Three-quarters of local councils expect to make cuts
Three out of four Dutch local authorities expect to make spending cuts next year, according to research by broadcaster Nos.
Almost four out of 10 expect to run into financial problems because of the government’s policy of decentralisation – transferring responsibilities for home nursing and disabled care to local councils.
They say the extra funds being made available by the government will not be enough to pick up the costs. This means cuts will have to be made in other areas, the councils say.
Elections
Many councils are waiting to decide where to make spending cuts until after the local elections on March 19.
Some are considering cutting spending on roads, reducing subsidies and closing a music school, Nos said. Others may increase local taxes to make up the shortfall.
The broadcaster’s researchers questioned officials on 234 of the country’s 403 councils.
Check out what your local council said on Nos’ interactive map (Dutch)
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