'More time, less red tape' needed to fight poverty in Luxembourg

All three guests agreed that housing is the primary challenge for those living in poverty. This observation, while not new, underscores the critical role of having a stable home.

The panellists included Ginette Jones, President of the Entente of Social Offices; Carlo Kieffer, Coordinator at "Mouvement ATD Quart Monde"; and Rob Arend, President of "Résonord," a major social office serving nine municipalities in northern Luxembourg.

The reality of poverty in Luxembourg

Rob Arend highlighted the dire living conditions he often encounters, such as a family of four residing in a 40-square-metre space. He noted that such cramped conditions can lead to issues like children not getting enough sleep, which is often reported by schools. Arend emphasised that the struggle is not only about finding housing but also about retaining it. Many families, he said, are forced to move frequently, disrupting their lives.

Carlo Kieffer expanded on this point, explaining that constant instability prevents people from finding peace. Kieffer's organisation, ATD Quart Monde, in collaboration with the University of Oxford, conducted a study on the hidden dimensions of poverty, revealing that those affected often feel powerless and suffer both physically and mentally. Statistics show that people in poverty have shorter lifespans compared to the general population, largely due to poor housing and inadequate medical care.

Without a stable address, access to essential services becomes nearly impossible. Each day is a struggle for those in poverty, who often feel ashamed of their circumstances, Kieffer added.

More and more working people can't make ends meet

The phenomenon of the "working poor" is another significant issue in Luxembourg, noted Ginette Jones during the discussion. She provided several examples of individuals who work full-time yet live in precarious conditions due to the high cost of housing.

One example Jones mentioned is a woman who works 40 hours a week at minimum wage and has been living in a small studio with her three children for years because she cannot find affordable housing. Another example is a bus driver who, after a breakup, resides in a flat in such poor condition that it is actually unfit for habitation. Despite the state of his accommodation, he refrains from complaining for fear of becoming homeless and cannot have his children stay with him due to the deplorable conditions.

Jones highlighted that while some efforts have been made to address housing issues, they are insufficient. Many working individuals still need to seek assistance from social offices because their wages do not cover the high rents. These workers often have only €20 per day for all their expenses. Any unexpected costs, which are common when raising children, can plunge them into financial crisis, explained the President of the Entente of Social Offices.

Problems with the social inclusion income

Rob Arend emphasised the importance of making work worthwhile. He supports raising the minimum wage by €75 annually over four years, amounting to a total increase of €300. Arend also believes there should be a clear distinction between the Social Inclusion Income (REVIS) and the minimum wage to ensure that employment is rewarded.

Ginette Jones highlighted that 80% of REVIS recipients are sick and require time for proper support. She criticised the decision that these individuals can no longer access the National Employment Agency (ADEM), arguing that many are willing and able to work, albeit not full-time. Jones lamented the short duration of some employment initiatives, noting that it is a success if workers remain with an employer for five years.

Carlo Kieffer pointed out another issue: the requirement to be at least 25 years old to receive REVIS. At ATD Quart Monde, they are currently assisting a 24-year-old man who ended up homeless due to this age limit. Kieffer argued that this should not happen, especially when many young people with health issues are trying to enter sheltered workshops despite not being disabled.

Too much red tape

All panellists agreed on the need for easier access to social assistance, criticising the bureaucratic hurdles that slow down the process. For instance, they mentioned the difficulty in obtaining housing aid, describing it as an "obstacle course." Ginette Jones stated that while there are plans to simplify this, more needs to be done. The Entente of Social Offices has long advocated for a "shared social file," where all information is consolidated, eliminating the need for repeatedly filling in forms and submitting certificates. "That shouldn't be necessary," Jones said.

"Poverty makes you sick"

"Poverty makes you sick," a point highlighted by Dr Bernard Thill, President of Médecins du Monde, in an interview ahead of Saturday's roundtable discussion. Dr Thill emphasised the growing importance of mental health, noting that many individuals treated by Médecins du Monde suffer from psychological issues.

Ginette Jones echoed this sentiment, pointing out that even certain social measures can exacerbate health problems. Carlo Kieffer added that the constant stress of dealing with paperwork takes a toll on people's well-being. The fear of losing important documents, and consequently their home or REVIS, is a significant source of anxiety. All guests emphasised the importance of taking time to support people adequately. Kieffer stressed that the lack of time leads to a loss of humanity in social work, a sentiment strongly supported by Jones.

Rob Arend criticised the practice of cutting off REVIS for three months due to minor mistakes, such as submitting paperwork one day late. He argued that penalising people is one thing but depriving them of their entire income for three months is unacceptable. Arend drew a parallel to traffic violations, noting that people do not lose their driving licence immediately for minor infractions. He emphasised that many individuals facing these penalties also have psychological issues, and most lapses are not due to negligence but because of genuine difficulties.