municipalities and tax authorities

Local authorities are responsible for the re-integration and participation of disadvantaged groups; to ensure that participation policy remains coherent, the existing budgets for reintegration, civic integration and adult education will be combined from 1 January 2009 onwards .

A new target for early detection of indebtedness has been set, increasing the remit of the municipal banks (‘Volkskredietbank’) . The banks are key actors in to combating indebtedness, offering a range of services including the provision of affordable credit (including loans of up to €4,000) and individual advice .

The NAP was prepared by an interdepartmental working group at ministerial level that carried out several consultation events with NGOs, experts, and representatives of local and regional governments . In addition, EUROCITIES and the Union of Polish Metropolises organised a seminar that gathered city representatives and a representative of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy . The conclusions from this meeting were submitted to the Ministry as cities’ input to the NAP .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MemberOlga SoszynskaMinistry of Labour and Social Policy,Department for Economic Analyses and ForecastingUl . Nowogrodzka 1/3/500-513 Warszawa, PolandTel: +4822 661 11 61Email: Olga .Baczkowska[at]mpips .gov .pl

Poland



Child and elderly poverty

(pp 31–34)

Increase the minimum monthly wage by 24% by 2010

Improving access to affordable housing

Provide school transport pass for students aged 4–18

Hiring more vulnerable citizens

Network of Social Emergency Services, 24 hour Health Help Line

Support, information and counselling for citizens facing indebtedness

Improving monetary benefits and expanding access to social facilities .

Increasing the number of childcare facilities and longer opening hours

Subsidised textbooks and school meals Increase in the number of elderly homes

Tax benefits for families with young children under the age of three

Reduction of the maximum municipal property tax rate

Correcting the disadvantages in education and training/qualification

(34–36)

Foster care

Guarantee generalised access to pre-school education for children aged 3–5

Promotion of educational/training courses, alongside the certification of informal courses

Introduction and reinforcement of Student Support Offices in every educational institution

Centres for Digital Inclusion – Choices Programme

Creation of Specialised Technological Courses

Expansion of IT facilities and access, particularly at schools


Overcoming discrimination, reinforcing the integration of specific groups (disabled persons, immigrants and ethnic minorities)

(pp 36–39)

Raft of measures focusing on access to services and facilities, Institutional capacity building and citizen rights

Creation of Long-term Care Units for mental health

Revision of the system of special education in public schools

Resource Centres for Inclusion

Programme to support the placement of people with disabilities in the labour market

Legal assistance for people with disabilities

Call Centre aimed at migrants

Introduction of nationality counters in civil registrar offices

Portuguese language courses for foreigners

Support unit for victims of discrimination among immigrants and ethnic minorities

Training for agents working with Roma communities

Individual reintegration plans for homeless people and information and monitoring systems


The coordinating committee of the NAP 2008–2010 is the Platform for National Sectoral Plans for Strategic Planning and Sectoral Monitoring Focal Points . The Platform includes ministers responsible for various national action plans and the latter is made up of representative of local authorities, NGOs and the third sector . The Multi-District Platforms for Social Networks and the Local Social Networks are mutually reinforcing networks for partnership working used to implement the NAP – they are made up of local authorities, NGOs, charities etc . To further policy coordination between the local, regional and national level, efforts have been made to integrate the policy measures of the NAP into the Social Development Plans of the Local Social Networks . Social Development Local Contracts are used to identify areas in need of further resources, specifically in the form of funding for projects (including deprived urban areas; industrialised territories with low levels of qualifications etc) . Whilst the administration and management of these contracts is carried out at the national level, implementation is done in cooperation with the local social networks (pp 39–47) . A new model has been created to monitor the implementation and impact of the NAP and to take advantage of the Social Networks .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MembersJosé Baptista DinizDirector de Serviços de Cuidados deSaúde da Direccao-Geral da Saude do Ministério da SaúdeAlameda D . Alfonso Henriques, 45 – 41049-005 Lisbon, PortugalTel: +351 21 843 05 66E-mail: adiniz[at]dgs .pt

Luísa Guimaraes, Vice-presidente do ConsehloDirectivo do Instituto da Segurança socialRua Rosa Araújo, 431250-194 Lisbon, PortugalTel: +351 21 310 .20 .31E-mail: luisa .t .guimaraes[at]seg-social .pt

PorTUgal



Increasing employment levels for disadvantaged persons

(pp 23–25)

Social economy pilot projects and the provision of professional training programmes

National awareness campaign on Social Economy

Developing a National Resource Centre to provide counselling and support for new social economy initiatives

Developing and diversifying social services focusing on the integration of individuals (particularly disabled persons) into the labour market . This includes, for example, ‘assisted workshops’, which will help disabled persons find employment

No specific references are made to local authorities .

