Politics
Oud West Mayor's Local Services Levy Revision to Adjust Household Waste and Recreation Fees
The updated levy takes effect in January 2027 and changes charges paid by Oud West households for waste collection and community facility access.
How we reported this
The mayor of Oud West released the revised Local Services Levy on July 7, updating fee schedules for waste collection and access to municipal recreation sites. The change applies to every household and small business inside the city limits.
The revision forms part of the council's preparation for the 2027 fiscal year budget, after the Municipal Budget Paper issued in June recorded higher fuel and maintenance expenses for fleet vehicles and community buildings.
Changes to Resident Payments and Services
Households will receive new annual waste bills that separate the base collection charge from an added recycling surcharge. Seniors who use the Oud West community centre three times a week will continue to pay the existing capped rate, while families booking sports fields will see the hourly fee listed in the council resolution. Local advocates note that these line items appear directly on the same invoice residents already receive each January.
The 2026 Municipal Budget Paper allocates 850,000 euros to a rebate program run through the municipal welfare office for households below a defined income threshold. Policy analysts say this amount equals the projected revenue from the new recycling surcharge in its first year.
Next Steps for Implementation
City staff will post the full fee schedule on the municipal website within ten days and mail printed notices to all ratepayers by 31 August. Two public information sessions are listed for 15 and 22 September at the Oud West town hall, where residents can ask questions about individual bills.
Community voices at recent neighbourhood meetings have asked how the rebate application form will be distributed and whether the same form can cover both waste and recreation charges. The council clerk has stated that answers to these questions will be posted after the September sessions close.