Social welfare and public service challenges in Piedmont

In September 2026, the Piedmont region launched the 2026-2027 edition of the ‘Buono Domiciliarità’, a social welfare program funded by over 20 million euros from the European Social Fund Plus. The initiative provides 700 euros per month to support family care services for non-self-sufficient elderly and disabled residents, provided they meet specific economic and assessment criteria.

By October 2026, the Piedmont Regional Council reviewed annual reports from several regional ombudsmen. Regional Ombudsman Paola Baldovino reported a 25% increase in citizen intervention requests compared to the previous year, rising from 587 in 2024 to 776 in 2025. Approximately 60% of these requests involved ‘personal services’, specifically regarding healthcare, disability, and pensions. Baldovino highlighted significant complaints concerning difficulties in booking medical visits and exams in accordance with priority codes, emphasizing the urgent need for the regional Unified Booking Center (Cup) to become operational.

Other ombudsmen raised additional regional concerns. Monica Formaiano reported on the prison system, noting increased inmate participation in work programs but highlighting issues such as overcrowding, aging facilities, and the need for specialized support for women, youth, and transgender individuals. Additionally, Giovanni Ravalli, the Ombudsman for Children and Adolescents, focused on combating bullying and cyberbullying, as well as protecting minors in fragile family situations and unaccompanied foreign minors.