The municipality of Maastricht was able to record a significant financial windfall for 2021. Maastricht was left with almost 27 million euros.
The municipality previously assumed a plus of ‘only’ 5.8 million euros, but it is therefore considerably higher.
Social Support Act and youth care
This is largely due to the more than 15 million euros that had to be spent on WMO and youth care less than expected. According to the municipality, this is due to corona, better and more appropriate care, but also due to the shortage of workers in these areas. This has resulted in longer waiting lists.
There were also several one-off benefits. For example, the government paid an extra 4.2 million euros. For example, less interest had to be paid (2.2 million euros), construction fees yielded 1 million euros extra and there were profitable projects.
Challenge remains
Alderman John Aarts (Finance) says that the windfall is no reason for the municipality to rest on its laurels. “In the coming years, it will remain a task to achieve better control of finances, especially in the social domain (such as WMO, youth care, ed.). The current surplus is no reason to cheer in that regard,” the deputy believes. alderman.
Two years ago, Maastricht had to make cutbacks to the tune of approximately 27 million euros.