The news in Czech
V České republice roste počet domácností , které dostávají příspěvky na bydlení. Soutěž na tyto příspěvky přesahuje 13,4 miliard korun. Tento nárůst je způsoben vyššími náklady na energie . Ministr práce Marian Jurečka plánuje reformu , která spojí různé příspěvky do jednoho. Cílem je lepší podpora pro potřebné.
Translation
In the Czech Republic, the number of households receiving housing allowances is increasing. The budget for these allowances exceeds 13.4 billion Czech korunas. This rise is due to higher energy costs. The Minister of Labour, Marian Jurečka, is planning a reform that will combine various allowances into a single payment. The goal is to provide better support for those in need.
Exercise: Text comprehension
Question 1: What is causing the increase in housing benefit payments in the Czech Republic?
The increase is caused by higher energy costs.
Question 2: What reform does Minister Marian Jurečka plan for housing benefits?
He plans to combine different benefits into one to provide better support for those in need.
Exercise: Vocabulary
domácnost(f.) - household
příspěvek(m.) - contribution
přesahovat - exceed
nárůst(m.) - increase
energie(f.) - energy
reforma(f.) - reform
Read the full story
▌06/11/2024
The Czech Republic is experiencing a significant rise in the number of households receiving housing benefit payments, reaching an all-time high according to recent data. As of August 2023, payouts have surpassed 13.4 billion Czech koruna for the year, an increase of 2 billion from the previous year. This surge is attributed to the government's call for citizens to utilise available benefits amidst escalating energy costs.
Over 290,000 households are currently benefiting from the scheme, originally designed to alleviate the burden of rising energy prices. It has now become a commonly accepted part of the social support structure. Concerns have arisen, however, as some individuals utilise this support to secure housing beyond their financial means. A proposed reform by the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Marian Jurečka, aims to consolidate existing benefits into a single, refined system to curb potential misuse and better target those in need.
Czech Housing Benefit Payments Hit Record High (Illustration)
The planned restructuring intends to incorporate a more comprehensive assessment of applicants' circumstances. Under the proposed "super-benefit," criteria such as household income and assets would be considered, potentially affecting mid-to-high-income earners who previously qualified for aid. The reform seeks to distinguish between "vulnerable" households, such as those of pensioners and single parents, and regular households, thus adjusting support accordingly.
Additionally, the government plans to introduce a new asset assessment for benefit applicants, marking a shift towards more targeted assistance. This "historic move," as described by Jurečka, aligns with practices seen in other Western countries and aims to ensure that state funds are effectively directed towards the most in need. The proposed changes include limits on property ownership and savings, while allowing basic transportation means.
The reforms are currently under parliamentary review, with potential enactment by next July. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour has made an "orientational calculator" available online, enabling citizens to estimate their eligibility and benefit amounts based on their current situation.
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