Rotselaar scraps annual flat-rate waste tax of 55 euros

The Belgian municipality of Rotselaar has decided to eliminate its annual flat-rate waste tax of 55 euros, a move aimed at alleviating financial pressure on its residents. The decision, championed by Alderman of Finance Patrick Vervoort, addresses concerns that the fixed tax disproportionately affected financially vulnerable individuals and households.

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The flat-rate waste tax is not socially just, because everyone pays the same amount. Both a single person and a family pay the same fee.

"The flat-rate waste tax is not socially just, because everyone pays the same amount. Both a single person and a family pay the same fee," Vervoort explained. He noted that abolishing the tax was part of the municipal program, and the decision was made at the beginning of the current legislative period.

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For waste, of course, the principle of the polluter pays applies, and that is now being consistently applied.

To offset the revenue loss from the abolished waste tax, Rotselaar has increased its local income tax (personenbelasting) from 5% to 6.8% during this term. Vervoort emphasized that this increase does not fully compensate for the revenue lost from the waste tax but aligns with the principle of "the polluter pays" for waste management.

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The annual accounts for the first year show very good figures, so this is a good time to make such a decision. We can afford it.

Despite the increase, Rotselaar's local income tax rate remains below the Flemish average of 7.22%. Similarly, property tax surcharges in Rotselaar are also slightly below the Flemish average. The municipality's sound financial standing, evidenced by a positive operating surplus of 3.5 million euros and a strong self-financing margin, supported the decision to eliminate the waste tax. The outstanding debt per inhabitant is also in line with the Flemish average.

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This year people will no longer receive that letter in the mail. They don't need to worry. Not only this year, but also in the future. The waste tax has been definitively abolished.