City Presents a Balanced Budget for 2024
The 2024 budget is based on the coalition agreement. Here are a few of the measures planned for the coming year: preserving our village’s green character, providing more affordable housing for young people, first-time homebuyers, and seniors, and taking further steps toward climate adaptation.
Alderman Hans van der Elst is satisfied with the budget for 2024 and 2025. But he is concerned about 2026 and beyond. “For the next two years, we now have a realistic and structurally balanced budget. After that, we will have to deal with, among other things, the government’s policy decisions, which will lead to structural deficits. This means that starting in 2026, we will not have sufficient resources to carry out our current responsibilities.”
A Major and Urgent Housing Challenge
Due to looming shortages, the “ executive board ” will have to make even clearer choices regarding its goals and financial expenditures. The “ Alderman ” states: “One of the most important challenges we face is the housing issue. Many residents are affected by this—if not for themselves, then for their children. This challenge is significant, but above all, it is urgent. That is why, for example, we have set aside additional funds for the construction of flexible housing units.”
Development Vision centre
In 2024, the “ centre ” Development Vision will also be fleshed out. The “ executive board ” will do this by realistically scheduling various subprojects. High priority will be given to developing the area surrounding the Kruispuntkerk. The church will become the new home for the users of the current cultural center “ centre ” on Prinses Marijkelaan. A new building for the Fortgens School, featuring an integrated child care center and residential units, will then be constructed on Prinses Marijkelaan.
Sports
executive board lso plans to actively invest in sports. For example, funds have been set aside to build a new track and field facility and to contribute to a combined ice and inline skating rink. The “ executive board ” has even more ambitions, but those plans can only be finalized after the “ municipal council ” has approved the budget.
Sustainability and the Environment
“Of course, no budget is complete without a section on sustainability and the environment,” concludes the Alderman. “Next year, among other things, we will implement the Local Energy Strategy, which is designed to promote sustainability and conserve energy. We will also strengthen our collaboration with the Leiden region to develop a district heating network. Through these and many other initiatives, we remain committed to making Voorschoten a sustainable and future-proof residential community.”