Dutch cabinet ministers dropped a 2022 promise to eliminate homelessness by 2030, citing persistent housing shortages and rising pressure on social support systems.
The cabinet cannot reach the ambition to ensure the Netherlands counts zero homeless people by the end of the decade, NOS News reports. Minister for Long-term Care Mirjam Sterk made the announcement during a debate in the Tweede Kamer after notifying parliament in a letter.
The target set by the fourth Rutte cabinet under the National Homelessness Action Plan is no longer feasible, Sterk told lawmakers. Existing action plans will continue, but the minister described the work as incredibly tough.
Lawmakers criticized the decision to abandon the timeline without setting intermediate targets. Several political parties questioned how the government will measure future progress.
“From this cabinet I did expect some urgency, but what I see is disinterest,” Sandra Beckerman told NOS News.
Mayors from the four major cities sent an urgent letter on behalf of 40 other large municipalities to the Tweede Kamer demanding 100 million euros in additional state funding for social shelters. Mayors report that tent camps and nuisance are increasing due to housing shortages, mental healthcare waiting lists, and a rise in homeless labor migrants.
The Hague alderman Arjen Dubbelaar said that his city faces a 14-million-euro deficit to provide proper shelter. Shelter locations are fully packed while the financial shortfall continues to grow, according to municipal data reported by NOS News.
Minister Sterk responded that the requested funds will not be provided immediately. Parliament wants clear insight into how municipalities currently spend existing financial allocations before approving new budgets.
Political groups expressed frustration over the lack of intermediate targets or a specific timeline leading up to 2030. Nicole Moinet questioned how the minister can be held accountable for results without milestones, De Gooi- en Eemlander reported.
Pieter Grinwis asked the minister to outline at least a basic timeframe. Marijke Synhaeve called the absence of a timeline very complicated when determining policy direction.
Lawmakers also clashed over whether to fine homeless individuals who sleep outdoors. Beckerman and Eveline Tijmstra argued against fines that push vulnerable people deeper into trouble, while Jugen Nobel defended penalties as a necessary enforcement tool.
New housing legislation will grant priority status to certain homeless individuals, but critics warn that couch surfers and people living in cars or camp tents will miss out. Lobbyist Geert Ritsema pointed out that people sleeping on friends’ couches or in vehicles often fail to qualify for urgent housing support, NPO Radio 1 reported.
Woningcorporatie Portaal chairman of the board Sander Heinsman said that these hidden homeless groups fall between the cracks. Heinsman added that current allocation systems relying primarily on registration duration fail to address acute housing needs.
Approximately 33,000 people between the ages of 18 and 65 have no permanent residence, though the actual figure may be higher because temporary stays with family or friends are difficult to track, NOS News reports.
Municipalities want 100 million euros in extra funding for social support facilities, expanded emergency shelter for homeless families, and increased availability of medical treatments for crack and cocaine addictions.
Minister Sterk acknowledged parliamentary demands for clearer metrics and stated she will examine how to provide better insight into ongoing efforts and report back to the Tweede Kamer.