Overview
- The CBS/Nibud/SCP methodology introduced last year counts about 540,000 people below the line versus roughly 820,000 under the previous approach, by factoring basic costs and assets.
- Municipalities from Rotterdam, South Holland, Brabant and Groningen report deeper hardship and a larger hidden group just above the threshold, including working poor.
- The Hague now receives around 5,000 monthly early‑warning alerts about arrears, up from 4,000–4,500 last year, signaling growing debt risks.
- Officials cite persistent energy costs and the likely lack of a renewed Temporary Energy Emergency Fund as drivers of new arrears and energy poverty.
- Local leaders criticize the demissionary cabinet’s short‑term fixes and urge structural steps such as higher social minima, a simpler benefits system, nationwide standards and durable funding.