Burgomaster: 'National government is failing to adequately finance the municipality'

Background

During a recent interview, the Burgomaster of the municipality of Westerlo, Koenraad Van Dooren, expressed his dissatisfaction with the level of financial support provided by the national government. He argued that the current funding model is inadequate and does not meet the needs of municipalities like Westerlo.

Van Dooren pointed to the fact that Westerlo has a relatively high number of low-income residents and that the municipality is responsible for providing a wide range of essential services, including social welfare, education, and infrastructure. He argued that the national government should provide more financial support to municipalities like Westerlo in order to ensure that these essential services can continue to be provided at a high level.

Shortcomings of the Current Funding Model

Van Dooren identified several shortcomings in the current funding model. First, he argued that the model is too heavily reliant on property taxes. This means that municipalities with a large number of low-income residents, such as Westerlo, receive less funding than municipalities with a larger number of wealthy residents.

Second, Van Dooren argued that the funding model does not take into account the actual costs of providing essential services. He pointed to the fact that Westerlo has a relatively large number of elderly residents, which requires the municipality to spend more on social welfare services.

Consequences of Inadequate Funding

Van Dooren warned that the inadequate level of funding from the national government is having a negative impact on the municipality of Westerlo. He argued that the municipality is struggling to provide essential services at a high level and that this is leading to a decline in the quality of life for residents.

Van Dooren also expressed concern that the inadequate funding is making it difficult for the municipality to attract and retain businesses. He argued that businesses are less likely to invest in municipalities that are struggling to provide essential services.

Recommendations

Van Dooren called on the national government to overhaul the current funding model. He argued that the new model should be more equitable and should take into account the actual costs of providing essential services.

Van Dooren also called on the national government to provide more financial support to municipalities like Westerlo. He argued that this support is essential to ensure that these municipalities can continue to provide essential services at a high level and to attract and retain businesses.

Conclusion

The Burgomaster of Westerlo, Koenraad Van Dooren, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the level of financial support provided by the national government. He argues that the current funding model is inadequate and does not meet the needs of municipalities like Westerlo. Van Dooren has called on the national government to overhaul the current funding model and to provide more financial support to municipalities like Westerlo.