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Financial disagreement over census operations: Ministry upholds funding regulation

Financial Controversy Surrounding Census Operations: Ministry Defends Regulatory Measures

Municipalities across Saxony-Anhalt express dissent over the population data provided by the...
Municipalities across Saxony-Anhalt express dissent over the population data provided by the census.

Financial disagreement in census proceedings: Government confirms regulatory decision - Financial disagreement over census operations: Ministry upholds funding regulation

The Finance Ministry in Magdeburg defends its regulation regarding municipal financing, dismissing calls to alter the data used for calculations. The ministry maintains that the most recent population statistics from the State Statistical Office are the only accurate source for municipal finance allocations.

Last week, representatives from several municipalities convened in Halberstadt, District of Harz, to discuss the impact of these allocations on their finances. They proposed a change in the method of calculation, advocating for using data from municipal registration offices in the future. The financial equalization scheme is a vital revenue source for many municipalities, as it is based on populace numbers determined by the census. Lower populations translate to reduced funds.

A group of about two-thirds of municipalities in the state would experience severe population losses as a result of the census, according to participating municipalities' statement. This could lead to revenue losses exceeding two million euros, as in the case of Halberstadt. "These losses are too substantial to be ignored," said Halberstadt's mayor, Daniel Szarata. "Especially when the registration numbers are evidently more accurate than the census estimate and paint a distinct picture."

However, the Finance Ministry clarifies that there are currently no valid considerations to alter the existing distribution mechanism. A ministry spokeswoman pointed out that no such change has been demanded by municipal associations and that the use of municipal registration offices for allocation distribution in Rhineland-Palatinate is an exception.

The issue of financing regulations affecting municipalities' budgeting is significant, given that population data plays a substantial role in determining the allocations of funds from both federal and state governments. The census data, with its comprehensive review, provides the highest guarantee of accuracy compared to the numbers derived from municipal registration offices, which may overestimate the resident population due to people residing but not officially registered.

More accurate census data allows municipalities to better align their financial planning with current demographic realities, enhancing resource allocation efficiency. On the other hand, the shift towards census data might lead to tighter budgets compared to previous years, depending on the census population count. The legal and regulatory framework mandates the use of census data for official population figures after a census is conducted, thus impacting municipalities experiencing notable changes in population, such as some East German municipalities like Magdeburg.

  1. The disputing municipalities,, such as Halberstadt, argue for altering the method used in calculating financial allocations, suggesting the adoption of data from municipal registration offices to gain more accurate results.
  2. The Finance Ministry in Magdeburg, however, maintains that the community policy, including the use of census data for municipal finance allocations, follows a legal and regulatory framework aimed at ensuring efficiency and accuracy in resource distribution for businesses and vocational training programs in various municipalities.

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