Prosperity increase benefits poorest Belgians least

Prosperity increase benefits poorest Belgians least

All levels of Belgium’s population saw their available incomes increase between 1985 and 2013, but the increase was greatest among high-income Belgians, according to a study by Wim Van Lancker of the University of Anvers, quoted by De Standaard newspaper on Monday. Factoring in inflation, the available income of the poorest 5% of Belgian households increased by about 16% from 1985 to 2013, while that of the wealthiest 5% rose by 46% and the richest one per cent saw theirs go up by 60%.

The middle class thus saw its available income increase by 40%. “The difference between middle class and high-income earners is therefore less marked than the difference between low-income earners and the middle class,” Van Lancker stressed. “It’s mainly the low-income group that is lagging behind.”

According to the researcher, the figures show that Belgian society combines a stable middle class with high social spending and a significant risk of poverty.

(Source : Belga)


Copyright © 2024 The Brussels Times. All Rights Reserved.