Underpayment is a common problem. Photo: Depositphotos.com
Independent MP Pieter Omtzigt is calling for another ‘stress test’ to establish how many households will experience financial problems because of rising prices.
A worst-case scenario published in June by the government macro-economic planning agency CPB predicted that some 1.2 millon households could face difficulty paying their monthly bills, but the underlying circumstances have already changed dramatically, broadcaster NOS quoted Omtzigt as saying.
‘The CPB assumed at the time gas prices would rise by 600 percent, but that is now 1,000 percent,’ said Omtzigt, whose request is supported by a majority of MPs and coalition party ChristenUnie.
Electricity and food prices are also rising much faster than the CPB anticipated, typically adding another €100 to what is already a very tight household budget, he said.
The MPs want the new spending power projections, which should cover both this year and 2023, to be ready before budget day on September 20.
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