As ever a new month brings with it changes to the rules and regulations that affect us in our everyday lives. October 2023 is no exception and there have been changes regarding driving licences and the social energy tariff for less well-off households. In addition to this nicotine pouches have been banned in healthcare.
Driving licences
Since 1 October, those wishing to obtain a class B driving license in Belgium also have to take a test to prove that they know how to use a GPS Sat Nav system. The Flemish Transport Minister Lydia Peeters (liberal) recently said in an interview that a study by the University of Hasselt showed that not all drivers know how to use their Sat Nav.
Candidates for a class AM driving license can now take this test on their speed pedelec (high-speed electric bike, photo above). Previously those wishing to take the test for the class AM licence had to do so on a moped or scooter.
New builds and renovation
Anyone building a new house or renovating an existing one in Flanders must ensure that a rainwater reservoir tank capable of holding at least 5,000 litres is installed if the roof of the property has a surface area of less than 80m². This increases to 7,000 litres if the roof has a surface area of more than 80m² and 10,000 litres if the surface area of the roof is more than 120m². The new rule applies to all new building project and extensive renovation projects.
Energy
In Flanders, landlords of poorly insulated apartments can now increase the rents they charge to match inflation again. Rent increases to match inflation for tenants of poorly insulated properties were frozen due to the energy crisis to protect tenants against high energy prices.
With the energy crisis apparently over the measure is now being lifted. As regards the social tariff for energy, the federal authorities have reduced the social tariff for electricity by 2% and increased it by 9.6% for gas. This affects bills from all energy suppliers.
Health
The Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Flemish socialist) has brought in a ban on nicotine pouches. This is part of the federal and regional authorities’ Anti-Tabacco Plan.
The nicotine pouches do not contain tobacco, but a mixture of nicotine and flavorings that has a far higher nicotine content than that of tobacco products. The pouches can be put behind the upper lip to release nicotine into the blood.