Amsterdam council to debate problems with lease-rights IT systems

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Amsterdam City Council was due to discuss major problems with both the old and new computer systems managing residents’ lease rights. Alderman Scholtes of D66 had announced the problems, and an urgent debate had been requested. Council members Bastiaan Minderhoud of PRO Amsterdam and Pim van Burk of Volt were scheduled to discuss the issue.

The meeting at the Stopera was also set to address a court ruling concerning a tax on boat-tour passengers and opposition from SP councillor Angelo Delsen to the planned arrival of defence company Thales in Amsterdam Southeast.

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Politics

Funding for the Transclinic’s accommodation

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Amsterdam’s municipal executive allocated €80,000 to cover the Transclinic’s accommodation at the Q-Factory in Amsterdam-East for the following year, resolving uncertainty over whether it could remain there after the municipality paid its rent this year. The decision emerged during an urgent council committee debate requested by Volt councillor Pim van der Burk. The clinic, part of Trans United, provides support to trans people who face difficulties accessing care, including hormone guidance, vaccinations, STI testing and referrals to gender care. Funding beyond the following year remains unresolved, as there is no permanent budget for the clinic’s accommodation. Several council parties called for a long-term solution. Alderman for Diversity and Inclusion Araya Sumter did not give details of future funding but is to present a proposal next spring on how the municipality intends to distribute funding to these organisations in the coming years.

Tax, Benefits & Cost of Living

Amsterdam tourist-tax exception for Weesp farms

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Amsterdam’s municipal executive said farms in Weesp should not expect a lower tourist-tax rate than elsewhere in the city. It responded to a CDA proposal to reduce the tax for small-scale accommodation outside Weesp’s built-up area, saying a separate rate would be complex to administer and could create legal risks, including conflict with the principle of equality. The executive also fears that accommodation providers elsewhere in Amsterdam could seek the same exception. The issue arose after a Weesp dairy farmer who runs a guesthouse objected to the increase. The tourist tax is set to rise from 12.5% to 16% next year and to 20% in 2031. CDA leader Rogier Havelaar said different rates are legally possible if based on an objective criterion. Politicians in Amsterdam-Zuidoost have also sought an exception. The CDA proposal is expected to be discussed by the city council later this month.