Dutch childcare benefits scandal: why settlements are slow
In the media image: Megan Watson on Unsplash
Victims receive little clarity about compensation in the childcare benefits scandal. Ymre Schuurmans, Professor of Constitutional and Administrative Law, says on NPO Radio 1 that problems arise mainly because of the complexity about who is entitled to what compensation.
In the ‘Spraakmakers’ radio broadcast, Professor Schuurmans answered questions from listeners about measures to provide compensation in the aftermath of the childcare benefits scandal. This scandal in the Netherlands involved wrongful accusations of welfare fraud by parents who were then forced to repay large sums of money. Ymre Schuurmans provided expertise in the assessment conducted by the Council of State and the investigation by the Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry into Childcare Allowance. She says that the various compensation schemes – ranging from the initial ‘Catshuis Scheme’ to the latest digital portal – cause confusion and inequality. 'It’s hard for victims to know which scheme to choose, what the consequences will be, and whether they’ll be treated equally if they’re compensated for damage suffered.'
Schuurmans also mentions the complicated nature of the compensation process itself. There are several assessment moments in this process: first a ‘light assessment’, then a ‘full assessment’, when the government authorities check down to the decimal point what amount someone should – possibly – be refunded. This very precise and bureaucratic process requires a lot of time and effort, causing huge delays. Parents also have to wait a long time before they can explain their individual situation. 'There is a fear of large-scale compensation because it costs billions', she says. However, she also acknowledges that 'if the process gets bogged down in the details, the compensation scheme will defeat its own purpose.'
The main focus is on financial compensation, but acknowledging the emotional suffering that has been inflicted on these people is also a form of compensation. Schuurmans says 'that you can't fully return a society or family back to how it once was.' The legal and financial compensation is subject to conditions that do not always take the human dimension into account.
More information?
Listen to the Spraakmakers broadcast on NPO-Radio 1 (in Dutch)