Promoting integrated family policies through a package of efficient social benefits and services measures

(pp 26–27)

Promoting women’s participation in the labour market by developing child care facilities and developing day-care centres

Improvements in the quality of and access to pre-school education

Access to affordable housing including subsidies for young families with low incomes

Support for families with dependent members (elderly and disabled people) through home assistance and day care services

Creation of community homes and care centres

Extracurricular activities (cultural, sporting) organised in schools

Health programmes to ensure maternal and child care addressing families, pregnant women and children under the age of 6, including multidisciplinary interventions (doctor, child welfare professional, psychologist, social worker etc .)


Continuation of efforts to improve the quality of life for Roma citizens

(pp 28–30)

Enabling access to primary health services by means of increasing the number of Roma people enlisted with family doctors

Continuing the training programmes and preparing sanitary mediators and school mediators

Improving educational participation of Roma, reduction of illiteracy and dropping out of school

Developing national programmes aiming at the inclusion in the formal economy by means of developing paid jobs and increasing professional skills

Anti-discrimination policies and campaigns

In 2008, the “Come closer: inclusion and exclusion of the Roma in today’s Romanian society” study was produced . This national study was based on a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the Roma communities as well as on questionnaires sent to all local authorities .


Child and elderly poverty

(pp 31–34)

Increase the minimum monthly wage by 24% by 2010

Improving access to affordable housing

Provide school transport pass for students aged 4–18

Hiring more vulnerable citizens

Network of Social Emergency Services, 24 hour Health Help Line

Support, information and counselling for citizens facing indebtedness

Improving monetary benefits and expanding access to social facilities .

Increasing the number of childcare facilities and longer opening hours

Subsidised textbooks and school meals Increase in the number of elderly homes

Tax benefits for families with young children under the age of three

Reduction of the maximum municipal property tax rate

Correcting the disadvantages in education and training/qualification

(34–36)

Foster care

Guarantee generalised access to pre-school education for children aged 3–5

Promotion of educational/training courses, alongside the certification of informal courses

Introduction and reinforcement of Student Support Offices in every educational institution

Centres for Digital Inclusion – Choices Programme

Creation of Specialised Technological Courses

Expansion of IT facilities and access, particularly at schools


Overcoming discrimination, reinforcing the integration of specific groups (disabled persons, immigrants and ethnic minorities)

(pp 36–39)

Raft of measures focusing on access to services and facilities, Institutional capacity building and citizen rights

Creation of Long-term Care Units for mental health

Revision of the system of special education in public schools

Resource Centres for Inclusion

Programme to support the placement of people with disabilities in the labour market

Legal assistance for people with disabilities

Call Centre aimed at migrants

Introduction of nationality counters in civil registrar offices

Portuguese language courses for foreigners

Support unit for victims of discrimination among immigrants and ethnic minorities

Training for agents working with Roma communities

Individual reintegration plans for homeless people and information and monitoring systems


The Ministry of Labour, Family and Equal Opportunities (MoLFEO) was responsible for drafting the NAP and oversees its implementation and monitoring with the support of the Social Observatory . In March 2007, the first meeting of the National Commission for Social Inclusion took place . Since then, the MoLFEO has organised a series of conferences on social inclusion which have included representatives of national ministries, local authorities, service providers and NGOs . This led to the creation of a cooperation protocol between the MoLFEO and the National Institute of Statistics and the development of 100 social indicators to be used for monitoring progress in the field of social inclusion . This has been complemented by the Phare Project which includes training modules for 100 professionals and the creation of the Social Observatory whose main mission is to provide information on the development of poverty and social exclusion . The main focus of the current NAP is on the modernisation of social inclusion mechanisms that will enable the coordination of social policies across the national, regional and local level . To this end, the NAP includes explicit goals to:1. increase inter-institutional cooperation in the field of social inclusion through a clear distribution of resources and responsibilities;2. promote public debates regarding priority themes related to social inclusion;3. support the local level in developing of social inclusion plans based on a needs assessment;4. provide training sessions for employees working in the social departments of local and national administrations .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MembersAdina DragotoiuMinistry of Labour, Family and Equal Opportunities2B Dem . I . Dobrescu StreetSector 1 010026 Bucarest, RomaniaTel: +40 21 31 46 937 E-mail: adinadragotoiu[at]mmuncii .ro

