Flanders Sees Decline in Service voucher Usage Amidst Cost Increases
Brussels, Belgium – the number of households in Flanders utilizing service vouchers for domestic help has decreased significantly, falling from 780,000 in 2024 to 757,000 in 2025.This decline, reported by opposition figures based on data obtained from Regional Minister of Employment Zuhal Demir (N-VA), coincides with policy changes implemented by the Flemish government that have increased the cost of these vouchers.
Upon taking office in 2024, the Flemish government opted to raise the price of service vouchers and eliminate a related tax benefit. This combined adjustment amounts to an approximate increase of €3 per voucher. Critics argue this price hike disproportionately impacts families and elderly individuals who rely on affordable domestic assistance.
according to calculations by liberal representatives, a family or senior citizen employing a cleaner for four hours per week now faces an additional annual expense of roughly €600. This increase is particularly concerning given the government’s prior commitment to improving worker compensation.
Service vouchers, a popular mechanism for subsidizing household services like cleaning, gardening, and childcare, have long been a cornerstone of social support in Flanders. The recent changes have sparked debate regarding accessibility to essential services and the potential impact on the domestic employment sector.
The opposition contends that the government’s actions contradict its stated goals of supporting working families and ensuring fair wages. They are calling for a reevaluation of the policy, advocating for measures that maintain affordability and accessibility of service vouchers for those who need them most. further analysis is expected to determine the long-term effects of these changes on both service providers and recipients within the Flemish region.
Keywords: Flanders, Service Vouchers, Domestic Help, Zuhal demir, Flemish Government, Cost of Living, household Services, Belgium, Social Welfare, Tax Benefits.