Sharp differences still in local taxes
Local council taxes are expected to rise by an average of 5% or €31 this year according to a survey carried out by Groningen University on behalf of 37 major municipalities. The average household will pay €590 in council taxes in 2007.
But council taxes vary considerably, the survey shows. People living in Heerlen pay the highest local taxes (€709), while in Tilburg tax-payers enjoy the country’s lowest charges (€483). Of all council services, the cost of sewage will go up the most, with an average rise of 10% to €124.
While Zoetermeer sees the highest increase (up 186% ), it still has the country’s cheapest sewage services at €22 while people in Utrecht pay the most (€205).
According to the local council tax consultative body (BOGG) which commissioned the survey, differences in the cost of council services are getting smaller.
The price of a passport for example will be about €47 throughout the country (20% higher than in 2006) but a driving licence could cost you anything from €27.50 to €61.80 depending on where you live.
Source: DutchNews.nl, 29 January 2007
