Industry association welcomes planned relief

All participants emphasised the importance of close cooperation between the administration and local economic players in order to continue to make municipal finances sustainable and at the same time strengthen Beckum's attractiveness for companies. The mayor and the city treasurer were particularly pleased to announce that, according to their proposal, the trade tax rate would be reduced by 5 percentage points to 430. The industrial association had previously suggested a reduction in trade tax. This would relieve the burden on local companies and create additional incentives for investment and sustainable economic development in the area.

"This step is a clear signal that we are responsibly managing the balancing act between the needs of our companies and our municipal financial strength," explained Mayor Michael Gerdhenrich. The recent unexpectedly favourable development of trade tax makes the proposed reduction possible.

The industry association emphasised the importance of dialogue between the administration and business in creating a healthy economic environment. "We appreciate the open communication with the administration and welcome this proposal to reduce the rate of assessment as an important sign," said Caspar Krogbeumker, Chairman of the Industrial Association. Following consultation, including with the political parties, a resolution is now expected to be passed by Beckum town council, Krogbeumker continued.

In view of the difficult budgetary situation of the cities and municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia, the importance of a forward-looking and responsible financial policy was emphasised once again during the discussion. As in Beckum, the budgets of many municipalities in the state continue to be under great pressure: rising social expenditure, wage settlements and other compulsory tasks are placing a considerable burden on municipal finances. The room for manoeuvre remains correspondingly limited.