Bilzen (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Werner Raskin (VLD-Plus) opposes childcare rate changes in Hoeselt, fearing increased costs for families. Mayor Bruno Steegen clarifies the increase is from €10 to €13 for holiday care over 6 hours. Council meetings in Bilzen and Hoeselt will address this issue.
In today’s Het Belang van Limburg, Hoeselt alderman Werner Raskin (VLD-Plus) is worried about a vote on changing childcare rates at the municipal council. He is asking the council not to approve this change, which will be decided on 14th November. Raskin says the proposed changes would raise costs for families in Hoeselt, making childcare more expensive for many residents.
Will Hoeselt council agree to raise childcare fee amid Raskin’s Concerns?
Raskin is currently on vacation and couldn’t give more comments on his statement or other options for the proposed price changes. The council meeting on 14th November is expected to have more discussions about the price adjustments and their effects on families in Hoeselt, especially since Raskin has publicly opposed them.
According to Mayor Bruno Steegen, the increase in fees is not 30 percent but a small rise from 10 to 13 euros during short holiday periods when children are cared for over 6 hours. He noted that Bilzen’s rates haven’t been updated since 2017, and if they were adjusted for inflation, they would be much higher. Steegen expressed concern about the current situation and mentioned that there will be more regulations, including varying costs for sports facilities between Bilzen and Hoeselt, which need to be coordinated.
The Bilzen council will discuss important issues, and there will be a meeting in Hoeselt on 14th November. Mayor Steegen says more discussions are coming because many decisions are ahead. These decisions could help residents of both Bilzen and Hoeselt, and taxes will be lower for everyone. He hopes people understand the connection between the two towns.
