Focus on the financial situation of local authorities

The discussion also focused on the measures being taken by the state to improve this situation in the long term. “I am well aware of the concerns and difficulties facing the town of Beckum, not least because I am a councillor here in Beckum. Nevertheless, I find it very valuable to gain further insight through direct dialogue,” explained the Member of the State Parliament.

Both sides agreed that, in view of their increasing responsibilities and growing financial challenges, local authorities urgently need reliable and improved framework conditions. In a brief presentation, City Treasurer Thomas Wulf explained that social expenditure in particular – over which they have little control – has been placing a considerable strain on the city’s budget for years. “Such burdens are a defining feature of local authority budgets in many places and are a key reason for the strained financial situation,” he noted.

The shared view that new responsibilities should only be transferred to local authorities once their funding has been secured was particularly clear. “It is thanks in particular to the commitment of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia that the federal government has recently agreed to apply the so-called ‘who commissions, pays’ principle more strictly in future,” emphasised Markus Höner in this context. He also highlighted that the state intends to make certain payments to local authorities in future, regardless of the state’s own tax revenue trends. This would provide greater reliability for local authorities, Höner added.

“Every day, we make a vital contribution to our local community. Well-maintained, well-equipped schools, attractive swimming pools and libraries, well-kept green spaces and everything else are what make our beautiful town of Beckum such a lovely place to live and love. To ensure this remains the case in the long term, we finally need fair and reliable funding,” demanded Mayor Michael Gerdhenrich. He said the latest decisions could only be a starting point for further measures to ease the burden on local authorities. He asked the members of the state parliament to continue to champion his home town of Beckum.

Christoph Pundt, who accompanied Markus Höner, stated on behalf of the CDU council group: “The financial situation of the town of Beckum is serious. We must work to improve it at various levels. Here locally, we are doing this within our working groups. At state level, we need committed advocates. I am therefore pleased that Markus Höner knows exactly what matters.”