The municipal executive presents the new Financial Security policy plan to the city council. This ensures that more residents engage in conversations about finances with each other or with partners in the city, before financial issues develop into financial worries. Residents know what support options are available to them if they have (financial) problems and receive the support they are entitled to. More residents are (with or without help) able to manage their finances independently.
Alderman Michiel van Willigen: “By focusing on prevention, timely support, and cooperation with partners in the city, we increase the chances that more Zwolle residents can meet their basic needs, participate in society, and avoid developing problematic debts.”
Zwolle consciously chooses an integrated approach: with residents who cannot make ends meet, we and our partners discuss debts, but also income security and financial self-reliance. So the focus is broader than debts alone. The policy targets residents who struggle to make ends meet, aiming to offer them a positive outlook on the future and balance and stability in their lives.
The municipality focuses (extra) on:
- Findable, accessible, and understandable income schemes, which residents with low incomes are entitled to for financial support. We are working on a single application form that allows you to apply for multiple income schemes at once.
- As a municipality, we focus on clear, people-centered communication and guidance in financial problems, with attention to and trust in residents. This makes conversations about making ends meet a fixed part of our assistance.
- Cooperation with local partners and initiatives that are feasible and effective. We do this by ensuring partners are well informed about municipal assistance and are supported in effective help and referral. As in previous years, we continue to engage with partners to align with their daily practice.
From debt services to broad financial security
Much has already been achieved in recent years: income schemes have been simplified and made more findable, early detection has been strengthened (thus preventing payment arrears for fixed costs such as rent, energy, water, and care from developing into problematic debts). And there is more attention for young people with financial worries. The new policy plan follows the Debt Services policy plan 2021–2025.
Collaboration with residents and professionals
The policy plan was developed in close cooperation with residents, social partners, and professionals from practice. Valuable input was gathered through meetings and conversations with residents and professionals. This cooperation has resulted in an ambitious, yet realistic and people-centered plan. We also test service adjustments with residents and incorporate their feedback.
Need help?
Do you have a low income or difficulty making ends meet? Then take a look at www.zwolle.nl/werk-en-inkomen. Do you lack an overview of your income and expenses or have payment arrears and debts? Then call Op Orde at 088 47 80 600 or visit the consultation hour. For locations and times, see www.opordezwolle.nl.
Would you like tips and information about reimbursements and extras for Zwolle residents with a low income in your mailbox? Then sign up for the newsletter Laat geen geld liggen at www.zwolle.nl/geldtips. You will then receive the newsletter four times a year in your mailbox.
View policy plan
Curious about the content of the policy plan? View the Financial Security Policy Plan online.
