Together on the road ahead, this is what the cabinet has achieved with the local authorities by reserving an additional €3 billion for municipalities in the Spring Memorandum. In recent months, the national government and local authorities have engaged in intensive discussions to give substance to a shared responsibility. Therefore, a total of approximately €3 billion will be cumulatively available for youth care and municipalities from 2025 to 2027. With this money, municipalities will have more room to perform their tasks well and support residents better.

‘Local authorities are important for the national government and indispensable in solving major societal issues. They are close to the residents, know what is happening locally, and understand the concerns of people. That is why I have fought hard to ensure that they receive an additional €3 billion to do their work well’, says Minister Judith Uitermark of Interior and Kingdom Relations.

The cabinet is thus focusing on manageable youth care and a healthy financial position for municipalities. The €3 billion also includes funds for the decline in the municipal fund in 2026. For 2028 and beyond, the management measures from the Youth Reform Agenda will be strengthened, and additional measures will be developed.

In addition, the national government and the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) are continuing to work on new financial plans for youth care and the Social Support Act (Wmo) that better align with the (financial) administrative relations. This will provide more clarity and predictability for both parties. While waiting for this development, a series of €75 million per year, rising to €300 million in 2029, has been reserved for additional indexing for demographics/aging in the Spring Memorandum 2024 for the Wmo. The Cabinet will add an additional €75 million for 2030. Thus, €375 million has now been structurally reserved for 2030.