Ilena ColtanelMinistry of Labour, Family and Social Protection2B Dem . I . Dobrescu StreetSector 1 010026 Bucarest, RomaniaTel: +40 21 3100804E-mail: ilenastanica[at]mmuncii .ro

roMania



Reducing child poverty (inter-generational transmission) and support for families with children

(pp 30–34)

Improving access to and participation in education (particularly among the Roma) as well as reducing the number of children in institutional care

Introduction of a child care allowance for working parents of children less than three years old and a new benefit for children in need who comply with compulsory kindergarten and primary school attendance

No specific measure is announced to increase the low level of childcare provision

Local authorities will be involved in the implementation of this measure .

Improving the inclusion of vulnerable groups by enhancing the availability of public services and by developing local solutions to raise participation rates

(pp 34–39)

Producing tailor made solutions according to the needs and demands of a given locality

Developing a user-centred approach with legislation foreseen to introduce a system of community planning and the interlinking of social services and health care

Increase in the social housing stock and community centres

Further training for civil servants and employees working in the employment services department

‘Local Social Inclusion Partnerships’ (LSIPs) are independent local associations, made up of community representatives . Under each partnership, local Social Inclusion Action Plans are prepared with a focus on developing projects to increase the employment of marginalised groups . The main objectives of the LSIPs are to stimulate the local economy and find new approaches in furthering the cooperation of local communities with local and national governments, the private sector and NGOs .

Improving access to the labour market, with a focus on the most vulnerable groups

(pp 39–43)

A national flexicurity system will be created and the “Social Development Fund” has been set up to provide funding for social inclusion initiatives in impoverished regions (e .g . to support the development of social enterprises)

Targeted Professional Education, the aim of which is to improve the quality and efficiency of care services through the further education of civil servants

The goal of the “Establishment and Networking and Social Enterprises” project is to help disadvantaged job-seekers gain employment by creating favourable conditions for the development of social enterprises . By creating such a network, it will support municipalities in providing services to the local community, specifically in terms of job creation .

The preparation of the NSR was coordinated by a working group comprising representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and various other national ministries . In 2008, a new set of national indicators in the field of poverty and social exclusion was created and, to strengthen the coordination of social inclusion policies across all levels of administration, three monitoring committees were set up (for the Sectoral Operational Programme Human Resources, the Single Programming Document NUTS II Bratislava Objective 3 and the Single Programming Document of the EQUAL Community Initiative) . Convening every three months, the goal of these committees is to ensure equal representation and participation among central government, regional and local authorities, the business sector, NGOs and social partners . A European Commission representative is also invited to participate in these meetings . A website has been set up to raise awareness of social inclusion, specifically its European dimension (http://www .socialnainkluzia .gov .sk/si) .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MembersMr Miloslav HettesDirector General for International AffairsMinistry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family Špitálska 4–6816 43 Bratislava, SlovakiaTel: +421 2 5975 1614E-mail: miloslav .hettes[at]employment .gov

Ms Silvia GregorcovaDepartment of Social Inclusion and Assistance in Material NeedMinistry of Labour, Social Affairs and FamilyŠpitálska 4–6816 43 Bratislava, SlovakiaTel: +421 2 5975 1008E-mail: silvia .gregorcova[at]employment .gov .sk

SlovaKia



Providing adequate income support to vulnerable groups in order to prevent social exclusion

(pp 27–32)

Reviews to assess the adequacy and take up of income support among disabled persons and the elderly

Kindergarten will be available free of charge for the second and any subsequent child from the same family

A 50% reduction in the cost for kindergarten for children aged 3 and above

Subsidised school meals and scholarships (co-financed by the public and private sectors)

A review of the minimum income level to assess its adequacy

Increased income tax relief for the lowest tax brackets


Strengthening the labour market in the fight against poverty and social exclusion

(pp 32–34)

A raft of projects (funded by ESF) aim to improve access to employment and training opportunities for vulnerable groups through social forms of entrepreneurship, the promotion of equal opportunities and social inclusion among young people and raising public awareness of equal opportunities to discourage discriminatory employment practices


Providing access to social services of general interest in order to prevent social exclusion

(pp 34–39)

Introduction of a higher income ceiling for housing subsidies as well as the extension of its application to cover young families who are renting or renovating their apartment

Improved access to home-care services and a target to increase the number of users of this service from 5,000 to 9,000 . This includes the employment of disadvantage groups in providing help at home

Individual service packages for the elderly in the form of short-term accommodation up to six months and long-term accommodation thereafter

Increase in the number of day care places for disabled persons

Social assistance, counselling, planning and organisation of support are provided and financed by municipalities, whereas social care at home, residential care, training and work under special conditions fall under the remit of the regions .

