With the easing of corona measures and positive economic outlooks, entrepreneurs once again have the chance to operate without restrictions. This also means that after two years, the support packages will come to an end. Thanks in part to this financial support for affected employers and employees, the economy is now thriving again and unemployment is very low. As the contact-restrictive measures are lifted, general corona support is no longer needed. Additionally, there is an increased chance that support will reach entrepreneurs who are suffering losses for reasons other than corona. General support also hinders people from transitioning to new jobs where they are needed more. The Central Planning Bureau and the Dutch Central Bank also believe that continuing with general support hinders recovery, disrupts the economy, and harms the earning capacity of the Netherlands.

Ongoing Measures

Various specific arrangements for entrepreneurs will continue to apply after the first quarter of 2022. These include the event guarantee schemes, the temporary guarantee and credit schemes KKC and GO-C, and the BMKB-C. The Qredits bridging loans for existing entrepreneurs and starters will continue until the end of June 2022. This also applies to the lending facilities at Cultuur+Ondernemen and the monument loan from the National Restoration Fund.

Debts

The corona crisis has had a deep impact on society, and many have been severely affected. Many companies, entrepreneurs, and workers have been tested over the past two years. They have shown resilience and adaptability during this period. Despite the support packages, there are entrepreneurs and workers who have been heavily impacted by the crisis and have accumulated debts. The cabinet supports them with a favorable payment plan. Thus, the accumulated tax debt can be repaid over five years. For entrepreneurs with problematic debts, there are options for debt assistance through the municipality. Additionally, the cabinet supports fundamentally healthy companies with high debt by making restructuring agreements more viable. This means that the Tax Authority will accept the same payout percentage as other creditors during the period from August 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023, instead of the double percentage that is normally applied.

Long-term Vision on Support

The understanding that corona will not simply disappear and that general support measures are not sustainable in the long term also means that the Netherlands will return to regular economic relations in the context of corona in an open society. In March, the cabinet will therefore come up with a detailed long-term approach to the coronavirus and the accompanying long-term vision on support. In doing so, the cabinet will also address the debt approach for entrepreneurs. A healthy balance will be sought in society between risks for the government and entrepreneurs.