Dutch towns Helmond and Zutphen release 2025 financial accounts and audit results

The municipality of Helmond announced a positive 2025 financial outcome of more than €41 million, with the auditor granting a clean opinion. The council is proposing to add roughly €27 million to the general reserve to strengthen its buffer for future challenges. As the mayor noted, “This is a strong financial result, but it does not mean €41 million is free to spend.”

In Zutphen, the newly appointed PwC auditor identified serious shortcomings in record‑keeping, noting “the quality of the processes and administrative registration is insufficient.” Missing receipts and unclear spending of €3.3 million on care costs prompted a call for a multi‑year improvement programme, with the municipality required to clarify the issues by 15 July.

Both towns emphasize the need for tighter internal controls and better information provision to maintain fiscal stability and meet audit standards.