Bigger cities pay more for police and social services

New figures show that Belgian cities of over 100,000 inhabitants spend more than three times more to finance police services and public welfare centres (CPAS or OCMW) than communities with less than 10,000 residents. A new study by Belfius bank reveals that the larger cities spend an average of 521 euros per person, compared to only 170 euros dished out by smaller cities.

The figures are continuing to increase largely due to the number of citizens in need of financial assistance to reach the minimum liveable income level.  

These rising costs of CPAS/OCMW reflect not only the growing financial needs of those living in the bigger cities, but the amount of people in larger centres in need of help.

The public welfare centres serve to subsidise housing costs, including old age homes, and supports those dealing with addiction, debt issues, and provides help to the homeless and others in need of financial assistance.