Bonus for energy-efficient households

12 March 2007

BRUSSELS – The Flemish Christian Democrats (CD&V) want to introduce a fiscal bonus for households that use energy-efficient appliances. A similar bonus is already in place. Households that invest in a condensation boiler, insulation or a solar-heater are given 40 percent of the invested amount back from the tax authority.

The CD&V wants to extend and simplify the measure. The purchase of energy-saving light-bulbs and refrigerators, washing machines and other appliances with an A or A++ efficiency rating should be supported with a tax break or purchase premium for low income groups.

The CD&V wants to get rid of the long list of products that are eligible for the bonus and give households more choice and less administrative red tape before getting the bonus. CD&V also wants to make the fiscal support clearer on the tax form, with a green box in which all ecological support measures can be entered

This is part of the first segment of the CD&V’s electoral platform, which the party announced in Genk on Saturday. Flemish Welfare Minister Inge Vervotte also presented 12 measures intended to make life easier and better for families.

The party wants to increase maternity leave from 15 to 20 weeks. “It’s a scandal that a country like Belgium doesn’t even have the EU average of 20 weeks,” Vervotte said.

Subject: Belgian news