The municipality of Harderwijk wants to make 75 residents happier with an amount of 450 euros. They can spend this money on their passion or something else that makes them happy.
The ‘happiness budget’ is intended for Harderwijkers with a chronic illness or disability who therefore have less to spend, reports Het Kontakt Ermelo. “We do have more social and financial arrangements in Harderwijk for people with a low income,” says alderman Gert Jan van Noort. “Think of special assistance or a computer scheme. But there is nothing to activate people with a chronic illness to follow their passion and decide for themselves what they spend the money on.”
Test
The happiness budget will be introduced as a pilot for a year. Almelo has been giving residents such an amount since 2004. The scheme has since been renamed ‘Happiness Route’. Research shows that this led to less drug use and doctor visits for a quarter of the participants. A majority also had more fun in life. Following Almelo, several municipalities have now also introduced this Happiness Route.
Good idea?
We are curious what you think about this. Should every municipality make such a ‘happiness budget’ available for chronically ill residents and people with disabilities? Or would it be good to invest this money extra in better help and tailor-made care? Cast your vote and leave a comment below.
Statement: there should be more money for chronically ill residents
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