This clears the way for urgently needed investments and the consistent continuation of the consolidation course that has been initiated.

Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel welcomes the decision from Hanover:

"Our budget situation remains tense - it is all the more important that the Lower Saxony state government recognizes the seriousness of our budget management and the special and multiple structural challenges in Salzgitter. In addition to the extensive financial aid from the state of Lower Saxony from Salzgitterhilfe, the integration fund and the needs-based allocations, the approval of the double budget for 2025/2026 is another important and correct signal: we can now take full action locally, invest and shape the future - despite all the difficult financial challenges we are facing."

The municipal supervisory authority's positive decision was preceded by intensive preparations: Mayor Frank Klingebiel had already presented the draft of his 2025/2026 double budget to the Salzgitter City Council in September 2024, where it was approved by a broad majority on December 17, 2024 after extensive consultation in the Finance Committee and taking into account amendments. The approval covers both the core budget and the business plans of the city's own companies.

Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel explains: "Investments of around 45 million euros are planned in the core budget for 2025 and around 35.7 million euros for 2026. The city's own buildings, purchasing and logistics company will supplement this with investment measures amounting to 113.8 million euros in 2025 (including budget reserves) and 27.4 million euros in the following year. With our extensive investments, we are focusing on our fire departments, school infrastructure, daycare center buildings, urban development and measures as part of the so-called "Salzgitterhilfe" and the integration fund."

Head of Finance and First City Councillor Eric Neiseke adds: "When drawing up the 2025/2026 double budget, we deliberately set priorities and focused investments on what was necessary. Even though the municipal supervisory authority has imposed a reporting obligation for 2025 for the utilization of 50% of the commitment appropriations for subsequent years, we have sufficient leeway to implement the planned projects."

However, the 2025/2026 double budget is only one component of strategic financial planning. The budget protection concept that was also adopted provides for consolidation contributions totaling over 33 million euros for the years 2025 and 2026. Despite positive developments in the financial years 2022 and 2023 - where significant improvements were achieved - the structural shortfall remains a key challenge.

Mayor Klingebiel makes it clear:

"With its 2025/2026 double budget, the city of Salzgitter is living up to both its socio-political and its fiscal responsibility. However, we will no longer be able to shoulder the increasing burden of new tasks and standards imposed by the federal and state governments in the coming years, both financially and in terms of personnel. We are demanding a task memorandum, a debt relief program and permanently reliable and adequate framework conditions for local authorities from the federal and state governments. This is the only way we can ensure services of general interest in the long term."

The complete 2025/2026 budget will be available for inspection at the Budget and Finance Department in the coming days.