Zoersel aims to enhance neighborhood livability by better supporting existing neighborhood committees and encouraging new initiatives. The new regulation, developed in consultation with the committees, includes an annual basic subsidy of 125 euros for each recognized committee. Additionally, committees can receive extra subsidies based on their neighborhood's size and organized activities.
Beyond neighborhood parties, activities like neighborly help, visits to the elderly, walks, greening initiatives, and litter clean-ups contribute to a pleasant neighborhood. A new points system rewards six forms of neighborhood engagement: 'vibrant neighborhood' (social activities), 'caring neighborhood' (help and attention), 'healthy neighborhood' (physical activity and care for vulnerable residents), 'green neighborhood' (greening projects), 'clean neighborhood' (clean-up drives), and 'involved neighborhood' (participation in municipal initiatives). More points lead to higher additional subsidies.
Recognized neighborhood committees will continue to receive free logistical support. The 'buurtbabbelbox' (a mobile bar with tables and chairs) remains available at no cost, and all municipal logistical support is free for larger events (over 500 visitors). Existing neighborhood budgets will be broadened, and the municipality will now cover the creation and maintenance of playgrounds on public land with separate funds.
Currently, Zoersel has 47 recognized neighborhood committees. Through this new policy, the municipality intends to encourage more residents to organize neighborhood initiatives together. The new regulation takes effect on January 1, 2027, replacing the current rules for neighborhood committees and budgets.
