The Flemish government has reached an agreement on the reform of the renovation subsidy, announced Energy and Housing minister Melissa Depraetere. From 1 July, financial support will only be available for energy-saving renovations, with a focus on low and middle-income households.
Depraetere had previously announced that she wanted to reform the existing subsidy system to provide better support for those on lower incomes. Research has shown that the subsidies now often go to people who would renovate without the financial support of the Flemish government.
Those on the lowest incomes will be eligible for a grant of up to 50 per cent of the costs. For higher-income earners, the subsidy will be lower. The reforms go into effect on 1 July.
In addition, premiums will only be granted for “renovation work aimed at reducing energy consumption and therefore reducing energy bills”, Depraetere said on Wednesday.
Long-awaited agreement
The agreement follows weeks of discussions within the Flemish government, as the conservative N-VA felt the socialist Depraetere was focusing too much on low incomes.
The two parties have now reached an agreement, the Vooruit minister said: “At the request of the N-VA, we have been looking for additional funds for higher incomes in recent weeks.”
While the Flemish building associations are pleased that an agreement has been reached, they fear that the lower subsidies for higher earners will slow down renovation work.
