Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Ghent’s management team aims to save €120 million annually, an 8% budget cut, to enhance financial flexibility. Mayor Mathias De Clercq plans to invest €40 million in new projects and support €750 million in investments while focusing on sustainability initiatives.
The new management team in Ghent had a 3-day meeting in Antwerp. They want to save €120 million each year, which is an 8% cut in the city’s budget. They mentioned that this is important for the city’s future finances. They have set main goals and will work on the details soon.
The final plan will be ready by the end of September 2025. Mayor Mathias De Clercq said the savings will give them more financial flexibility. They plan to use €40 million for new projects and support a total investment of €750 million. Ghent aims to stay financially stable while investing in its future.
How will Ghent’s savings plan align with its sustainability goals?
According to officials, the savings plan in Ghent will likely match the city’s goals for sustainability. They mentioned that the Climate Plan for 2020-2025 aims to use energy better in homes, support renewable energy, and promote green transportation.
Ghent also wants to create a circular economy by working with businesses and local groups to support eco-friendly projects. Officials mentioned that by linking these efforts with the savings plan, the city hopes to reach its financial goals while also encouraging growth and new ideas.
This effort allows us to provide 40 million euros for the new policy. We are building a structural buffer, can absorb inflation and finance a net investment volume of 750 million euros,
says Mayor Mathias De Clercq (Voor Gent).
According to Mayor Mathias De Clercq, the City of Ghent is reviewing its operations to save money. He mentioned that they will decide which activities to keep, change, or stop. To help with this, they have paused all new hiring and projects until they know what changes are needed.
Christophe Peeters mentioned that this work is important and will start right away. The management team will work together to look at all city operations and make things simpler. He said that the goal is to get better results at a lower cost while still providing good services.
We will get started right away.
Christophe Peeters says.
Ghent is still focused on important areas like housing and care, even while saving money. Peeters said that more people are moving to the city, and there are more needs from older residents. He mentioned that this creates challenges for the city’s budget and services.
According to Peeters, making administration simpler is seen as a key way to save money and meet new needs. He mentioned that by improving how things work and focusing on essential services, Ghent wants to keep strong support for the community while managing its finances.
There are clear priorities, such as housing and care, which we will certainly continue to focus on. Ghent also continues to grow and the population is getting older. Of course, that also has consequences. The administrative simplification will literally and figuratively contribute,
concludes Peters.
