Program budget

Program Budget 2025-2028

Household booklet 2025

This program budget is our housekeeping book for the year 2025, with a look ahead to the years beyond, to the extent possible with all the uncertainties that remain. Last year we indicated that the limits of our budget have been reached, and that remains a challenge. Still, as a city government, but also as a society, we must remain able to do what is needed together.

Zoetermeer has its finances in order and is still financially healthy, but it faces major challenges in 2026 due to the current approach of the national government. In 2026, we expect fewer resources to be made available from the national government for the tasks we have to perform as a municipality. Despite our efforts and temporary solutions, we are feeling the negative effects of the "financial ravine year 2026. In addition, the deficits in youth care continue to grow. Without structural support from the state, the consequences for Zoetermeer are significant. We remain committed to our residents, but cannot do this alone. Much depends on developments in the financial relationship between national government and municipalities. It is up to municipalities to make wise choices in uncertain circumstances.

The program budget is available through a digital portal:

zoetermeer.budgetapp.com

Program Budget 2024-2027

Investing responsibly in Zoetermeer 2040

Financially uncertain times are coming. Our budget is balanced for 2024, but the edges of the budget have been reached. The spring debate setting the direction for this budget already showed this. We subscribe to the principle of "responsible financial policy combined with investing in a future-proof city. With that in mind, we continue to build the future of our city. The vision Zoetermeer 2040 and the Coalition Agreement 'Doing what it takes together' provide the most important starting points for this.

Financial deficits as of 2026

The main cause of our financial uncertainty is the so-called "ravine" of 2026. For the year 2026, a structural balance of €12.9 million negative is expected to increase to about €17.5 million in 2027. Like all other Dutch municipalities, Zoetermeer will face a sharp decline in financial contributions from the state's municipal fund starting in 2026. It is unclear what course the state will take after the elections. As a result, the question of whether a new cabinet will listen to municipalities and take measures to avoid the ravine is still open. The motions adopted by almost all municipalities at the VNG congress endorse the message of more bang for our buck. We maintain our support for the VNG in their lobbying towards the state and for 'Councils in Resistance' which has an important added value in that respect.