Rents are set to rise and fuel prices will increase again starting July 1st, along with several other changes that will impact people’s wallets. The new regulations include a surcharge on food and drinks sold in plastic packaging, a ban on untargeted advertising for online gambling, and stricter supervision of rogue landlords.
Starting July 1st, catering establishments, petrol stations, and shops will no longer be allowed to sell food and drinks in (partly) plastic packaging without charging a surcharge. This measure aims to reduce the single-use of plastic. While people can bring their own cup or container to avoid the surcharge, this option is not available for products in supermarkets or fast-food chains like McDonald’s. Instead, surcharges or deposits will be implemented. This directive comes two years after the ban on plastic straws and cutlery.
Fuel prices will also increase again from July 1st. The excise duty on fuel will largely rise, with an extra 16.7 cents per liter of petrol and 12 cents per liter of diesel, including VAT. Filling station owners may raise prices slightly earlier to benefit from drivers who rush to fill up their tanks before the increase. The last part of the excise duty reduction may be removed from January 1st, 2024.
To protect vulnerable groups, there will be a ban on untargeted advertising for online gambling starting July 1st. Initially, this ban will apply to radio and TV commercials and billboards, but online advertising will still be allowed under certain conditions. Sports sponsorship will also be exempted for the time being.
Those living in social rental homes will face a maximum rent increase of 3.1 percent from next month. However, many corporations have indicated that they will likely keep the increase limited to an average of 2.4 percent. Higher-income individuals or those paying low rent may experience a larger increase. In contrast, households with high rent and low income may see a rent reduction to support them due to high inflation.
Starting in July, the minimum wage will slightly increase to 1,995 euros per month for full-time workers, up from 1,934.40 euros. Youth wages and benefits, including social assistance, unemployment benefits, old-age pensions, disability benefits, and sickness benefits, will also rise.
Parents will receive less child benefit in the coming quarter, with amounts decreasing by 8 to 11.50 euros per quarter. This reduction is attributed to the lower energy bill, which has made life less expensive according to the government.
After years of debate, the new pension system will come into effect at the beginning of next month. The most significant change is that individuals will build up their own pension pot, making their pension more closely related to their investments during their working life. Retirees will still receive the same benefit next month, but future adjustments may occur due to the new rules.
Lastly, the Good Landlords Act will be implemented on July 1st, giving municipalities the power to intervene in cases of landlord misconduct, such as extremely high rents, discrimination, or intimidation. Municipalities will establish reporting points and enforce regulations, with the option to introduce a licensing system. These rules apply not only to private landlords but also to housing associations and intermediaries.
What steps can individuals take to mitigate the financial impact of the surcharge on plastic packaging and fuel price increases, while still supporting the government’s environmental and social priorities
Ill be included in the future. The aim is to prevent excessive gambling and protect individuals from developing gambling addictions.
In addition, stricter supervision of rogue landlords will be implemented. From July 1st, landlords who chronically violate lease agreements or fail to meet housing standards will face tougher penalties. This is aimed at ensuring that tenants have safe and fair housing conditions.
These changes will have an impact on people’s wallets. With the surcharge on plastic packaging, individuals will need to consider whether to bring their own containers or pay the additional cost. Fuel prices will increase, which means higher costs for transportation. And the ban on untargeted advertising for online gambling aims to prevent individuals from overspending on gambling activities.
While these regulations may present challenges for individuals, they also have important environmental and social benefits. The reduction of plastic waste, the protection of vulnerable individuals from excessive gambling, and the improvement of housing standards are all key priorities for the government. However, it is important for individuals to be aware of these changes and plan accordingly to mitigate any financial impact.
It’s disheartening to see a slew of challenges await us on July 1. From rising rents and expensive fuel to a plastic packaging ban, these changes will undoubtedly impact our lives. We must brace ourselves and find innovative ways to adapt and mitigate their effects.
These upcoming changes are likely to have a significant impact on both our wallets and the environment. Brace yourself for a tougher financial climate with rising rents and expensive fuel, but take solace in the fact that steps are being taken to limit plastic packaging and reduce plastic waste. Let’s adapt to these changes and work towards a more sustainable future.