Oosterhout mulls legal action if government continues €20m cuts: 'This is improper governance'

Oosterhout council is drawing up plans for legal action if the government continues with planned cuts of €20m in subsidies to local authorities.

The move comes after the government announced plans to reduce subsidies to local authorities by €2m a year, with effect from January next. Oosterhout council says the cuts would have a "devastating" impact on local services, and has called on the government to reconsider its plans.

Mayor Mark Buijs said on Monday evening: "We are very disappointed with these government plans. They will mean cuts to essential services, such as home care and youth support. This is simply unacceptable.

"We are therefore considering our options, and are preparing a case to take to court if necessary. We believe that the government is acting improperly in imposing these cuts on local authorities."

The government says that the cuts are necessary in order to reduce the national deficit. However, Oosterhout council argues that the cuts are unfair, as local authorities are already facing significant financial challenges.

The council also points out that the cuts will hit the poorest and most vulnerable in society the hardest. Mayor Buijs said: "These cuts will have a devastating impact on our residents. They will mean that people will lose their jobs, and that essential services will be cut back."

"We urge the government to reconsider its plans, and to work with local authorities to find a fair and sustainable solution to the financial challenges we face."

The government has so far not responded to the council's threats of legal action.

The full text of the government's plans can be found here: www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/gemeenten/bezuinigingen-subsidies-gemeenten