Increase in local taxes in several municipalities in Brussels
Several municipalities in Brussels, including Koekelberg, Etterbeek, and Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, have raised local taxes to cope with increased expenses and declining federal and regional funding, with increases including property taxes, income taxes, and public service fees.
In Kockelberg, the property tax increase will rise from €3,090 to €3,890 next year, while the local income tax rate will increase from 6% to 7%, making it among the highest rates in the region. Meanwhile, in Etterbeek, the property tax has been raised for the first time since 1992 from €2,966 to €3,475, while the income tax there is decreasing.
The personal income tax increase in Molenbeek will also rise from 6.3% to 7%, with officials confirming the need to protect social investments and public services. The sole employee earning 4,000 euros per month with one child will have to pay about 66 euros extra annually, and the funds will be used for schools, childcare, sports, cultural projects, and maintenance of public spaces.
Other municipalities in Brussels have also adjusted the increases: in Jette it rose from €3,890 to €3,990; in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre from €2,200 to €2,700; in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe from €3,190 to €3,690; and Schaerbeek now has the highest property tax in the area at €4,191. Some municipalities, such as Koekelberg, offer allowances to homeowners to offset part of the increase.
The Brussels City Council has announced a 50% increase in public parking fees, bringing the cost of each of the 15,000 spaces to 99 euros per year. The council cites rising costs of safety, cleanliness, and road maintenance as the reason for the increase, while private parking remains unaffected. These measures reflect the increasing pressures on local budgets as municipalities face a halt or decrease in federal support.