Several Groningen municipalities are in such bad shape financially that, in the worst case, cuts in social provisions are imminent. This is evident from an analysis of the States faction of the CDA.
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The reason for this is the cry for help from the Stadskanaal municipality, which no longer sees a chance to cut millions again. The municipality therefore appealed to the province.
Problems threaten Groningen and Westerkwartier
According to the parliamentary party of the CDA, the municipalities of Groningen and Westerkwartier, among others, could also have the same problems in the long term. ‘You can see that their debt position is very high,’ says party member Jacob Boonstra. ‘For example, the property tax was increased to generate extra income. But you can now see that these municipalities are already much higher in the boom with the level of the tax rates. ‘
Cutting social security
Boonstra warns that the ceiling will come into view in that regard. ‘Then you can no longer reach for that means. There is then a risk that several municipalities will have to make severe cuts in social provisions. Examples that pass by are sports facilities or community centers. ‘
For this financial analysis, the CDA did not look at the current budgets of municipalities, but the situation in the long term.
Boonstra: ‘If we want to solve problems, we have to look beyond four years ahead. A balanced budget simply says less than an overview of debts, land exploitation and the tax burden on residents. ‘
‘Contribution from the government must be higher and more stable’
Boonstra points to the contribution of central government to municipalities as the cause of the problems. ‘It is too low and also fluctuates throughout the year. The province must therefore lobby for a higher and stable contribution. Preferably in collaboration with other provinces with the same problems. ‘
Minister recognizes problems
Minister Kajsa Ollongren of the Interior indicated in October that more Dutch municipalities are struggling with their finances. She did not come with concrete help then.
‘I recognize the signals from municipalities that the financial situation is putting pressure on municipal facilities,’ says the minister. She is currently commissioning research into the effect of the financial position on the level of facilities and the quality of municipal services and implementation.
The subject will be on the agenda of the Provincial Council on 2 December.
Also read:
– Ollongren on Stadskanaal cutbacks cry for help: ‘Not the only one with signals’
– Parliamentary questions GroenLinks about the financial need for Stadskanaal
– Stadskanaal gives a key to the province: ‘You can cut back on everything’
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