Budget 2022

Budget 2022 at a glance

Wassenaar 2022 budget: independent and responsible

The College of Wassenaar presents a budget for the fourth time this term of office. This one is again structurally balanced. This means that we have our municipal household book in order. We are also already looking further ahead; there is a temporary surplus, which makes us robust for the future. Wassenaar is independent and responsible, and this year too, with this last Budget of this college, we are making a strong case for the realization of Wassenaar's tasks and ambitions.

Results past four years

During the past college term, a lot of work has been done and much has been achieved in Wassenaar. For example, preparations for the construction of the new Sports Hall have reached an advanced stage, the new Gymnasium on Burmanlaan will be opened in early 2022, a new beach post has been built, a lobbying process has been launched for connecting the green and changing the N44, the exterior of the Paauw has been renovated and a clear overview of all products, activities and organizations within the social domain (the social Map) has been developed. This is just some of what has been accomplished. There are also plenty of plans for 2022 to keep Wassenaar attractive and future-proof, as well as a pleasant place to live for every Wassenaar resident.

Context 

It is with due pride that the College of Mayor and Aldermen has once again succeeded in presenting a balanced budget on time, despite the complex corona period and major reorganization. For 2022 and beyond, a surplus is even expected. Especially in the current context, this is a good result. After all, we are facing a number of significant challenges for our municipal finances. These include, in particular: 

  • the ever-increasing pressure on youth care and Wmo spending;
  • the start of our municipality's new civil service organization;
  • the announced, and always delayed, recalibration of the municipal fund, which seems to have a negative outcome in store for Wassenaar.

Wassenaar is committed to minimizing the impact of this on municipal finances while maintaining our level of service to residents. We also want to limit the burden on residents. Therefore, now that the multi-year picture is positive, the college has decided to return part of this benefit to residents. This means that contrary to its previous expectation, the college proposes that the OZB will not increase by 10% but by 5% in 2022.

Realization of ambitions and social goals

The municipality of Wassenaar is increasingly working in a task-oriented way. This means an emphasis on achieving goals in society, rather than a focus on rules and agreements. This line has also been followed in the Budget for 2022. Not only the means are highlighted, but also the intended goals, tasks and projects. In this way we really put the emphasis where it should be: on achieving tangible results for our residents.

Toward Wassenaar 2030

What those ambitions and social goals are? The tasks facing Wassenaar come together in the strategic agenda Towards Wassenaar 2030: 

"We are working together to create a safe, green and international village that is on the move, building a solid foundation that is sustainable and future-proof, where we think in terms of possibilities and everyone participates."

For example, work in 2022 includes:

  • Completion of the new gymnasium (exercise box) on Burman Avenue;
  • Demolition and start of new construction of the new municipal Sports Hall at the Kievieten;
  • Improving traffic safety for cyclists;
  • Continuing to address undermining;
  • A plan for the Regional Energy Strategy;
  • Introduction of the Omgevingswet, allowing environmental permits to be granted within 8 weeks;
  • Implementing the inclusion agenda: because in Wassenaar, everyone participates.

The dedicated budget website can be found here.

Discussion of the Budget

The budget will be considered by the City Council on Oct. 26. This discussion can be followed via the live stream on the City Council website. 

Budget 2022