The Mayor and Aldermen of Almere today presents a balanced budget for 2024 to the municipal council. The council remains committed to realizing the ambitions set out in the coalition agreement. Next year, the city’s budget for management and maintenance will be doubled and the council will reserve extra money for social security. The council also continues to focus on housing construction, youth care and energy measures.
In total, the council expects to spend approximately €1.2 billion in 2024. Despite the deteriorated financial situation that Almere is facing, the council has managed to present a balanced budget for the coming years.
Councilor for Finance Kees Ahles: ‘We continue to invest in a green, healthy and sustainable city. We also see that we are reaching limits financially and that there are many uncertainties. This does not make it easy to complete our budget. Our priority is to continue to help Almeers, guarantee livelihoods and ensure a city that offers a pleasant and safe living environment for our residents. That also includes healthy finances.’
Financial state of affairs
Almere is aiming for a structurally balanced budget at the end of this budget period (2027). This means that annual recurring expenditure and income must be in balance by 2027. That is now the case, but the municipality still has to make €26 million in cuts. At the beginning of 2024, the council will present a proposal to save €11 million on tasks as agreed in the 2023 program budget. The remaining €15 million concerns a necessary cutback in youth care.
It has been agreed with the council to increase the buffer to €60 million at the end of this council term (2026). In this budget, the buffer amounts to €4.5 million positive at the end of 2026. Windfalls will therefore be deposited into the buffer until it is replenished to €60 million.
Expected government cuts
Last year there was already a situation of uncertainty. The energy poverty and inflation that followed the war in Ukraine also had an effect in Almere, as in other municipalities. The fall of the cabinet has added more uncertainty this year. It is likely that the new cabinet will make cuts that will also affect the municipalities. It is positive that the government has now also made extra money available from the municipal fund from 2027, which has reduced the decline in income from the municipal fund.
What does the 2024 budget mean for Almere?
Maintenance of the growing and aging city
Almere is a young city and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. Yet Almere is already the eighth largest city in the Netherlands. In some places the city is in need of urban renewal and more maintenance is required. The money available for management and maintenance of the city will be doubled. To this end, the municipality will switch from saving to borrowing for the replacement investment in public space. Investments are also being made in the economy and new jobs in all parts of the city.
More money for social security
This year too, money will be made available to help Almere residents, such as with the energy and poverty attack plan. Additional income support measures for groups in need are being considered for 2024.
Focus on housing construction remains a priority
Housing construction in Almere is hampered by, among other things, falling house prices and rising interest rates. As a result, builders have become more cautious. This makes it difficult for home seekers to find a house. Almere is fully committed to building houses faster, but that is not easy in this market.
Overloading the energy network affects residents and companies
Almere also has to deal with grid congestion. Power lines do not have enough space to power all new businesses and facilities. This means that new companies and facilities such as schools may not be able to have a power connection in the coming years. Almere expects that these problems will last until at least 2029 and is investing in an approach to find temporary solutions.
Keeping healthcare available and affordable for Almeer residents
The council does everything it can to keep healthcare available and affordable for Almeer residents. €15 million must be cut in youth care, of which €2 million has now been allocated. These measures have yet to be introduced.
Rates are increasing for residents
The rates for residents will increase by 10% in 2024. This is mainly because prices are rising, and therefore also the costs. On average, this amounts to more than €90 per year per household. This includes the increase due to the agreement to make the sewerage charge cost-effective, the new waste collection system and the costs for installing sewer in Oosterwold.
Image and attachment: Almere Budget 2024 at a glance
PDF File click here
