Challenges of the Regions
With a focus on customization and connection, the NPVR has established a structural cooperation with eleven regions. There are many opportunities in the regions, but also serious challenges. Many regions have old and large homes that do not fit the housing needs of starters, elderly, and people with lower incomes. The outflow of young people and an aging population put the continuity of care, education, and public transport under pressure. Due to the limited availability of formal care, dependence on informal caregivers and volunteers is increasing. At the same time, residents are expected to participate more in the labor market due to shortages. This puts social structures such as mienskip, naoberschap, and mutual aid under pressure.
Minister Rijkaart: “I believe in the strength of the region; people feel at home where they live. They are proud of their village, city, or area. That connection gives each region a unique character. With the National Program Vital Regions, we strengthen together what makes regions unique.”
Research
At the request of the House of Representatives, an external research agency has estimated the total challenges in the eleven regions. The three goals of the NPVR were used as a starting point: safe and livable regions, a sustainable and accessible level of facilities, and finally a healthy and promising future for residents in the region. The first indication is that this requires approximately one billion euros per year from governments and private parties. This does not yet take into account existing funding streams and regional differences. Moreover, it is up to a new cabinet to decide whether additional funds can be provided.
NPVR
The NPVR is committed to ensuring that all residents have equal opportunities, regardless of where someone was born and lives. The regions differ from each other; therefore, area-oriented cooperation is crucial. This requires efforts from the national government and regions to effectively tackle challenges and ensure that the distance between the national government and regions at the edges of the Netherlands does not increase. Based on the plans of the regions, further research will be conducted on what is needed per area. The implementation agenda will then set out how the national government and regions will work together in the first four years to address the challenges.