This Tuesday, at the prefectural palace, the Prefect and the President of the Departmental Council signed the France Service convention. This marked the launch of these houses within the Côte d’Azur territory.
It was within the magnificent setting of the Palais Sarde that the Prefect and the President of the Departmental Council met. Accompanied by the various organizations that will occupy the France Services houses as well as the mayors of the hinterland, all signed the convention.
The purpose of the convention is to officially launch this new label. Created a year ago following the grand debate organized by the government, it aims to restore state proximity in rural areas. “These houses are labeled, some were previously public service houses, and they now guarantee the permanent presence of two trained agents throughout the activity,” explains the Prefect.
Proximity as the main goal of these structures
“Proximity” was the word that was hammered throughout the introductory speech to the signing. Whether by the Prefect or President Charles Ange Ginésy, it was the key word to promote this new government directive.
“We need to restore proximity in rural areas and the same ambition in city policy neighborhoods. There must be one house per canton and within less than 30 minutes to access it. Everyone must be able to have assistance and access to different services,” states the State representative.
Thus, one can for example find services like the Post Office, public finances, social or medical aid. “It is an advantage compared to the service houses. This label should help to elevate the territorial offer. It will give a boost to non-labeled houses, which have already existed in our territory for 20 years. They testify to the avant-garde approach we’ve demonstrated,” clarifies the President of the Departmental Council.
“In 10 years, we want to achieve the 30-minute objective”
Three new France Services houses are already in the process of being labeled. “We want to achieve complete territorial coverage within a decade. It will not be easy given the geomorphology of the Alpes-Maritimes. I don’t want to make hasty promises, it’s certain we won’t open a house in Entraunes, the density is not high enough. However, we want to minimize the access time,” moderates Charles Ange Ginésy.
Showing imagination, a mobile house has already been launched around the Esteron, Var, and Roya valleys. A first that calls for others.
