Alarmbelasting

Alarmbelasting is a local government levy charged to owners or users of security alarm systems to cover the costs incurred by emergency services and alarm centers when responding to alarm signals. The term is primarily used in the Netherlands, where several municipalities have introduced by-laws that impose such charges. In practice, the charge is usually an annual fixed amount per active alarm system; some jurisdictions also levy fees per dispatched alarm event or per category of alarm (for example burglar or fire). To determine the amount and eligibility, municipalities may require registration of alarm installations with the local authority or the regional fire brigade.

Rationale: Emergency response, dispatcher services, and related administration entail costs for the public safety system. The levy seeks to recover part of these costs from those who generate alarms and to create incentives to maintain alarms properly and reduce nuisance alarms.

Impact and debate: The policy is controversial. Proponents argue it ensures fair cost distribution and strengthens funding for emergency services. Critics argue it can be a financial burden on residents and small businesses, and may deter legitimate security measures or lead to under-installation or under-reporting of alarms; in some cases waivers or reduced rates exist for certain groups.

Variations: Amounts, exemptions, and procedures differ by municipality, with some offering incentives to reduce nuisance alarms, such as mandated alarm maintenance checks or reductions for verified absence of false alarms.