The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity revealed in Horta that the Azorean Government will adjust the default value in the services provided by nannies and introduce reimbursements similar to those in force for daycare and kindergartens.

Speaking at the Legislative Assembly during the debate of the Regional Plan and Budget for 2016, Andreia Cardoso stressed that "these discounts aim to ensure the fair treatment of those who use daycare or the services of a nanny."

Specifically, families who have two children at the care of a nanny or attending daycare and kindergartens in the Region will benefit from a 30 percent discount in monthly fees. In turn, families with three or more children in similar conditions will benefit from a 50 percent discount in monthly fees.

Andreia Cardoso also said the Government intends to create a regional structure to support the work of the 19 child and youth protection commissions operating in the Region.

"The Government of the Azores considers that the relevance of this issue calls for the creation of a regional structure to support the work of the various child and youth protection commissions," the Regional Secretary said, emphasising that the implementation of practices "to stimulate the prevention and protection of children and youth throughout the Region" is "an absolute priority."

As for the area of Social Solidarity, the Regional Plan and Budget for 2016 provides the amount of 59 million Euros, which corresponds to a growth of 20% over the previous year's plan.

Andreia Cardoso considered that the Government's approach "has been clear and consistent." It is based on the development of "concerted policies to combat social inequalities" and the increase of household disposable income.

"We have also raised the discount rates in the monthly fees of daycare, we have reinforced the Family Allowance Regional Supplement and we have expanded the Regional Network of Social Infrastructures in terms of childhood facilities," stressed the Regional Secretary.
 
In addition to promoting the specialisation of social responses at various levels, 2016 will also focus on the development of training plans for employees and leaders of Private Social Solidarity Institutions.

As for housing policies, and bearing in mind that the Azorean Government does not neglect the importance of owning a house for the empowerment of vulnerable families, the Regional Secretary stressed the recent amendments to the "Families with a Future" programme. It "will provide the possibility of new application period for the beneficiaries who have reached five years of support under the Lease Incentive scheme."
 
"I understand that this is precisely what it is, an initiative that provides Azoreans with an opportunity to start their life, to ensure the best for their family and to care for their loved ones," said Andreia Cardoso.

"One cannot criticise without having done anything," the Regional Secretary said, ensuring that the proximity work started by the Government of the Azores in the communities has contributed to an effective change in their living conditions. The Government will continue its efforts in order to better serve the Azores and the Azoreans.