CDA leader Wopke Hoekstra argues that a cap on energy prices should also be introduced in 2024 if large groups of people otherwise risk falling into poverty. As far as he is concerned, the temporary budget increase for children will also continue. The deputy prime minister hopes to help people in a vulnerable position and on average incomes. He wants to try to get the cabinet to go along with his plans.
“Last year’s package was a combination of contributions to the energy bill, energy cap and a few hundred euros more, which is called a children’s budget,” Hoekstra clarified his plans after hinting at them during the EenVandaag election debate. He wants to continue like this if energy bills and costs remain so high.
“Temporary Only”
In November last year, Finance Minister Sigrid Kaag said that the price cap will only be in effect temporarily in 2023. If energy prices are still very high in 2024, only people who cannot really cope will be helped. make ends meet, said the minister. Hoekstra now also mentions the average earnings for a possible price cap next year, but doesn’t clarify exactly what that should look like.
The reason for the CDA leader’s statements is an estimate by the Central Planning Bureau (CPB). Mathematicians predict that the number of people below the poverty line will rise from 800,000 to 1 million if some temporary support measures are cancelled. Hoekstra proposes to announce new measures in the summer if the prediction of the CPB really seems to come true.
Source: BNR
Andrew Dwight is an author and economy journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of financial markets and a passion for analyzing economic trends and news. With a talent for breaking down complex economic concepts into easily understandable terms, Andrew has become a respected voice in the field of economics journalism.
