Social Policy

In November 2010 the Public Opinion Research Centre survey has focused extensively on issues of social policy. The survey examined some more general issues like a question, what should be the role of the state and what the role of citizens in social security, whether it should be a strictly targeted system, and whether the social security system in our country is too generous or too weak. People were asked also, how much they think the government cares about the social situation of citizens, and how much the social security system in Czech Republic is abused by its beneficiaries.

In November 2009, Public Opinion Research Centre enquired about spending on social policy. Czechs should express their view about government spending on unemployment, housing, health care, child allowances, retirement pensions, disability benefits, schools and education. Another question was focused on pensions reform.

In November 2009, Czech population was asked some questions about the family policy. First, there was a general question to what extent the government cares about families with small children. Second, people should say, which of the family policy instruments they appreciate. In fact, all instruments were supported, but most of the people agreed with flexible working time or part-time jobs for parents of small children, with tax cut for these people and the increasing number of kindergartens.

In November 2009, Public Opinion Research Centre's survey focused on social policy. People were asked, how much they think the government cares about the social situation of citizens, and how much the citizens care about it themselves. Czechs also should express their view about misusing of social security system in Czech Republic.

In November 2008, Public Opinion Research Centre enquired about social policy. People were asked, how much do they think the government cares about the social situation of citizens, and how much the citizens care about it themselves. Czechs also should express their view about government spending on unemployment, housing, health care, child allowances, retirement pensions, disability benefits, schools and education.

In November 2008, Czech population was asked about some instruments of family policy. First, there was a general question to what extent the government cares about families with small children. Second, people should say, which of the family policy instruments they appreciate. In fact, all instruments were supported, but most of the people agreed with flexible working time or part-time job for parents of small children, with tax cut for these people and marriage loan.

Government expenditure on social policy in general and in partial areas is evaluated as rather low than high. The exception is unemployment benefit, where number of those who consider government expenditure as low (27 %) is comparable to number of those who suppose it to be high (27 %) or who find it adequate (33 %). According to 32 % of respondents the government takes care of social situation in appropriate way while 58 % of respondents find the government's focus on social situation of citizens too low and 4 % of respondents suppose it to be exaggerated.

Over 80 % of respondents agreed with support of flexible working time or with support of part time job for parents with little children, with marriage loan, with tax cut for people with children and with running of public nursery at every primary school. Approximately three quarters of people expressed support for child benefit rise, increase in number of kindergartens and common taxation of husband and wife.

Over 80 % of respondents agreed with support of flexible working time or with support of part time job for parents with little children, with marriage loan and with tax cut for people with children. Support of prolongation of maternity holiday with 69 % of salary and common taxation, children benefit rise and running of public nursery at every primary school was expressed by 70 - 80 % of people.

Government expenditure on social policy in general and in partial areas is evaluated as rather low than high. The exception is unemployment benefit, where number of those who consider government expenditure as low (26 %) is little bit lower than number of those who suppose it to be high (29 %) or who find it adequate (33 %). According to 42 % of respondents the government takes care of social situation in appropriate way while 45 % of respondents find the Government's focus on social situation of citizens too low and 7 % of respondents suppose it to be exaggerated.