Mobilization Against Proposed Changes to Community Social Action Centers
National associations urge resistance to government plan for optional status of community centers assisting vulnerable populations.
On June 10, 2025, the Union nationale des centres communaux d’action sociale (UNCCAS) is rallying its members to oppose a government proposal that would render community social action centers (CCAS) optional in municipalities with populations exceeding 1,500 residents.
These public establishments provide essential support to individuals facing difficulties, including the elderly, disabled persons, and young children.
Luc Carvounas, the socialist mayor of Alfortville and president of UNCCAS, emphasized the urgency of this mobilization, stating that the aim is to prevent the government from proposing an amendment in the Senate within the week.
The proposal was introduced by François Rebsamen, the Minister of Territorial Planning and Decentralization, during a presentation focused on simplifying local government actions on April 28, 2025. The initiative reportedly stems from recommendations made by Boris Ravignon, a center-right mayor of Charleville-Mézières, in his 2024 report addressing the administrative complexity of the French system.
Rebsamen's statement argues that the measure aligns with requests from various elected officials, who view CCAS management as excessively burdensome.
According to the government, municipalities that deem it necessary can retain their CCAS, whereas those that opt for discontinuation would be allowed to internalize social action services.
The ongoing debate reflects the tension between local governance structure and efficiency, with significant implications for the delivery of social services within communities.
These public establishments provide essential support to individuals facing difficulties, including the elderly, disabled persons, and young children.
Luc Carvounas, the socialist mayor of Alfortville and president of UNCCAS, emphasized the urgency of this mobilization, stating that the aim is to prevent the government from proposing an amendment in the Senate within the week.
The proposal was introduced by François Rebsamen, the Minister of Territorial Planning and Decentralization, during a presentation focused on simplifying local government actions on April 28, 2025. The initiative reportedly stems from recommendations made by Boris Ravignon, a center-right mayor of Charleville-Mézières, in his 2024 report addressing the administrative complexity of the French system.
Rebsamen's statement argues that the measure aligns with requests from various elected officials, who view CCAS management as excessively burdensome.
According to the government, municipalities that deem it necessary can retain their CCAS, whereas those that opt for discontinuation would be allowed to internalize social action services.
The ongoing debate reflects the tension between local governance structure and efficiency, with significant implications for the delivery of social services within communities.