Under a new financing system, municipalities are responsible for paying at least 50% of the total cost of home care services . In addition, due to the reduction in fees for child care, municipalities are concerned that the demand for kindergarten vacancies may increase, leaving them unable to provide adequate service provision . In this regard, the NAP recognises the need for better coordination of action between the national and local level .


Reducing child poverty (inter-generational transmission) and support for families with children

(pp 30–34)

Improving access to and participation in education (particularly among the Roma) as well as reducing the number of children in institutional care

Introduction of a child care allowance for working parents of children less than three years old and a new benefit for children in need who comply with compulsory kindergarten and primary school attendance

No specific measure is announced to increase the low level of childcare provision

Local authorities will be involved in the implementation of this measure .

Improving the inclusion of vulnerable groups by enhancing the availability of public services and by developing local solutions to raise participation rates

(pp 34–39)

Producing tailor made solutions according to the needs and demands of a given locality

Developing a user-centred approach with legislation foreseen to introduce a system of community planning and the interlinking of social services and health care

Increase in the social housing stock and community centres

Further training for civil servants and employees working in the employment services department

‘Local Social Inclusion Partnerships’ (LSIPs) are independent local associations, made up of community representatives . Under each partnership, local Social Inclusion Action Plans are prepared with a focus on developing projects to increase the employment of marginalised groups . The main objectives of the LSIPs are to stimulate the local economy and find new approaches in furthering the cooperation of local communities with local and national governments, the private sector and NGOs .

Improving access to the labour market, with a focus on the most vulnerable groups

(pp 39–43)

A national flexicurity system will be created and the “Social Development Fund” has been set up to provide funding for social inclusion initiatives in impoverished regions (e .g . to support the development of social enterprises)

Targeted Professional Education, the aim of which is to improve the quality and efficiency of care services through the further education of civil servants

The goal of the “Establishment and Networking and Social Enterprises” project is to help disadvantaged job-seekers gain employment by creating favourable conditions for the development of social enterprises . By creating such a network, it will support municipalities in providing services to the local community, specifically in terms of job creation .

The Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs coordinated the preparation of the report, which was presented and discussed at a public consultation event with representatives of the general public, local authorities, NGOs, providers of social assistance services, the national government etc . An evaluation group has been established to monitor the implementation of the NAP including representatives of social assistance services and programmes, civil society, national government ministries, a national expert and a representative from the national statistical office . This group is responsible for carrying out two annual evaluation reports, the first one in October 2009 and the second one a year later .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MembersMr Davor DominkusMinistry of Labour, Family and Social AffairsKotnikova 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Tel: +386 136 97 749 E-mail: davor .dominkus[at]gov .si

Mrs Jana LovsinMinistry of Labour, Family and Social AffairsKotnikova 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Tel: +386 1 369 76 00 E-mail: jana .lovsin[at]gov .si

Slovenia



Promoting active social inclusion

(pp 18–29)

The broad focus is on labour market participation, supporting minimum financial resources and improving the quality of education

Labour market: job insertion pathways (particularly for women and disabled persons) that offer continuous support tailored to user profiles and subsidies of €350 per month for unemployed people; subsidised child care and care for dependents; training agreements with employers and NGOs who recruit workers permanently following a training period . Programmes to further develop the social economy

Financial resources: a suite of measures including an increase in minimum contributory pensions and in the minimum wage (SMI) for the least qualified workers . Introduction of the Active Income for Insertion Programme

Education: Increased number of teachers in infant education

Grants to encourage those at risk of leaving school for financial reasons to continue with their studies

Support for companies who offer employment to people under the age of 24

New system of occupational certification and skills accreditation to facilitate the relationship between employment and further training for all age groups

Better access to education, particularly related to the teaching of ICT

Increasing the amount and types of financial support available for students at university and in secondary and vocational education

Increased allocation of financial resources to deliver/implement projects .

