2020 Budget
The Voorschoten “ executive board ” has now been working on the “Sustainable and Progressive” coalition agreement for a year. Over the past year, we have begun to put thecoalition agreementinto concrete terms and develop it further, building on last year’s success. The budget allows us to invest in our village in the coming years. However, we must be careful not to get carried away; there are various uncertainties that require us to continue managing our funds prudently. Nevertheless, we are able to make a number of visible investments.
Accessibility and traffic
Voorschoten must remain easily accessible, by car, but certainly also by public transport. For instance, we are investing in a new bicycle parking facility at the station, working with Leiden and Leidschendam-Voorburg to improve accessibility via the A4 motorway, and a bus connection from Voorschoten station to Wassenaar is being or has been established. We are also in discussions with the Municipality of Leiden and the Province of Zuid-Holland to improve the situation at the Lammenschansplein.
Sustainability and " Health " for green initiatives
In Voorschoten, we take pride in our green spaces. In various ways, we encourage developments and sustainability to go hand in hand. For example, new construction is only permitted in areas that have already been developed. We promote physical activity and outdoor play. Making our (local) living environment more sustainable is a key priority for us, and we therefore want to prepare thoroughly for the future while taking climate change into account. We strive for a climate-neutral Voorschoten by 2030.
Good Health and a vibrant, inclusive society
To ensure that the “ Health ” program remains high-quality and affordable, we will continue to focus on early detection and rapid resolution of problems, so that we can prevent costly medical treatments down the line. We want to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage cycling, so that people can stay active and healthy for longer.
More housing for first-time buyers and seniors
To help older adults and young people find suitable and affordable housing, we aim to focus attention on these target groups within our construction plans. The housing shortage has particularly affected these groups. We are therefore aiming to build 300 new homes in four years, catering to every generation and every budget.
Village dialogues and participation
We have initiated village dialogues concerning topics such as our administrative future, the subsidy system, and finances. A joint task force consisting of the municipality and residents will further promote civic participation, and village dialogues will continue to take place in Voorschoten in 2020.
Safety
In 2020, the “ executive board ” will propose measures to invest in public safety. For example, more funds will be allocated to neighborhood-focused initiatives, and the number of Boas (municipal enforcement officers) will be increased.
How is this funded?
The past few years have been difficult. These years are behind us, but we must remain vigilant to keep pace. This means, for instance, adopting a different method for depreciating our buildings and vehicles, giving us the financial leeway to invest in our village. We can maintain the residual value of our buildings at 30% and that of our vehicles at 10%. As a result, we need to depreciate less on assets that retain an economic value.