From mid-2023, the Act on cash benefits for serving as a village head has been in force. But its provisions are still controversial. Can anything be done about it?
Member of Parliament Bartosz Romowicz (Polska 2050-TD) addressed an interpellation regarding cash benefits for village heads, paid on the basis of the regulations in force from mid-2023 on this matter, to the Ministry of Agriculture.
– Many village heads report problems regarding the provisions of this Act, which treat village heads unequally. The benefit may be awarded to a person who has served as a village head for at least two terms of office, but not less than 8 years. However, a problem arises when in one of the local governments, due to the provisions of the statute of a given commune, one of the terms of office did not last the entire 4 years, but, for example, 3 years, 11 months and 28 days. Then such a village head has 3 days left to receive the benefit – noted MP Romowicz and asked the Minister of Agriculture to answer the question whether he is considering changing the provisions of the Act to those that will solve the presented problem.
Minister Kołodziejczak responds
Deputy Minister Michał Kołodziejczak answered the MP’s question. He recalled that in accordance with Art. 2 section 1 of the Act of May 26, 2023 on cash benefits for performing the function of a village head, this benefit is due to a person who meets all of the following conditions:
- served as a village head pursuant to the Act of March 8, 1990 on municipal self-government2 for a period of at least two terms of office, but not less than 8 years;
- reached the age of:
- for women – 60 years,
- for men – 65 years.
It follows from the above that those entitled to receive the benefit are village heads who have served for at least two terms of office, but not less than 8 years, and have reached retirement age.
– The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development receives signals from people who do not meet all the conditions specified in the above. Act, therefore we analyze the indicated legal provisions and demands affecting this area, in the context of their possible modification, so that they serve citizens to the highest possible extent and have a positive impact on improving their socio-economic situation – noted the deputy minister in response.
How many village heads were granted benefits?
Deputy Minister Kołodziejczak announced that as of December 1, 2023, KRUS organizational units had received 34,373 applications for such a benefit, and 31,454 people were entitled to the benefit. Due to serving as a village head for a period shorter than the full 8 years, 1,185 people were refused benefits.
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