News item | 20-05-2022 | 17:45
In the Spring Memorandum, the cabinet is allocating a total of more than 680 million euros for dealing with the consequences of the earthquakes in Groningen. As a result, for example, the value increase scheme can continue to exist. 225 million euros is available for this scheme to make homes more sustainable if it took a long time before a decision was made about a damage report. There is also, among other things, 350 million euros to repair damage to houses in order to prevent damage from recurring or worsening in the event of new earthquakes.
The value increase scheme is intended as a compensation for Groningen residents who experience (significant) nuisance from the claim settlement. The scheme would expire (after an extension on 1 April) on 1 July 2022. The cabinet has decided to make extra money available so that the scheme can be continued. The value increase scheme will be continued unchanged until 1 October. This means that anyone who submits a damage report of at least 1,000 euros that is awarded before that date will receive a subsidy to make it more sustainable. The scheme will be adjusted from 1 October. Only applicants who have had to wait a long time for a damage decision due to circumstances are then still eligible. In this way, residents of Groningen who wait too long for a definitive answer can increase the value of their house.
Sustainable damage repair
There will also be 350 million euros to repair existing damage that, if not repaired, could cause damage to worsen or return in the event of new earthquakes. An example of this is restoration of the foundation. In the near future, the Groningen Mining Damage Institute (IMG) will work out exactly what this will look like.
Reimbursement for tenants
In addition, there is 17 million euros for tenants who have improved their home themselves with, for example, a shed or bath, but which has been lost due to the strengthening of the home. They receive a compensation of at least 3,000 euros.
Help in distressing situations
2.2 million euros is available for spiritual support for Groningen residents. In addition, there is, among other things, 19.5 million euros to be able to provide financial assistance in distressing situations in the coming years, for example when those affected by personal circumstances threaten to get into serious financial problems.
Spring note
In the Spring Memorandum, the cabinet added EUR 485 million in additional resources for Groningen to the budget. Previously, 196 million euros had already been reserved, these funds are now being released. This will make a total of 680 million available.