Local French Communes Step Up to Tackle Social Benefit Non-Recourse and Hygiene Insecurity

Ahead of upcoming municipal elections, communal social policies have come under renewed focus as local entities in France increase their role amid national administrative shortcomings. The annual conference of the Inspection générale des affaires sociales (Igas) highlighted that about one-third of eligible beneficiaries fail to claim their social rights, a phenomenon known as non-recourse, signaling administrative failures. Thomas Audigé, head of Igas, stressed the crucial yet underrepresented role of the communal bloc in public policy. Local officials and associations are actively combating this issue, exemplified by the Châtaigneraie community in Vendée. Since 2019, this coalition of 14 rural communes, serving 16,000 residents, has piloted the 'Territoires zéro non-recours aux droits sociaux' program, implementing comprehensive plans to simplify communication and reinforce local engagement in social and health matters.

Concurrently, in Nîmes, a five-year initiative led initially by Dolorès Orlay-Moureau and now by Corinne Ponce Casanova targets hygiene insecurity, a growing social concern. After health crisis alerts from local associations, fundraising efforts have accrued approximately €50,000 in 2024 alone, providing about 5,500 hygiene kits to those in need. A recent Ifop survey revealed that 16% of menstruating women face insufficient access to hygiene products due to financial constraints, with single mothers particularly affected (21%). The initiative emphasizes inclusivity, extending hygiene support to men as well. Contributions from local companies, such as Bastide Médical's €2,000 donation, support this ongoing campaign, coordinated through the Cansas network, including charities like the Red Cross and Humanîmes.

These localized efforts underscore a significant shift towards grassroots and communal action to address social support gaps left by the state, demonstrating innovative and practical approaches to social welfare challenges in France.