adSep 9, 2026, 04:05

Haarlem municipality spends more on WMO than budgeted for the first time since 2020

Haarlem spent over 32 million euros on WMO social support services last year, remaining under its initial budget for the fifth year in a row. The funding provided essential equipment and household assistance to thousands of local residents.

The municipality of Haarlem spent over 32 million euros on WMO support services last year, which provided assistance to 9,240 residents. Although this figure is significant, it marks the fifth consecutive year that the city has spent less on these social support programs than its initial budget of 34 million euros. The expenditures covered essential aid such as wheelchairs, stairlifts, and home assistance services, with the largest portion dedicated to household support for approximately 4,700 individuals.

These figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics surface as national discussions intensify regarding potential changes to WMO funding and patient contributions ahead of Prinsjesdag. Concerns have been raised by financial experts that future policy shifts could increase costs for WMO clients. Within Haarlem, service usage varies by neighborhood, with Parkwijk reporting the highest concentration of residents receiving support, where one in ten people utilized these municipal services last year.

Politics Economy Haarlem Netherlands

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Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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