Brussels Reallocates €12M From Roads to Social Services in 2026

The City of Brussels approved its 2026 municipal budget on 7 July, directing €12 million previously earmarked for road resurfacing to contracts with local social service providers in Molenbeek and Anderlecht. The change, signed by the mayor's office, applies only to the City of Brussels jurisdiction and does not affect the 18 other municipalities in the Brussels-Capital Region.

Why the shift occurs in the current budget cycle

The reallocation follows the publication of the 2025 City of Brussels financial accounts, which recorded a €9.4 million underspend on completed road projects. City finance officials cited rising demand for emergency housing support and food distribution after a 14 percent increase in applications recorded between January and May 2026. The budget document states the funds will support 18 additional full-time social worker positions and three new community meal sites.

Residents in Molenbeek's postal code 1080 gain immediate eligibility for the expanded meal programme starting 1 September, with priority given to households already registered with the local CPAS centre. In Anderlecht, the additional social workers will handle an average caseload of 85 clients each, compared with the current 112. Property owners on streets such as Rue de Birmingham and Chaussée de Mons will see scheduled resurfacing delayed until at least 2028 under the revised capital works schedule.

Effects on household costs and service access

Households receiving the new meal vouchers will save an estimated €65 per month on food purchases, according to the budget paper's appendix on social expenditure. Families in the same districts who rely on private vehicles for work will face longer detours around unrepaired sections of the ring road access points. Local advocates note that small businesses along Avenue de la Couronne in Anderlecht may lose passing trade if pothole repairs slip further behind schedule.

The legislation states that the €12 million transfer is one-time and cannot be reversed without a supplementary budget vote before 31 December 2026. City procurement records show the social service contracts will be tendered by 15 August, with awards limited to organisations already operating inside the City of Brussels boundaries.

Implementation begins with the first social worker recruitment notices published on the City of Brussels employment portal on 10 July. Road project postponements will be confirmed in the next quarterly capital works update scheduled for October 2026.