Municipalities are not national implementing bodies, which is why the energy allowance will have to be paid again by the central government starting next year. This was stated by the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG).
To ease the pain of high (energy) prices even for low-income households after 2023, the government is studying the possibility of creating an energy surcharge. The VNG is pleased with a letter to the House of Representatives in late February stating that the cabinet is considering regulating the energy surcharge through the surcharge system.
“No Crisis”
The VNG supports this arrangement, both because, according to the municipalities, there is no more crisis, and because it believes that a national sustainable income policy by the government is necessary. The VNG points out that municipalities are part of the government, but with their own local role for residents in a vulnerable position. “Municipalities should not be used as national implementation organizations.” The VNG writes it to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour.
The VNG deems it unrealistic to expect municipalities to have to implement the scheme for the third time after the energy crisis in 2022 and 2023. After all, it is a temporary arrangement and, moreover, it requires a lot of effort from the municipalities, it writes.
Source: BNR
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