Ce que font les villes pour les ménages pauvres. Résultats d'une enquête nationale sur les communes de plus de 20 000 habitants

The implementation of RSA has deeply modified the French system of social transfers. An ad hoc survey has been carried out among 189 large cities (more than 20 000 inhabitants) and local suppliers of social transfers, which represent 13 millions inhabitants, that is 20% of French people and 48% people from these cities. Compared to family allowance funds, departments or regions, cities are offering the most diverse forms of local allowances. The survey first describes the different nature and form of allowances and the way they are allocated. It then reveals the existing levels of coordination, in particular with departments, and on which aspects it is made, mainly common financing and exchange of information. Finally, the survey provides original results about the possible modification of local allowances in the new context of the RSA. A few number of cities or local suppliers have anticipated a change in their offer due to the implementation of the RSA. The main reasons for the changes which have been made are the deterioration of the economic situation, the increase of unemployment and the growing financial difficulties of many households. Cities and local suppliers are the first level of local transfers; they had to adapt their offer to new needs of population.