The economic crisis has had little affect on the quality of life in the Netherlands, according to a new report for the home affairs ministry.

The downturn in economic activity only led to a slight increase in unemployment which meant there was little impact on the quality of life in towns and villages. However, the steady improvement which began in 2006 has stagnated, the report shows.
The researchers looked at topics such as housing, public safety and local provisions. They concluded that the situation in the Netherlands in general is ‘positive’.
In the 40 areas earmarked for special attention in 2006, most have also improved,hte report shows. Nevertheless, one in five people living in these areas still report they have a poor quality of life.
Employment
‘But it is notable that the unemployment rate in these 40 areas bucked the trend and went down between 2008 and 2010,’ the report said. Housing and local provisions have also improved, although feelings of public safety had deteriorated.
Developments in the big four cities have also been promising, although much of this is due to the sharp improvement in the quality of life in Rotterdam, the report said.