The regulation from the municipality in the district of Viana do Castelo, published today in the Diário da República, includes firefighters from the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of Caminha and Vila Praia de Âncora. It is now open to a 30-day public consultation period for the collection of suggestions.
Among the measures included in the extraordinary social support “to encourage volunteerism” and “recognize the noble function of the Volunteer Firefighter” is “priority in the allocation of social housing promoted by the City Council when in equality of conditions”.
The document also provides for “support for housing rental up to a maximum of 500 euros after analysis by the municipal social cohesion services”.
This is complemented by an exemption from the Municipal Property Tax (IMI) related to the firefighter’s own and permanent residence located in the council area. For up to five years of completed service, the exemption is 20%.
For between five and 10 years of completed service, the exemption is 50%, rising to 75% for those between 11 and 15 years of completed service.
For firefighters with more than 16 years of completed service, the exemption is 100%.
Firefighters will also be entitled to a “personal accident insurance according to current legislation” and support equivalent to bracket A in the public school network for their children, along with exemption from school meal payments and provision of a school supplies ‘kit’ valued at 16 euros.
Additionally, a “20 euros participation for study trips” for firefighters’ children is planned, as well as exemption from payment for the Leisure Time Occupation – School Holidays service promoted by the City Council.
Among other measures, the document also mentions the firefighters’ right to free access, for a maximum period of two hours, three times a week, to the municipal swimming pool for free swimming, with prior arrangement at least 24 hours in advance.
The children of the beneficiaries “will have preferential access to registration in the Municipal Holiday Program, when with equal scoring with other candidates,” it adds.
The City Council indicates its intention to “formulate and implement a municipal social policy recognizing the role developed on behalf of the community by the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of Caminha and Vila Praia de Âncora”.
“It is understood that, as a matter of duty, it is urgent to differentiate the treatment given to Volunteer Firefighters in accessing these same rights and benefits, adapting them to the specifics of our municipal territory,” it adds.
According to the municipality, “an assessment of the costs and benefits resulting from the measures provided for in the regulation” was conducted, considering “that the benefits are significantly superior to the costs”.
This is “insofar as this granting of benefits will contribute to encouraging volunteerism, recognizing the noble function of the Volunteer Firefighter, and also because Firefighters are examples of self-denial, courage, dedication, competence, and zeal on behalf of the community”.
