Six in 10 Belgian families face financial difficulties

The number of Belgian families in a financially precarious situation fell slightly in 2023, but many remain ​ fragile, according to a ​ survey by consumer organisation Testaankoop. "More than a third have difficulties paying for basic expenses," a spokesperson said.

Testaankoop's annual report, based on a survey of more than 4,000 consumers, shows a decrease in the number of families in financial difficulties: from 5.4 per cent in 2022 to 3.7 per cent in 2023.

"But they are not suddenly free of all problems, they just have slightly fewer financial worries," said spokesperson Laura Clays. "The fact that so many families still struggle with the affordability of basic items like food and energy shows that our governments really need to work on cheaper energy bills and affordable prices at the supermarket."

Saving struggles

The Testaankoop figures confirm this. Although the number of financially vulnerable households is falling, 60 per cent still struggle to save at the end of the month. About half of these 60 per cent say they cannot put anything aside at all.

Furthermore, for 50 per cent of respondents, booking a holiday would result in financial difficulties. Eating out and day trips are difficult to afford for 47 per cent and 46 per cent of families respectively. A third of families struggle to pay dental bills.

Clays also looks to the government for purchasing power. "Overall, almost six out of 10 Belgian families still have some financial problems. So Belgians are still very vulnerable and we hope that a new government will be fully committed to strengthening purchasing power."

^{© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}