Recommendations on Action Plan 2.0: Apeldoorn Against Poverty

Administrative secretariat
PO Box 9033
7300 ES Apeldoorn

T: 06 2831 4935
E: adviesraadsociaaldomein@apeldoorn.nl

Date: 2 June 2025
Our reference: ASDA 2025-06

To: The Municipal Executive of Apeldoorn
CC: Marjolein Postma

Subject: Advice on Action Plan 2.0: Apeldoorn Against Poverty

Dear Council,

The Apeldoorn Social Affairs Advisory Council has been briefed on the draft plan. Broadly speaking, it is a continuation of the policy already in place, which has certainly borne fruit.
Given the more limited budget available, the chosen action points also make sense to our advisory board.

The advisory board recommends facilitating access to sport for people on a minimum income in the short term, with a range of options similar to those previously available. This could include individual membership at, for example, a gym at a reduced rate. Group sporting events can serve as a supplement, but not as a replacement. Using the city pass to join a regular sports club is a difficult choice if you also need to use the city pass for essential items. Physical activity is extremely important for everyone, for health and wellbeing. The advisory board also recommends placing even greater emphasis on prevention than is set out in the plan.

Financial support for single people is being reviewed (as recommended by Nibud). The advisory board recommends setting aside funds so that, should support be required, it can be provided.
The advisory board recommends taking another close look at the feasibility of reintroducing collective health insurance.

Finally, the remaining 220,000 euros may be used on a one-off basis in 2025 to fund the winter clothing voucher scheme and budget management support for business owners. This funding will cease in 2026. These are two valuable forms of support; please ensure now that any remaining funds in 2025 will be used to continue these two initiatives in 2026.
Successful policy benefits from continuity.

Kind regards,

Ewoud Remmelts
Chair of the Apeldoorn Social Services Advisory Board