Lausanne – Fewer and fewer people on Vaud social assistance

The canton of Vaud has set up new projects for young people and people aged 50 and over, on the strength of the observation that the socio-professional integration measures previously adopted are working well. It also relies on new ecological measures, in line with the canton’s Climate Plan.

Investing in social integration measures (MIS) allows a significant reduction in the number of beneficiaries of the Insertion Income (RI), said Friday the Department of Health and Social Action (DSAS). The rate of people on social assistance thus fell from 4.8% in 2016 to 4.5% in 2019.

“The integration policy is bearing fruit. It gives a concrete perspective to people who touch RI because they have not been able to complete their professional training or because they are 50 years or older and can no longer find a job, ”said the State Councilor. and head of DSAS Rebecca Ruiz.

Double gain

“It is first and foremost a gain for the people concerned, who, by finding a job allowing them to make ends meet, gain in dignity. It is then a gain for the State which thus moderates the evolution of social spending, ”she affirms.

One in two people who have benefited from specific socio-professional follow-up or a program intended for young people and adults without completed vocational training, finds a job or accesses initial vocational training, she specifies. And thus leaves, in fact, the regime of the RI, whose expenses decrease.

For 2020, for example, nearly 7,500 people will have access to one of the 90 MIS services offered by the canton. Total budget: 67 million francs.

Extended DSAS offer

Rebecca Ruiz announced on Friday the development of new projects, “adapting to the evolution of society”. Its services are strengthening their services for characters aged 50 and over without work, going from two offers since 2017 to seven for 2020. They can accommodate 125 people. In addition, any beneficiary of the RI without completed professional training can now integrate a service of the MIS, without age limit.

The DSAS is also expanding its offer for young people. A new pilot scheme is intended for 14-25 year-olds “severely disrupted” and who request RI. It will start in September 2020 in the West Lausanne region. Specific support will be offered to them to get them to engage in training.

Green advance

Another novelty presented by Rebecca Ruiz, “ecological measures”. They will be implemented this fall, in line with the canton’s climate plan, and take the form of projects selected according to environmental criteria, she explained.

Thanks to the first measures, it is for example planned to open a bulk coffee-grocery store in Lausanne, to add value to unsold fresh food products or to sort and recover electronic device components before their disposal. Other measures will gradually emerge by the end of 2021.

ATS / NXP

Posted: 08/21/2020, 1:21 p.m.–