A €10 reduction of family benefits for children born before 1 December 2019 in Brussels Region is set to become permanent, with a view to ensuring the financial sustainability of the scheme, according to a statement released on Tuesday by parliamentarian Clémentine Barzin (Mouvement Réformateur, MR).
A draft ordinance to this effect, submitted by Ms. Barzin, was adopted at Tuesday morning's session of the Brussels parliament’s bicommunal committee (Cocom).
According to Barzin, the extension of the measure - initially set to expire at the end of 2025 - is expected to save €26.5 million in 2026 “without having any negative impact on child poverty or infringing on acquired social rights.”
The measure was recommended in a 2023 government-commissioned spending review, against the background of deteriorating regional finances and a gradual reduction in federal funding for family allowances, Ms. Barzin noted.
In practical terms, it preserves the old federal family allowance system for children born before 1 December 2019, reducing their base amount by €10.
“This has no impact on Brussels families as nothing is taken away from them, and we are not infringing on acquired rights," Ms. Barzin said. "We are fulfilling our responsibilities with a measure of good governance.”
Barzin noted that Iriscare, the public agency responsible for granting these benefits in Brussels, has confirmed that with this measure and a previous one concerning foreign students, Cocom will achieve budgetary balance within its family benefits envelope.
“The Family Management Council has given favourable advice on this measure, considering it does not worsen the situation for families,” she noted.
