Local authorities respond to the fall of the cabinet
Following the fall of the cabinet, the municipalities, provinces, and water boards sent a letter to the Senate and House of Representatives. In the letter, the local authorities ask parliament to prevent the Netherlands from coming to a standstill. "We need the space to make the decisions necessary to keep this country running," according to the umbrella organizations VNG, IPO, and Unie van Waterschappen.
The list of major social challenges that require decisive action is enormous. These include the severe shortage of affordable housing, the necessary climate challenge and energy transition, the challenge in rural areas, and strengthening the livelihoods of vulnerable people. The municipalities, provinces, and water boards want to continue working on the progress of the Netherlands and are asking parliament for the space to make decisions.
Standing still is irresponsible
In the letter, the local authorities highlight seven specific issues that must not be allowed to stall in the coming months: the construction of affordable housing, making our energy consumption more sustainable, the transition of rural areas, the purchasing power of vulnerable residents, the reform of youth care, the reception of refugees, and the use of public transport.
No postponement possible for appointments in rural areas
“There are currently many issues in rural areas that cannot be postponed. Under the motto 'water and soil-driven', these issues involve restoring the balance between the agricultural sector and nature, further improving water quality (the Water Framework Directive in 2027), and working on the climate challenge," says Rogier van der Sande, chairman of the Union of Water Boards.
Provinces have submitted area programs and packages of measures for the transition of rural areas. These packages of measures can only be implemented quickly if funding becomes available in the short term. These so-called acceleration funds must definitely go ahead.
Discussions on the tax system for water authorities must continue
Local authorities want to continue to take responsibility. For water boards, it is necessary that the proposals for a new tax system are implemented by the water boards. Van der Sande: "We want the outgoing cabinet to send the tax proposals to the House of Representatives quickly and ensure that the tax proposals are not declared controversial. Failure to reach proper agreements on our tax system will lead to stagnation. And that is truly irresponsible towards our residents."
Letter from local authorities - fall of the cabinet (Union of Water Boards, July 9, 2023)