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More municipalities are now coming out in favor of a national ban on lighting fireworks. An ANP survey of approximately 200 of the 342 Dutch municipalities, over 50 expressed support for a ban, up from 30. Most municipalities were neutral on the issue, preferring to leave the decision to national politicians, and saying that they will adhere to that decision.
Homeowners can expect to pay on average of 938 euros on municipal taxes and fees next year, an increase of 5.8 percent equaling about 51 euros, said homeowners lobbying association Vereniging Eigen House (VEH). A study of housing costs in 110 municipalities with complete tax and fee data for 2024 also showed wide disparities between municipalities.
More than thirty municipalities want the government to ban fireworks sales, ownership, and usage. A nationwide ban works better than a collection of local measures, they said in a survey conducted by ANP, in which more than 150 municipalities have replied.
Dozens of municipalities will not create a local ban on fireworks, or firework-free zones, during the upcoming New Year's period. They say there is little point in stopping people from setting them off within their area when there is no national ban, and fireworks can be sold freely in neighboring regions. Enforcement is currently almost impossible, mainly due to a lack of enforcement officers, according to a survey conducted by ANP. About 150 of the 342 municipalities in the Netherlands took part in the study.
Netherlands residents from outside Europe relatively often live in the Randstad - immigrants often in the city, and the second generation who were born in the Netherlands most often just outside the big cities. Most immigrants of European origin live in the border regions in the south of the Netherlands, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reported on Wednesday.