Council meeting in a nutshell - December 18, 2025

A motion on adoption greenery was also unanimously adopted. With this motion, the city council is asking for special attention to be paid to areas of public greenery that residents maintain themselves. The municipal executive is drawing up clear rules to ensure that these green spaces remain well protected and visible.

Energy transition

The city council has approved the energy transition plan. The municipality is launching five key initiatives to become more sustainable. It is drawing on the expertise of residents, businesses, and other partners. 

Fee Regulation 2026 

The fees for permits, travel documents, and marriages will be adjusted. Most will increase in line with inflation. The costs for wedding ceremonies and marriage certificates will increase less than initially proposed, thanks to amendments that have been adopted. 

With the adoption of the motion on cost recovery for administrative fees and fair distribution, the council is asked to make administrative fees cost-recoverable where possible. Large construction projects can contribute more, so that residents are less burdened. 

2nd Management Report (Berap) 2025 

The municipal council adopts the second management report for 2025. The budget is adjusted to free up additional funds for projects such as the purchase of shares in Reinis N.V. and the protection of vulnerable groups. The financial situation remains healthy and balanced. 

A motion has been passed calling on the government to reimburse the costs of nuisance and enforcement surrounding a cannabis farm in Hellevoetsluis. The municipality will remain in close contact with the municipal council on this matter.

Council rules and meetings

New rules for council meetings and committees have been established. Anonymous contributions will no longer be permitted, and clearer agreements will be made regarding voting and confidential documents. 

Adoption of Long-Term Agenda (LTA) 2026

The city council has adopted the Long-Term Agenda 2026. This is an overview of important topics for the coming period. The agenda helps to provide a clearer overview.

Motions concerning housing

The city council wants more affordable housing. A motion has been passed to build additional affordable starter homes in Zwartewaal. The city council is also asking for the Meeuwenoord housing project to be implemented quickly. Other motions, such as more division of single-family homes and family housing, have not been passed.
 

New political group in the city council

During the meeting, it was announced that a new political group had been formed as a result of a split from IBV, called Echt voor Voorne (EVV). This is a significant change in the composition of the municipal council. The municipal council and the executive committee remain committed to strong and stable governance.

Public participation

During the meeting, a resident spoke about the citizens' initiative for a new, recognizable entrance to Zwartewaal. Two speakers also spoke about the cannabis experiment. One of them was concerned about the costs of enforcement due to odor nuisance. This speaker believes that the government should reimburse these costs in full. The mayor announced that the municipality will file an objection to the minister's rejection.

In addition, the following decisions were made:

• Appointment of new member to Galilei Supervisory Board.
• Adoption of new regulation on student transportation 2026.
• Amendment to the DCMR Joint Regulation.
• Zwartewaal citizens' initiative, assessment of admissibility.
• Governance & Related Parties Memorandum.
• General Local Regulation Voorne aan Zee, second amendment.
• Revision of the Joint Regulation on Regional Archives.
• Regulation on precario tax for individual pitches 2026.
• Establishment of a framework of standards for financial legitimacy 2025.
• Appointment of auditor.
• Substantive response from accountant regarding early termination of the Voorne aan Zee framework agreement.
• Resignation at their own request of two committee members, Mr. Mentink (VVD) and Mr. Van Rij (IBV), and appointment of two committee members, Ms. Van Middelkoop (IBV) and Mr. Van Rij (EVV).