Addressing the impact of socio-demographic change on poverty and social exclusion

(pp 30–34)

The broad focus is on the social integration of immigrants and the provision and quality of social services for people in a situation of dependency

National Plan of citizenship and integration 2007–2010

Income tax subsidies for immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers

Enhanced services in temporary immigrant centres and Spanish language classes

Improved institutional coordination through the development of a cooperation framework between the autonomous regions

Support programmes for families with dependents

Programmes to improve the quality and number of places in residential care homes for the elderly and for the social integration of people with disabilities

Guaranteeing care in rural areas to enable people to remain in their local area

Increased financing to local entities to implement projects for the integration of immigrants, youth and specific programmes for the care of women and for family reunification .

Drafting of the NAP was coordinated by the Ministry of Education, Social Policy and Sport . The Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) participated in the preparation process as a member of the Special Commission for the NAP and is part of the Working Group on Indicators alongside representatives from several ministries (the key instrument responsible for evaluating the NAP) . A seminar was held with NGOs and government representatives (local, national and regional) in most of the autonomous regions to evaluate the impact of the previous plan and to gain feedback on how best to develop the current one, after which a questionnaire was distributed to 500 organisations including NGOs and other associations of the third sector . The NAP outlines a raft of activities foreseen to better coordinate action among all stakeholders including: the revision of current Social Inclusion Plans of the autonomous regions and the development of similar plans by local corporations, the creation of a social inclusion network, and raising awareness of social exclusion issues particularly at the local level .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MemberJuan Carlos Mato GomezDirector General de Politica socialMinisterio de Educación, Politica social y DeporteC/Agustín de Bethencourt, núm . 4 28071 – Madrid, SpainTel: +34 91 363 7455E-mail: dgis[at]mtin .es

SPain



Social inclusion of the elderly

(pp 20–23)

Tax reductions and employment subsidies for older workers will improve incentives to stay longer in the labour market

Extension of wage subsidies

A law on age discrimination at work came into affect at the start of 2009

Activity programmes adapted to the needs of the elderly to promote physical activity .

National strategy focuses on accessible public transport accessible public administration services

The municipalities are responsible for long-term care under the Social Services Act . This entails the provision of social care and accommodation to elderly people in need of support . An initiative to enable elderly people to openly choose their service provider will soon produce its final report . The ultimate goal is the development of a national system to compare the quality, costs and efficiency of municipal health and social care .

Reducing the exclusion among young people

(pp 23–26)

The job guarantee offers unemployed young people between the ages of 16 and 24 support, including individual coaching and work placements, but also reduced benefits

The introduction of reduced social security expenses has lowered payroll expenses for employers who take on young people and an increase in apprenticeship programmes at secondary school


Reducing absence from work due to ill-health

(pp 26–29)

Reforms include a rehabilitation guarantee and the introduction of a rehabilitation chain with fixed times for the testing of work capacity

Enhancement of employer’s health services so that employees have access to preventative care

Introduction of a rehabilitation guarantee for medical rehabilitation as well as the further involvement of social enterprises in providing rehabilitation

Introduction of a gender equality bonus as an incentive for parents to share parental leave as evenly as possible

No specific references made to local authorities are made .

Strengthening groups in particularly vulnerable situations

(pp 29–32)

Action plans have been developed to improve the protection and support for women who are subject to physical abuse

National strategy to combat homelessness and housing exclusion; this includes municipal rent guarantees

Efforts to expand the number of providers and suppliers in health care and social care and increased collaboration across sectors

Large parts of these initiatives focus on raising the skills of professionals working in both psychiatric care and in the social services and on improving access to care services, particularly access to psychiatric care for children and adolescents

Sweden has targeted support at children who are not Swedish mother tongue

The municipalities are responsible for providing support to women and men, girls and boys in socially vulnerable situations .

The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) is responsible for implementing the national guidelines on substance misuse and dependency care .


Promoting active social inclusion

(pp 18–29)

The broad focus is on labour market participation, supporting minimum financial resources and improving the quality of education

Labour market: job insertion pathways (particularly for women and disabled persons) that offer continuous support tailored to user profiles and subsidies of €350 per month for unemployed people; subsidised child care and care for dependents; training agreements with employers and NGOs who recruit workers permanently following a training period . Programmes to further develop the social economy

Financial resources: a suite of measures including an increase in minimum contributory pensions and in the minimum wage (SMI) for the least qualified workers . Introduction of the Active Income for Insertion Programme

Education: Increased number of teachers in infant education

Grants to encourage those at risk of leaving school for financial reasons to continue with their studies

Support for companies who offer employment to people under the age of 24

New system of occupational certification and skills accreditation to facilitate the relationship between employment and further training for all age groups

Better access to education, particularly related to the teaching of ICT

Increasing the amount and types of financial support available for students at university and in secondary and vocational education

Increased allocation of financial resources to deliver/implement projects .

