“When repairing the benefits affair, focus on more than material damage”

February 20, 2023

Ethical advice and concrete recommendations for recovery after the childcare allowance affair

“When repairing the benefits affair, focus on more than material damage”

At the request of the Ministry of Finance, professor wrote Ingrid Robeyns and professor Rutger Claassen an ethical analysis and advice on recovery after the childcare allowance affair. Based on individual values, public values and process values, they analyse the handling of the benefits affair and come to recommendations.

Ethical advice is important to get a picture of all values

Ingrid Robeyns explains why seeking ethical advice on large cases like this is so important: “Often, such cases are mainly looked at from a legal or administrative perspective. Then other important values and perspectives remain out of sight. An ethical analysis reveals all relevant values.”

The benefits affair has left deep wounds: in politics, in society, but first and foremost with the parents, children and other loved ones involved. The recovery operation is slower than many find acceptable. Rutger Claassen explains: “So far, the focus in the recovery process has mainly been on dealing with material damage for parents. Our analysis shows that a dozen values deserve attention in the recovery process, including non-material damage, recognition, the ability of parents to act individually and collectively, and the restoration of the rule of law.”

Often, such files are mainly looked at from a legal or administrative perspective. Then other important values and perspectives remain out of sight.

Based on an ethical analysis, the professors make a number of recommendations. Ingrid Robeyns: “We emphasize the importance of working on empathy in the organization and the ability to reflect ethically.” Robeyns is also asking for extra attention to involving the perspective of parents in the recovery: “We advocate shaping the further process of treatment in consultation with a broad representation of the parents. After all, the process remains mainly organized by the government.”

Damage even greater than just among affected families

And we need to look beyond the affected families, Robeyns argues: “We advocate that a symbolic reconciliation with society as a whole is necessary. After all, this case does not only concern the parents: it has also reduced the trust of many other citizens in the government. That can stand in the way of effective action on many other cases.”

There are currently many parties dissatisfied with the recovery process. In their advice, Robeyns and Claassen make recommendations on how things can be better. Claassen: “We have made concrete recommendations on how to protect and strengthen the ten values mentioned above. It is up to the House of Representatives, the cabinet, and the executive authorities to consider whether they want to pick them up. Of course, like everyone else, we hope that at least the financial compensation will go as quickly as possible.”

The childcare allowance affair

Between 2005 and 2019, the tax authorities made mistakes in recovering childcare allowance. Parents received money so that they could pay for childcare for their children. They were entitled to that, but some parents were told to repay thousands of euros. Due to the large amounts that were recovered, an estimated 26,000 parents and 70,000 children were in serious trouble. Since 2020, the government has started repairing the financial damage.

More information

Download the report “Recovery after the childcare allowance affair: An ethical analysis”