Culture pass offers reduced-cost activities to half a million people
More than half a million people now have an UiTPAS card, as part of a scheme that offers cultural, youth, sport and leisure activities at a reduced cost.
A total of 162 municipalities in Flanders offer the UiTPAS, up from 44 in 2019. The UiTPAS is designed to make culture and leisure activities more accessible, particularly for people with limited income. It also encourages municipalities to collaborate on a supra-local approach to cultural policy.
Data shared in parliament by N-VA MP Gijs Degrande shows that more than 535,000 people now hold a UiTPAS. Of these, over 284,000 are entitled to a social rate, granting them access to activities like sports matches, concerts or theatre performances at significantly reduced prices.
Extra attention required
Despite its success, the system still faces challenges. "The reduced rate only applies within the UiTPAS region of a pass holder and stops at the regional borders," Degrande said.
"Of the 34 UiTPAS regions, 12 still consist of just one municipality. As a result, residents of those regions are missing out on opportunities. In those places, inter-municipal cooperation is not yet taking off. This requires extra attention."
Financial and administrative hurdles also deter some municipalities from joining the system. Those with existing discount programmess are sometimes hesitant to switch, even though the UiTPAS shows that larger, inter-municipal systems can create more opportunities.
"UiTPAS is more than just a pass; it promotes supra-local cultural policy," said Degrande. "By bringing municipalities together around one system, not only are people in poverty supported, but it also ensures stronger regional leisure policy. Strengthening existing collaborations and motivating new regions is, therefore, the next step so that the whole of Flanders can have access to the system."
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO ALEX VANHEE / ANP
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