Local authorities respond to the fall of the cabinet
Following the fall of the government, the councils, provinces, and water boards sent a letter to the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the letter, the local and regional authorities ask Parliament to prevent the Netherlands from grinding to a halt. “We need the leeway to make the decisions necessary to keep this country running,” stated the umbrella organizations VNG, IPO, and Dutch Water Authorities.
The list of major societal challenges that require decisive action is vast. These include the severe shortage of affordable housing, the urgent need to address climate change and the energy transition, the challenges facing rural areas, and strengthening the livelihood security of vulnerable people. The councils, provinces, and water boards want to continue working toward the progress of the Netherlands and are asking Parliament for the leeway to make decisions.
Standing still is irresponsible
In the letter, local and regional 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, purchasing power for vulnerable residents, the reform of youth care, the reception of refugees, and the use of public transportation.
No extensions allowed for appointments in rural areas
“There are currently many urgent issues in rural areas that cannot be put off. Under the motto ‘water and soil as guiding principles,’ these initiatives aim to restore balance between the agricultural sector and nature, further improve water quality (in line with the Water Framework Directive by 2027), and address climate challenges,” Dutch Water Authorities Rogier van der Sande, chairman of the Dutch Water Authorities .
Provinces have submitted regional programs and packages of measures to support 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 governments want to continue fulfilling their responsibilities. For water boards, it is essential that the proposals for a new tax system for water boards are adopted. Van der Sande: “We want the outgoing cabinet to quickly submit the tax proposals to the House of Representatives and ensure that they are not declared controversial. Failing to reach sound agreements on our tax system leads to gridlock. And that is truly irresponsible toward our residents.”