Citizens want clear and just social security system – report on social security dialogues published
The series of social security dialogues held by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Timeout Foundation brought out a wide variety of views and development suggestions from citizens on the future of social security. The outcomes of the dialogues will be presented at a webinar on 15 May 2025.
During the 27 dialogues held between December 2024 and March 2025, participants described social security not only as a financial safety net but also as a building block for values and national identity.
A summary of the social security dialogues shows that people in Finland value social security because of its principles that strengthen both people’s personal sense of security and the sense of security in society at large and gender equality. However, they also see significant development needs in the system.
Common concerns and concrete development suggestions
According to the participants, the current social security system is complicated and difficult to understand. The key suggestions for developing the system were related to improving access to information, simplifying the system and the application process, providing personal service, improving the availability of health and social services, and taking better account of special groups, such as young people, self-employed people and entrepreneurs and those needing security on a long-term basis, in the social security system.
During the discussions, it was suggested that, instead of cuts, the financing base be strengthened by means of taxation, employment growth and economic growth, the benefits be better allocated to those most in need of support and the effectiveness and efficiency of the system be improved, among others. A system that reacts to cyclical fluctuations was seen as a possible solution to the challenges of financing the system. One of the key suggestions discussed was also targeting the child benefit at people on low incomes.
The dialogues also highlighted the following themes:
- Clarity and accessibility of the social security system
- Better coordination of social security benefits and services
- Need for foresight, and improving the compatibility of different types of benefits
- Contradiction between the system’s requirements and the reality: activeness may lead to loss of financial support
- Strengthening equality and social trust through social security
The participants’ views on social security will be used in the Parliamentary Social Security Committee’s work as part of the social security reform.
“Citizens’ views are largely in line with the objectives set for the social security reform. The dialogues have helped to identify some of the key challenges of the current system, which are related to the sustainability of the financing base and the coordination of services and benefits, for example. The suggested improvements are sure to generate debate among decision-makers,” says Chair of the Social Security Committee Pasi Moisio from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.
Inclusion strengthens democracy and builds trust
A total of 229 people – including working-age people, young adults and people belonging to minorities – from across Finland participated in the dialogues. According to the participants, more discussion is needed on social security so that people from different backgrounds can share their experiences and have their voices heard. The tone of the dialogues was considered markedly different from the tone of social media and other public discussions. Many participants also said that the discussion changed their perception of both social security and people’s diverse life situations.
“The social security dialogues are an excellent example of how enabling a constructive public discussion on important societal issues strengthens both mutual and social trust and thereby also democracy,” says Laura Arikka, Executive Director of the Timeout Foundation.
“Hearing citizens’ views is not just about collecting information; it is also a way of promoting inclusion. Citizens’ views are a valuable contribution that supports decision-making,” says Director General Liisa Siika-aho from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, who heads the social security reform.
Read the report and take part in the webinar
The report summarises the key findings of the discussions and the views of citizens on how to develop social security.
The outcomes of the social security dialogues will be presented for the Members of Parliament taking part in the Parliamentary Social Security Committee in a webinar that is open to everyone on Thursday 15 May at 12–14. Members of Parliament also have the opportunity to engage in a dialogue on how social security should be reformed.
Inquiries
Sara Mäkäräinen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 29 516 3168, [email protected]
Laura Arikka, Executive Director, Timeout Foundation, tel. +358 44 579 2686, [email protected]