Every year in October, the Round Table on Poverty and Social Exclusion brings together all the principal actors of the European cooperation framework on social inclusion. This important event is jointly organised by the European Commission and the EU Presidency member state. This year it is led by the Swedish Presidency of the EU and will take place in Stockholm, 15 – 16 October.

Member States should include local and regional government in their delegations to the Round Table

ESN has reviewed the participation of different stakeholders in these round tables over the last five years and identified a poor level of representation of local and regional authorities and their respective social services. On average, local representation does not exceed 11% of all participants, compared with 35% for national government and 37% for non-governmental organisations.

Given the role of local public social services in supporting social inclusion of the most vulnerable people, this is a serious omission,” says John Halloran, ESN director.

While responsibilities vary between countries, local public social services often have the duty to ensure that citizens, especially the most vulnerable, receive the support they need. Local authorities also have a vital role as planners, contractors and coordinators of service providers and community organisations. Being democratically accountable and working with people at the local level they are responsible for implementing social policy and as such can make an important contribution to the EU Round Table.

ESN encourages every Member State to include at least one representative of local government in its delegation to the Round Table on Fight against Poverty and Social Exclusion in Stockholm.