Addressing the impact of socio-demographic change on poverty and social exclusion

(pp 30–34)

The broad focus is on the social integration of immigrants and the provision and quality of social services for people in a situation of dependency

National Plan of citizenship and integration 2007–2010

Income tax subsidies for immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers

Enhanced services in temporary immigrant centres and Spanish language classes

Improved institutional coordination through the development of a cooperation framework between the autonomous regions

Support programmes for families with dependents

Programmes to improve the quality and number of places in residential care homes for the elderly and for the social integration of people with disabilities

Guaranteeing care in rural areas to enable people to remain in their local area

Increased financing to local entities to implement projects for the integration of immigrants, youth and specific programmes for the care of women and for family reunification .

The importance of continuous dialogue with stakeholders is underlined in the report . NGOs, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions and the National Board of Health and Welfare take part in a commission for service user influence on social development issues in the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, and the public inquiry system is recognised as an important tool in policy making . In 2008, the national government and the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) have agreed on joint actions and priorities to develop the care of substance abusers and addicts . The national government intends to further this cooperation in other areas of social service provision .

contact details of the Social Protection committee MemberJohanna MollerbergMinistry of Health and Social AffairsSocialdepartementet/SKIFredsgatan 8103 33 Stockholm, SwedenTel: +46 8 405 26 30 E-mail: johanna .mollerberg[at]social .ministry .se

SWeden



Increasing labour market participation

(pp 28–32)

Welfare to work initiatives that aim at encouraging return to the labour market and gaining skills to have a sustainable job (in particular New Deal programmes and Employment and Support Allowance) and measures to improve employability (mainly in the field of education such as further education reform, skills screening for benefit claimants and improved basic skills learning provision)

Measures to make work pay such as the National Minimum Wage, specific tax arrangements (such as Better Off in Work Credit) and measures to support those in employment (e .g . tax credits for lone parents and other allowances)

The City Strategy is mentioned as an example of an area-based approached to tackling worklessness in the most disadvantaged communities .

Local Employment Partnerships aim at moving 250,000 long-term jobseekers into employment by 2010 .

Tackling child poverty

(pp 33–35)

Measures under this objective aim at helping parents into work and increasing the incomes of poor families, as well as at improving access to services for children in deprived communities . These include a mix of areas-based (e .g . New Deal for Communities or Neighbourhood Renewal Fund) and person-based measures (e .g . Every Child Matters)

As measures supporting combating child poverty, references are made to New Deal for Communities and Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, as well as to the need of cooperation between all levels of government, including local authorities .

Improving access to quality services

(pp 35–41)

This objective covers measures in a wide range of areas including social care, education (improving basic skills of benefit claimants and jobseekers), employment, transport, finance (awareness raising and improved access to affordable credit), energy (heating and insulation allowances), housing and services for the homeless, IT (digital inclusion) and health (reducing health inequalities), developing services for older people (for example housing, independent life and well-being)

Implementing the Individual Budgets pilot initiative aimed at integrating provision and funding streams at local level to transform local care services

City Strategy to tackle worklessness in the most disadvantaged urban communities

13 local authorities are involved in piloting Individual Budgets (p .36) .

Local authorities provide range of services such as health services and services for the homeless . The NAP refers to plans to improve local health services, to reduce health inequalities, and to improve cooperation between local housing authorities and social landlords in tackling worklessness . In urban areas, worklessness is also addressed through the City Strategy and local partnerships to help people into employment .

Local transport plans (inclusion), promotion of financial inclusion locally .

Tackling inequality

(pp 41–44)

This objective includes measures aiming at reducing the pay gap, tackling discrimination in employment (e .g . through work-life balance measures) and encouraging independent living for disabled people

The City Strategy allows for bringing different funding streams and public agencies together to bring the most disadvantaged groups into work .

