News item | 09-03-2023 | 09:24
This morning, the Central Planning Bureau (CPB) published the projections for 2024 on, among other things, purchasing power development and poverty, in the so-called Central Economic Plan.
The government has agreed with the House of Representatives to look for targeted measures for next year to support households that are vulnerable to high price rises. These possibilities are now being explored. The spring memorandum, no later than 1 June, will provide more clarity about the support and purchasing power measures. The final decision will be made in August.
Minister Karien van Gennip of Social Affairs and Employment: “The CPB expects most households to have more to spend next year. That is perhaps still difficult to imagine with the expensive groceries, but it is partly because wages are rising. It is good that many employers are heeding the call to raise wages. At the same time, people on low incomes and benefits seem to be worse off next year if we do nothing. I am concerned about this inequality. We can’t prejudge the decision yet, but we are working hard to make sure people feel the wind at their backs.”
Minister Carola Schouten for Poverty Policy, Participation and Pensions: “I find the increase in poverty predicted by the CPB very worrying. Poverty is more than a lack of money. It ensures that you are never carefree. That every bill that falls on the doormat and the weekly groceries for the children cause stress and uncertainty. This year, the government has taken many measures to support households and these have had a demonstrable effect. Because the increased prices are really hurting, especially for people who are already struggling to make ends meet. That is why, as a government, we are now looking at possibilities to take targeted measures, while continuing to focus on reducing the number of people living in poverty.”