The municipality of Utrecht, in collaboration with the civic initiative Collectief Kapitaal, has launched a fundraising campaign aiming to collect 100,000 euros within three months. The funds will support 100 Utrecht residents who receive welfare benefits while also working part-time.
Welfare recipients can earn an additional 170 to 273 euros, depending on their circumstances. Earning more than this amount results in deductions from the following month’s benefits, potentially leading to income shortages.
According to Linda Voortman, the city councilor for Work & Income, this uncertainty discourages people from working. Voortman advocates for clearer and more reliable financial systems.
The municipality opted for crowdfunding as it would be illegal to use municipal funds for this initiative. The action also aims to encourage the House of Representatives to expedite a legislative proposal by former minister Schouten for a ‘buffer budget’ to adjust income differences.
Voortman criticizes the Participation Act for being rooted in distrust, noting it has been discussed for years without change, despite causing issues for people. The campaign raised 30,000 euros on its first day.
Source: NOS