Advocates helped develop the proposals
Uloba reported that a parliamentary committee majority backed the request in May 2023. Its secretary-general, Vibeke Marøy Melstrøm, had participated in the inquiry, which examined how assistance could strengthen self-determination. The parliamentary decision sought a comprehensive policy response rather than immediately changing individual assistance awards. [1]
Eight organisations challenge the delay
In a joint appeal published on 13 September 2024, leaders including Melstrøm and FFO's Eva Buschmann criticised the government's failure to deliver. They pointed to municipal differences in eligibility, supported activities and allocated hours. Their demand was equal opportunity to participate in society regardless of where an assistance user lived. [3]
The government cites unresolved questions
Parliament had renewed its request on 15 February 2024, setting an end-of-year deadline. In its budget proposal for 2025, the health ministry said that deadline could not be met because substantial financial and organisational disagreements required further examination. It promised input from relevant organisations, leaving advocates waiting for the requested policy paper. [1]