Brescia Council Unveils 2001 Social Welfare Plan Focused on Vulnerable Groups
Greater attention to the elderly, people with disabilities, and the strengthening of the youth desk. These are some of the elements included in the Social Assistance and Welfare Plan 2001, which will be presented by Councilor Felice Bertelli during the City Council meeting convened tonight, December 28. The agenda will also include discussions regarding the Zoning Plan.
In fact, this is the first comprehensive plan developed by the new ulivist-environmentalist administration, which nonetheless does not negate the progress made so far by Lega Nord in the field of social assistance. “What sets us apart is the approach we want to adopt,” explains Bertelli, “which is maximum dialogue possible with all involved forces.”
For example, we will sign agreements with all pensioners’ trade union representations. We have also established a fund of 12 million lire for heating subsidies for seniors over 65 with low income.
“There will also be reductions in costs borne by users for various services provided by the Eco Polis cooperative of Brescia that concern home care. The thresholds for the most vulnerable groups are being lowered, with contributions today set at 19,000 lire, reduced to 13,000 lire.”
Expansion of services and concessions
Starting in 2001, the home meal delivery service will be expanded to include Saturday in the current schedule. Meanwhile, the number of users benefiting from this service has increased from 35 to 40, while the maximum remains unchanged at 8,400 lire (a figure that decreases for lower incomes).
The Department of Social and Health Services has also budgeted an increase in the fund for so-called socializing initiatives (trips, parties, various entertainment) and, for residents of the Nursing Home, a reduction in the monthly fee for lower-income residents and an increase in contributions for personal expenses.
There is a boost for the ” Carta 60” initiative, which already involves about twenty Lonate shops offering discounts of varying percentages to citizens over sixty. Also, telehealth and teleassistance services (managed by the social cooperative Iris Televita of Gallarate), currently with only five users, will undergo a major awareness campaign.
Assistance and services for people with disabilities and young people
Regarding services for people with disabilities, specific delegations are planned for the healthcare company, as well as maintaining free transportation on municipal buses. As for the nursery, the assessor does not rule out the eventual creation of a dedicated facility in town: “For now,” explains Bertelli, “we are adding to the agreement with Ponte San Marco, also an agreement with Desenzano.”
For minors in foster care, the contribution from foster families will increase from 450,000 to 550,000 lire. It’s worth noting the positive experience conducted over the past few months with the youth desk, in collaboration with the Compagnia delle Opere. New activities, such as an IT course, will soon be launched.
Roberto Darra