2023 Budget
The “ executive board ” presents a structurally balanced budget for 2023 through 2025. Investments are being made for various target groups, a vibrant centre, educational facilities, sustainability and climate, circular waste management, and good Health. For 2026, however, there are still uncertainties regarding the amount of funding that will be made available by the national government. The budget therefore anticipates a deficit for 2026.
Voorschoten is currently in better financial shape than it was four years ago. To ensure that this remains the case in the future, we are identifying as many risks as possible and taking steps to address them. Examples include the tight labor market labour market and rising inflation.
Alderman Hans van der Elst, Finance:“We are pleased with our first budget. We have many ambitions, and there is a lot to do. We want to ensure that, despite the challenges and uncertain times, there are sufficient reserves to handle unforeseen developments. Above all, we want our residents to be able to live comfortably in Voorschoten and for our public services to remain in good order.”
Educational facilities
Good educational facilities for the children of Voorschoten are crucial and have the highest priority. Funds will be reserved in the coming years to invest in new construction, such as the new building for the Fortgensschool.
Housing
It is important to focus on creating more affordable housing. Our goal is to ensure that young people can also continue to live in Voorschoten. New construction plans for schools are being combined with new housing development plans. Examples include the Fortgens School, which is being developed in conjunction with housing, and we are also considering combining housing with the Nuts School, the Emmaus School, and the cultural center “ centre .”
Participation
Funds have been allocated to improve resident participation. We ensure that the expertise of the municipality is connected with the experience and knowledge from the community.
Culture and sports
Culture and sports are of great social value to our village. We engage in frequent consultation with sports, cultural, social, and sustainability organizations. We would like to give culture a more prominent place on the Map . The municipality wants to recognize athletes and cultural organizations by hosting a municipal sports night and presenting a culture award.
Health and youth
Many responsibilities related to Health and youth fall under the municipality’s purview. If Health and/or support is needed, we work together with the welfare organization Voorschoten Voor Elkaar and other institutions to ensure a quick response.
Energy transition
The energy transition also affects Voorschoten. Together with organizations, we provide information to residents of Voorschoten on making their living and working environments more sustainable. Climate adaptation is also given attention. Additional funds have been allocated to work on measures against heat stress, drought, and flooding.
centre
A vibrant centre is essential for Voorschoten. That is why extra attention is being paid to developments in the downtown area. For example, based on the new “ centre ” development vision, opportunities are being explored to create more spaces for entrepreneurs to establish their businesses.
What will residents pay?
The Real Estate Tax (OZB) will only be increased by the indexing percentage (3.1%) as estimated by the CPB. The sewerage levy remains unchanged. However, the waste levy is increasing due to higher waste processing costs resulting from sharply increased energy prices. Circularity is the core principle of our waste policy.