Figures show Brussels residents among Belgium's poorest

The net income of Brussels residents has dropped significantly in recent years, falling for the first time below that of the Walloons, which means they are now Belgium's poorest inhabitants, reports De Tijd.

According to figures from the Institute for National Accounts, economic activity in the Brussels-Capital Region decreased by 0.5% in the period 2012-2014. Between 2009 and 2013, Brussels residents saw their disposable income decrease by a total of 3% each year.

There are various explanations for the reduced prosperity across the region, according to the newpaper. These include the increasing number of wealthy families moving from the city centre to the outskirts of Brussels, and poor mobility forcing businesses to start up, or move to, Flemish- or Walloon Brabant.

The figures show that the country's wealthiest residents live in Flanders.