6 months Ago
Fuss Over Bed-Bath-Bread Policy Trimming
The case revolves around the so-called bed-bath-bread regulation, which delivers basic services to undocumented people at risk, often with physical or mental health problems. Minister Faber wanted to withdraw funding for these shelters with effect from 1 January 2025, as he believed the inhabitants were not entitled to remain in the Netherlands and should have had to return voluntarily.
But the court stressed that Faber's choice to terminate shelter services came about without a reasonable inquiry. It also held that it was not a realistic alternative either to simply direct these persons to the restrictive shelter in Ter Apel—project assistance is mandatory there, which contains a requirement for their cooperation with repatriation—, as some of the 28 may not be able to do this physically or due to a mental disability.
Ruling Restates State's Duty
The court ruled that some form of no-strings-attached shelter has to be provided to undocumented people who cannot prove they can satisfy the government's terms to leave. It held that the national government is to blame that this group will be in inhumane conditions when released onto the streets.
The ruling is one of the latest legal challenges to the government's recent approach to funding for shelters. Similar rulings were made in the past in Utrecht and Rotterdam, where courts also ordered ongoing support for bed-bath-bread shelters after Faber sought cut off funds.
The Ministry was ordered to pay for temporary accommodation in Amsterdam until such time as a suitable solution was found for each situation.
