Energy crisis: more and more people go to OCMW

They also notice this in smaller municipalities such as Wielsbeke. And the great influx of people in trouble is yet to come, they say there. They expect a stampede.

The government is working on a plan for the so-called middle class with a basic package for cheaper energy, from November. But for the time being, it has been sorted out for many families. Magali Vermeulen, Social House Wielsbeke: “We have a measure here. When people come by, we can offer them support of 100 euros per month, for 3 months. They can use that amount for their interim invoices. We also advise them to go to go to the food bank, or we intervene in school bills or childcare.”

At the end of the month they will meet again in Wielsbeke to see what measures they will take further. Because they will be needed. “I do think we are going to have another stampede. This is really just the beginning.”