Population decline according to Zensus 2022: Effects on community budgets in Baden-Württemberg

Population decline according to Zensus 2022: Effects on community budgets in Baden-Württemberg

consequences of census 2022 for the municipalities

The results of the census 2022 have led to significant problems in the household in various communities. The city council warned of inexplicable residents' losses in the census two years ago, which led to considerable financial losses in some cities. These inhabitants are crucial for the municipal financial equalization that adapts the financial strength of the municipalities in the country and thus direct Effects has on the planning of daycare, schools and geriatric care.

Support for affected communities

The city council is currently discussing possible aid measures for the affected municipalities. It is expected that specific support proposals are available at the end of September after all municipalities have received their declaration notices. This is intended to help the municipalities to cope with their budget problems and maintain their services.

Some municipalities have benefited from the 2022 census. For example, Moosburg in the Biberach district was able to record 14 inhabitants, while Pforzheim gained around 6,000 inhabitants. In contrast, Stuttgart recorded a decline of 21,700 inhabitants, which corresponds to a minus of 3.4 percent.

challenges for the cities

The deviations in the population can have a negative impact on the funds from the municipal financial equalization. The municipalities are striving to receive as many assignments as possible to improve their infrastructure. However, the various factors that flow into the calculation of these funds make the decision about the distribution complex.

Mannheim's mayor Christian Specht expressed disappointment with the decline of 700 inhabitants in his city. He pointed out that in particular in areas with high population fluctuation and among certain population groups, such as students and migrant work, problems with the recording can arise.

legal steps against the census

It is expected that some municipalities will take legal action against the results of the census. Even if the organization has been improved compared to previous counts, there are doubts about the accuracy of some results. Baden-Württemberg , for example, recorded a residents of 1.2 percent, while the federal government has confronted with a decrease of 1.6 percent and Bavaria with a decrease of 2.2 percent goods.