The story continues. On 1 July, the VAT increase came into effect, on 8 July NRC quoted Halbe Zijlstra as saying that "it was not the most accomplished scheme" of this cabinet, words which he later nuanced during parliamentary questions. In late August, the Berenschot report came out with frightening figures: the VAT increase would mainly cost the Netherlands money rather than generate it.
This report provides some summary figures on the sector in 2009: in total, the performing arts received €621 million in subsidies from the state, provinces and municipalities. Of this, €333 million (52%) came from municipalities, €264 million (44%) from central government and €24 million (4%) from provinces.
You can also read that the performing arts cost the state €600 million in 2009 but generated €900 million. Count your winnings. As the two institutes are disbanded, no figures will be published for later years.
Good. We are two months down the road again. In response to parliamentary questions about disappointing ticket sales in the performing arts sector, State Secretary Weekers (Finance) has now indicated that there is no reason to reverse the increase. He considers the period from 1 July too short to draw conclusions.
However, his ministry will start monitoring the sector closely to record changes over a longer period of time. So in that sense, he is taking over the function of the MCN and TIN. The increase is set to reduce the fiscal deficit. Should it turn out that the increase actually causes disappointing results, Weekers said, the ministry may consider additional measures.
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