Bruges (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Bruges OCMW spent over €100,000 on streaming subsidies last year. Councillor Jasper Pillen urges review after federal funding cuts, while Alderman Pablo Annys says the decision is still pending.
As VRT News reported, the Bruges Public Centre for Social Welfare (OCMW) spent around €100,000 last year to pay for streaming subscriptions for residents in financial difficulty. The money was originally meant for traditional leisure activities, like sports clubs or youth groups.
Since the coronavirus pandemic, the budget can also be used for digital services, such as Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify. Of the total €193,783 in subsidies awarded last year, more than half went to cover digital subscriptions, the city said in response to a question from councillor Jasper Pillen (Open VLD).
What will Bruges do about €100K streaming subsidies after cuts?
The move has raised questions about how public funds are used. Some critics say that paying for streaming services is not the same as supporting community activities. Others note that access to digital services has become important for residents, especially during and after the pandemic.
“It’s incomprehensible,”
says opposition council member Jasper Pillen.
“I’m convinced we need to support these people to actively participate. I have no problem with the government allowing them to spread their wings. But you don’t do that by making subscriptions like those for Netflix and Spotify free and making the people of Bruges foot the bill.”
Councillor Jasper Pillen (Open VLD) has called on the city to review the subsidies that pay for streaming services for residents in financial need. He said the federal government provided the funds, but it has now decided to stop the support.
“Bruges has to make a decision. Will the city continue paying for Netflix and other streaming services? I hope not,”
Pillen said.
He added that the subsidy should be changed or removed. Pillen said continuing the payments could stretch the city’s budget and move away from the subsidy’s main goal. Alderman for Social Affairs Pablo Annys (Vooruit) said it is too early to know if the subsidy will be removed.
“It’s true that federal funding for this allowance will be cut. And if they restructure their budgets, we’ll have to follow suit. We’re currently working on that.”
He explained that the bonus for streaming services was introduced during the coronavirus pandemic.
“In 2020, people spent almost all their free time at home,”
Annys said.
“Streaming services were one of the few ways residents could enjoy culture and entertainment.”
Similar incidents have occurred in other municipalities in Belgium. In December 2024, the OCMW of Anderlecht faced criticism for distributing financial aid to individuals who were not eligible. Reports revealed that some recipients continued to receive support after moving abroad or after their deaths.