In order to prepare the NAP, the UK government formed a stakeholder group composed of key government departments, the devolved administrations, local government, the voluntary and community sector and people experiencing poverty . Since 2006, the group has worked together to bring a range of events and products to raise awareness of the NAP at local level . These included in particular “Bridging the Policy Gap”, an EU-funded project looking at how national policies are being implemented locally, the “Child Poverty Matters” event (where young people from deprived areas had their say on the government’s child poverty strategy), and the “Working Together to Reduce Poverty and Inequality” conference . The measures described in the NAP are delivered through Public Service Agreements (PSAs) which set out the key priority outcomes the Government wants to achieve in the next spending period (2008–2011) . Each PSA is underpinned by a Delivery Agreement and a set of indicators to monitor its progress (for more information, see Annex 2 .2 of the NAP) . At local level, public services are coordinated through the Local Area Agreement (LAA), where local authorities agree with central government on specific (binding) goals for a local area .

contact details of the nSr and the naP coordinatorsNSR coordinatorMs Hanna Nicholas (International Social Policy team)Joint International UnitDWP/DCSF/DIUS Level 2D Caxton House, Tothill StreetLondon SW1H 9NA, United KingdomTel: +44 20 7340 4028 E-mail: hanna .nicholas[at]jiu .gsi .gov .uk

hanna .nicholas[at]dwp .gsi .gov .uk

NAP coordinatorsEuropean Social Inclusion TeamArea Initiatives and Communities DivisionDepartment for Work and Pensions (DWP)Caxton House, Tothill StreetLondon SW1H 9NA, United KingdomMr Hugh AllenTel: +44 20 7449 5184E-mail: Hugh .Allen[at]dwp .gsi .gov .uk

Ms Tricia GriffithsTel: +44 20 7449 5627E-mail: Tricia .Griffiths[at]dwp .gsi .gov .uk

UniTed KingdoM


common objectivesIn the context of the Social OMC, Member States have agreed on common objectives . Member States translate these common objectives into national policies through National Action Plans . They are free to determine how they achieve these objectives .

eU Social agendaDue to be redefined in 2010, the broad aim of the Agenda is to modernise the European social model and ensure that economic, employment and social policies not only work together but are mutually reinforcing . The European Commission uses a mix of policy tools to achieve the objectives set out in the Agenda, including legislation, social dialogue, funding instruments and cooperation between Member States .

eU Social Protection and Social inclusion ProcessThrough this process, the European Union coordinates and encourages Member State to combat poverty and social exclusion, and to reform their social protection systems on the basis of policy exchanges and mutual learning . It is based on the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) .

Joint reports on Social Protection and Social inclusionEvery year, the European Commission and the Council of Ministers produce a Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion . Based on an assessment of all National Strategy Reports, it describes the progress of national policies and outlines key messages that are of common relevance to all Member States .

national action Plan on Social inclusion (naP incl)These Plans describe national social policy priorities and outline developments in socio-economic trends . Many of them do not indicate a budget for each objective, nor do they contain an implementation schedule .

national Strategy report on Social Protection and Social inclusion (nSr)Every three years, the national ministries responsible for social affairs produce National Strategy Reports . These reports outline the policy measures envisaged to achieve the Social OMC’s common objectives . The NSRs provide an overview of each country’s socio-economic situation, the challenges related to social development, specifically the policy priorities of the national administration and the measures that will support their implementation . The NSR is made up of four sections, including a National Action Plan (NAPs) on Social Inclusion .

open Method of coordinationThe Open Method of Coordination is an instrument to coordinate policies between states, based on voluntary cooperation . It uses soft law mechanisms such as guidelines and indicators, benchmarking and sharing of best practice . It is “soft” because there are no official sanctions . The OMC was first developed for European Employment Policy; today, it is used in various areas, including the Social OMC, youth policy and education .

Peer reviewIn a peer review process, colleagues and expert from similar backgrounds apply their knowledge and experience to critically assess and learn from each other’s work . Commonly used in academia, it is increasingly applied in other areas of work .

Glossary

7


Increasing labour market participation

(pp 28–32)

Welfare to work initiatives that aim at encouraging return to the labour market and gaining skills to have a sustainable job (in particular New Deal programmes and Employment and Support Allowance) and measures to improve employability (mainly in the field of education such as further education reform, skills screening for benefit claimants and improved basic skills learning provision)

Measures to make work pay such as the National Minimum Wage, specific tax arrangements (such as Better Off in Work Credit) and measures to support those in employment (e .g . tax credits for lone parents and other allowances)

The City Strategy is mentioned as an example of an area-based approached to tackling worklessness in the most disadvantaged communities .

Local Employment Partnerships aim at moving 250,000 long-term jobseekers into employment by 2010 .

