Bridging the social inclusion gap with Proactive services
The city of Ghent has launched an innovative project to enhance social inclusion by proactively offering services to its citizens. This initiative addresses the non-take up of benefits and services by lower-income households, mainly due to digital vulnerability. Proactive services ensure they receive the benefits and services they are entitled to without the need for extensive paperwork. By cross-checking data from various federal and local databases, the city can automatically determine eligibility and provide services seamlessly.
Key use cases of this project include providing free waste bags, offering discounts on school and nursery invoices, and granting reduced rates for cultural activities through the 'UiTPAS' culture pass programme. Additionally, the project has reduced the barriers for social rates for the low emission zone, for discounts at social restaurants, and for vouchers to rent a bicycle or taxi. These proactive measures have significantly increased the take-up of social benefits, reduced administrative burdens, and ensured that vulnerable citizens receive the services they are entitled to.
Ghent's proactive services project exemplifies the city's commitment to social inclusion and equity. By using data-driven policy-making and fostering collaboration between local, regional, and federal levels, Ghent has created a flexible and reusable framework that can be easily adapted by other municipalities.
