The available amount per inhabitant in West Flanders amounts to 697 euros, slightly less than in 2023, but still a solid result. The liquidity ratio – an indicator of financial health – also improved to 2.57, which experts say indicates a more balanced balance between income and expenditure. Despite the high investments, the loans of the West Flemish authorities remained virtually stable, at 1.87 billion euros.
“The loan burden remained virtually the same, which is positive,” says Gijsels. “But the available budgetary result has decreased somewhat as a result.” According to him, the coming years will be a real stress test. “Incomes will stagnate, while costs will continue to rise. This requires realistic budgeting and smart choices in assets and services.”