Tackling child poverty

(pp 33–35)

Measures under this objective aim at helping parents into work and increasing the incomes of poor families, as well as at improving access to services for children in deprived communities . These include a mix of areas-based (e .g . New Deal for Communities or Neighbourhood Renewal Fund) and person-based measures (e .g . Every Child Matters)

As measures supporting combating child poverty, references are made to New Deal for Communities and Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, as well as to the need of cooperation between all levels of government, including local authorities .

Improving access to quality services

(pp 35–41)

This objective covers measures in a wide range of areas including social care, education (improving basic skills of benefit claimants and jobseekers), employment, transport, finance (awareness raising and improved access to affordable credit), energy (heating and insulation allowances), housing and services for the homeless, IT (digital inclusion) and health (reducing health inequalities), developing services for older people (for example housing, independent life and well-being)

Implementing the Individual Budgets pilot initiative aimed at integrating provision and funding streams at local level to transform local care services

City Strategy to tackle worklessness in the most disadvantaged urban communities

13 local authorities are involved in piloting Individual Budgets (p .36) .

Local authorities provide range of services such as health services and services for the homeless . The NAP refers to plans to improve local health services, to reduce health inequalities, and to improve cooperation between local housing authorities and social landlords in tackling worklessness . In urban areas, worklessness is also addressed through the City Strategy and local partnerships to help people into employment .

Local transport plans (inclusion), promotion of financial inclusion locally .

Tackling inequality

(pp 41–44)

This objective includes measures aiming at reducing the pay gap, tackling discrimination in employment (e .g . through work-life balance measures) and encouraging independent living for disabled people

The City Strategy allows for bringing different funding streams and public agencies together to bring the most disadvantaged groups into work .


Peer review in Social Protection and Social inclusionThe Peer Review in Social Inclusion is based on a series of seminars where representatives of national governments invite their colleagues from other Member States to assess a current policy, programme or institutional arrangement . The first step of a peer review sees the host government write a brief report about a given policy, after which an independent expert produces a second report to place the policy in its wider context . On this basis, the representatives of other governments write comments’ papers, including information about the situation in their own countries . They then meet and look at the host countries policies more closely through site-visits, additional presentations and discussion . As a third and final step, comments and recommendations are given to the hosts, so that they can use these opinions to improve their practice .

ProgreSS (the eU Programme for employment and social solidarity 2007–2013) The purpose of this funding programme is to strengthen the application of EU social policy and inform policy development . It finances a series of supporting activities, including peer reviews, transnational exchange projects, comparative studies and events . PROGRESS also supports major EU networks, including (among others) EUROCITIES .

Social open Method of coordinationCommonly referred to as the Social OMC, this is a soft approach to intergovernmental policy coordination, whereby policy decisions remain at the national level and cooperation is voluntary . The OMC is structured into three-year cycles and consists of several key elements: common objectives, National Strategy Reports on Social Protection and Social Inclusion, Joint Reports on Social Protection and Social Inclusion, and common indicators .

The eU Social Protection committee (SPc)The EU social policy process is coordinated by the EU Social Protection Committee . This group is made up of two delegates of each national government and two representatives of the European Commission . Its tasks are to monitor social trends and the development of social protection policies, to promote exchanges of knowledge, experience and good practice, and to prepare reports, formulate opinions or undertake other work within its fields of competence .

This publication is supported under the European Community Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity (2007–2013) . This programme was established to financially support the implementation of the objectives of the European Union in the employment and social affairs area, as set out in the Social Agenda .

To that effect, PROGRESS aims at: ■ providing analysis and policy advice on employment, social solidarity and

gender equality policy areas; ■ monitoring and reporting on the implementation of EU legislation and

policies in employment, social solidarity and gender equality policy areas; ■ promoting policy transfer, learning and support among Member States

on EU objectives and priorities; and ■ relaying the views of the stakeholders and society at large .

For more information see: http://ec .europa .eu/social/main .jsp?catId=327&langId=en

The information contained in this publication does not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the European Commission .

This report was produced by: Simon Guentner, EUROCITIES Senior Policy Officer – Social Affairs,Anna Drozd, EUROCITIES Programme Officer – Social Inclusion, Rory Moody, EUROCITIES Communications Officer – Inclusive Cities

EUROCITIESSquare de Meeûs 1, B-1000 Brussels, BelgiumTelephone +32 2 552 08 88 www .eurocities .eu

open method of coordination

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