The Dutch assess the economic situation somewhat more positively than a month ago. Currently, 31 percent of the population rate the economy negatively; little more than the 28 percent who are positive. Four out of ten rate the economic situation as neither good nor bad.

In September, 46 percent described the economy as bad. While a majority (55 percent) still believe the situation will get worse in the coming year, that’s down from the 64 percent who were pessimistic last month. Only 13 percent expect an improvement in the economy.

This is the result of a representative survey conducted by I&O Research among 2,638 Dutch people aged 18 and over on behalf of NOS. The research shows that, just like in September, 3 percent of Dutch adults (about 400,000 people) have payment problems. Another 15 percent believe they will have these problems because of the increased prices. This was a higher percentage over the past month: 20 percent.

Energy bill discount

According to researcher Asher van der Schelde of I&O Research, this could be due to the measures announced by the government to compensate for the explosion in energy prices. The cabinet announced on budget day that every household would be entitled to a discount of 190 euros on the energy bill in November and December. The so-called energy ceiling will come into effect on January 1st.

Almost half (46 percent) of Dutch people find the 190 euros a good amount. About a quarter think it is too low and would like more compensation, while 12 percent would like less compensation or no compensation at all.

heated storage

The current inflation mainly affects the lower income groups. Six out of ten Dutch people on a minimum income are currently struggling to make ends meet. This also applies to half of the people with below-average income.

People who are already having or expecting to have payment difficulties are now primarily concerned about difficulties in paying their energy bills. But the majority of the general population (60 percent) is also currently turning down the heating.

That’s a significant increase from September’s 28 percent; probably due to the simple fact that there was less need to fire at the time, according to I&O Research.

Other popular savings that the Dutch use are shorter showers (48 percent), choosing cheaper alternatives for products (40 percent) and eating out or ordering food less often (34 percent).