Workshop 5The Netherlands

Social benefits, costs of living and wages

Versus

The welfare state policy

Introduction

Contradictions / positive elements

Critical comments

European Social benefits & security system?

Wages and benefit systems vs activating welfare stateThe Netherlands.

Positive elements:

- No one has to live below poverty standards - No excluding of civilians

The Netherlands vs Europe.

Contradictions:

- Even for the working class there is a social security system- If you choose not to work, you can get supported

Income:

Care allowance €60Rent allowance €100Child benefit €60Wife money €150

Strenghts, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

Strenghts WeaknessesSecureness GapSafety net ConfusingPoverty reduction

Opportunities ThreatsBasic welfare Non-

stimulatingEconomy The exeptions

“Income from benefit systems” versus“costs of life” in The Netherlands

Income all households

Social benefit system income

Low incomes

Source

Average income

33400 21000 16000 CBS

Can affordCosts of living

89% 72% 72% CBS

Can easely live

76% Media

Critical commentsDecrease of unemployed people in 2010 12%

Improvement of general social welfare- position in international trade- innovation of products and services- clean/green energy

Dutch main policy is good practise:- equal participation in society- perspective on work and income- strong basic social security system

- reassuring unemployed- recovery of employment level- solidarity between working and non-working

European Social benefits & security system?

Do we think that social benefits and social security has to become a subject of  strong European regulations

Do we consider it as wise to trust in member state’s own sovereignty ?

Questions?

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