Government finds €405m for the poor

The government is to make €405m available to protect the spending power of the handicapped, chronically sick and poor, reports Tuesday’s Volkskrant.

The decision follows discussions between the leaders of the government coalition parties and the ministers for social affairs health.
The move comes on the eve of traditional autumn talks between the government, unions and employers (the so-called social partners).
The unions have said they would be willing to moderate wage claims in the coming period under certain conditions, such as action by the government to protect purchasing power.
There have been widespread protests at the government’s proposed cuts in tax relief on items such as taxis and home renovations for the chronically ill. National budget institute Nibud calculated that these would mean a 9% fall in the spending power for the most vulnerable in society.