News item | 06-03-2023 | 6:15 pm
State Secretary Vijlbrief (Mining) wants an end to appeals against residents who have earthquake damage to their home. For the eight harrowing cases in which an appeal has already been lodged, the residents do not have to pay back the earthquake damage received – even if a higher court does not agree with the resident. Because, as Vijlbrief said earlier in the House of Representatives, the government should not oppose residents.
‘Impact big’
State Secretary Vijlbrief: “The impact on residents in the event of an appeal is significant. The people of Groningen have not asked for earthquakes. If they then have earthquake damage, have lodged an objection against a decision and then also fought and won a lawsuit – then I do not think that a government should also appeal against the residents. Together with the IMG, we have now found alternatives so that residents are no longer the victims of this.”
No financial consequences for residents
The IMG, the organization that deals with the settlement of earthquake damage, is now asking for a preliminary ruling instead of an appeal. As a result, there are no financial consequences for the residents, even if the higher court rules in favor of the IMG. At the same time, the IMG will receive clarity on fundamental legal aspects. If asking for a preliminary ruling proves impossible, the IMG may still appeal. In those cases too, the resident may keep the compensation, regardless of the final judgment.