The Dutch Social Support Act in the shadow of the decentralization dream

Abstract

A substantial reform in the social domain is taking place in the Netherlands. Different schemes involving social care and support, basic income provisions and youth care are being transferred from the national to the local level. The political focus on decentralization as a solution for the increasing public expenses has raised renewed discussions about the classic administrative dilemma of central, uniform regulation on the one hand and free space for democratic communities on the other. This article addresses the administrative dilemma in relation to the Social Support Act that has been in force since 2007. This Act is being implemented by the municipalities and will increase in scope as a result of the reforms at hand. The article examines to what extent the municipalities succeed in achieving the objectives of the Act and how the consequences of the administrative dilemma affect the achievements.