Alphen aan den Rijn to increase municipal taxes in 2027

Alphen aan den Rijn will implement further municipal tax increases in 2027 to address structural budget issues. Following a 30 percent increase in property tax (OZB) earlier this year, the municipality plans an additional 4 percent rise in OZB on top of annual inflation. Other levies, including dog tax, market fees, and burial rights, are also scheduled to rise.

Finance Councilor Ernst-Jan Straver stated that these measures are necessary to prevent the province of Zuid-Holland from imposing formal financial supervision on the municipality. Straver emphasized the need for a more professional, long-term approach to budgeting to avoid recurring short-term financial crises.

Local residents have expressed significant opposition to the hikes, arguing that the municipality should implement budget cuts and reduce spending before increasing the financial burden on citizens. Critics noted that the cumulative effect of these taxes is making life increasingly difficult for the middle class and low-income households.