2023-08-17 15:23:00
It states that if the government does not come up with measures to help the poorest households, poverty in the Netherlands will increase next year. There are support measures this year, but a large part of them will expire at the end of this year.
“A worrying development that Nibud has seen for a long time,” says director Arjan Vliegenthart of the institute. “There is work to be done, whether the cabinet is outgoing or not.”
Children’s rights organization Defense for Children expects that without intervention, two children in every class will grow up in poverty. “For these children, this may mean that there is not enough money for food, water, clothing or a heated house,” the organization says on X, formerly Twitter.
“Children from low-income families run a greater risk of ending up in a similar situation later on. Growing up in poverty can also lead to a greater risk of child abuse.”
The organization calls on political parties to put the interests of the child at the center of poverty and debt policy, also with a view to the upcoming parliamentary elections in November.
More children going to school on an empty stomach
The Red Cross also says it is concerned on Wednesday. “You can’t cut back on rent and energy, so food becomes a closing item. Then even more children than now go to school with an empty stomach.”
Among other things, the organization offers free meals at primary and secondary schools. Currently 1578 schools are participating. They are eligible if at least 30 percent of the students come from a family with a vulnerable financial situation.
According to the Red Cross, about 300 participating schools remained open during the summer holidays so that children could visit them for breakfast or lunch. “Six weeks of vacation is a long time. Children not going to school for six weeks and not eating enough is not what you want.”
Minimum wage must be raised, says union
Trade union FNV is also concerned about the money problems of many Dutch people. That is why the union would like the minimum wage to be raised to 16 euros per hour. Earlier, FNV mentioned an amount of 14 euros. The current legal minimum wage is just under 13 euros. Furthermore, various allowances and the child-related budget should be increased.
Food Banks Netherlands, to which 174 food banks are affiliated, says that it is not even more worried than it already is due to the CPB report. “The concerns are no different than usual,” said vice-chairman Tom Hillemans.
Food providers were considerably busier last year, mainly because many households were faced with sky-high energy bills. The banks had 35 percent more ‘customers’. In total, 120,000 people were helped last year. The number is now decreasing again. However, the decline is expected to remain limited.
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