What do you think is important for Voorne aan Zee when there is less money?

In Voorne aan Zee you can enjoy living, working and relaxing. And it should stay that way. But difficult times are coming. From 2026, as it looks now, we have to cut €8 million. That requires sharp choices. We will make those choices together with the City Council and with you.

Therefore, in March, we asked our residents to join us in thinking about how the municipality can make savings, cut costs and increase revenue. A questionnaire allowed you to give your opinion, both online and on paper. Researchers also presented the questionnaire to passersby at various locations around the municipality. Thus, we made every effort in various ways to give residents the opportunity to contribute their thoughts.

What did you find?

As many as 1,735 residents completed the questionnaire. Among other things, we asked you what you think is important now that the municipality receives less money from the state. What do you think we can save on, what can't we save on and how can we increase our income? Below you can read the most important results.

Residents feel it is important to maintain funding for safety, health care and education

Safety, health care and education are the three most important topics for which fillers want the municipality to continue to invest, despite the fact that there is less money now. Inventors consider these to be the basic needs of the municipality's residents and believe that if money has to go somewhere, these are the most important topics. This is also reflected when respondents are asked to prioritize the most important topics within the theme of healthy, vital and safe living. Respondents consider the subjects 'safe living environment' and 'Health and well-being' more important than the subjects 'facilities' and 'leisure'. In doing so, respondents again choose the topics that they believe are basic needs that the municipality should take care of. 

Cuts can best be made on newcomer reception and arts and culture, according to residents

On the other hand, the respondents feel that savings can be made on the reception and participation of newcomers and art and culture. Sustainability and entrepreneurship, recreation and tourism are also chosen by a relatively large group of respondents as possible savings items. The respondents do not consider these topics to be priorities for the livability of the municipality. In addition, they mention that this can also be financed by residents themselves if there is a need for it. They do not see an explicit role here for the municipality. 

Residents prefer a reduction in service to higher costs

Inventors do not like to see prices for service from the municipality go up. Only a quarter of the fillers would be willing to pay a higher price. Respondents are also divided about lowering service levels, although they are slightly more positive about this. Almost half of the respondents think that the municipality should be allowed to lower its service level if that would lead to savings. The open questions also show that respondents are critical of the size of the municipality. They mention, for example, reducing the number of civil servants and making the work of the municipality more efficient as possible savings.

Those completing the questionnaire, who indicated so, have been sent the report through the research office. You can request the full report by calling our customer contact center at 14 0181 or by emailing nl 

At the bottom of this page, you can download an infographic containing the main results of the survey.

Why do we need to cut back?

The Municipality of Voorne aan Zee receives income from rijksoverheid, local taxes and other sources. But from 2026 we will receive much less money from the rijksoverheid, while our tasks remain the same or even increase. The possibilities of taking money out of our piggy bank are limited. Therefore, we need to look at where we can make savings, cut costs or increase our revenues.

What else did we do to make choices? 

In addition to the survey of residents, the College of B&W commissioned a study to determine what, if any, savings opportunities exist within our budget. In addition, in early March and early May, the college of B&W discussed possible cuts with the City Council. For example, about the impact and feasibility of measures.

How does it go from here?

The College of B&W will use all the information gathered to make choices to ensure that the deficit in the 2026 budget and the years after will be as small as possible. The college will incorporate the choices into the 2026 Framework Memorandum, which will be considered by the City Council before the summer. The City Council will ultimately decide on the plans and proposals when it considers the 2026 budget in November 2025. 

Summary results of resident survey on 2026 budget