Due to an unintended overlap of laws and regulations, some citizens receiving a Wajong benefit or a benefit from the UWV lose their right to remission of taxes and levies from municipalities and water boards. This can lead to financial problems. This issue has long been known to the government. The Ombudsman now makes an urgent appeal to resolve it and provide certainty. 

The National Ombudsman already called in 2023 to solve this problem. The government indicated that this was indeed not the intention and promised a solution. This has still not happened. The National Ombudsman finds the situation improper. The government does not keep its promise and vulnerable citizens remain uncertain. Meanwhile, the local tax and levy assessments are arriving again. Therefore, the National Ombudsman calls on the government to resolve this bottleneck as soon as possible.

What does the National Ombudsman specifically ask for?

The Ombudsman requests that the earlier temporary solution be applied again for 2026. This temporary solution meant that municipalities and water boards applied the rules generously for this group, so these citizens did not have to pay local taxes. The National Ombudsman sees that this temporary patch does not always work well. Because municipalities and water boards are asked to deviate from the rules. Citizens therefore have no legal protection and depend on the goodwill of the municipality or water board. Therefore, he calls for a permanent solution by 2027.

Multiple ministers are responsible. The National Ombudsman therefore sent the same letter to the Minister of Labour and Participation, the Minister of the Interior, the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, and the State Secretary of Finance. He also informed the Committees of the House of Representatives. The letters can be downloaded below.

What happens next? 

The National Ombudsman has asked the responsible ministers and state secretary to respond within four weeks and provide clarity for citizens who have received an assessment, for 2026 and beyond.