On 19 September 2023, it was Prince's Day. On this day, Finance Minister Kaag presented the million note and the national budget to the House of Representatives.

Budgets presented on Prinsjesdag are policy-poor. A caretaker government is generally reluctant to present new plans and policy proposals on Prinsjesdag, focusing mainly on managing current affairs until a new government is formed.

What will change?

• The rent allowance and the child-related budget go up;

• Alcohol and smoking will become more expensive;

• Benefits and the minimum wage go up by the same amount;

• The employment tax credit will be €115 higher. People earning around the minimum wage will pay less tax. They will keep more salary as a result;

• There will be free school meals for children who can use them;

• People who cannot pay their energy bills will get help. A special fund will pay part of the energy bill for them;

• People who travel for work can get more travel expenses refunded.

More affordable housing

There is a great need for housing. Up to and including 2030, 981,000 homes need to be added. Of these, two-thirds should be affordable for low- and middle-income earners.

• New round of the housing impulse
  Among other things, it allows municipalities to start building faster. Or make new homes more affordable.

• Help for projects in danger of stalling

Increase in rent allowance

The rent allowance will increase by more than €30 per month from January 2024. The increase in rent allowance should give 1.5 million low-income households extra support in expensive times.