The coalition helps the fire department. Besides the already pledged 15 million euros from the disaster get another five states to support the purchase of emergency vehicles and equipment, reported ÖVP club president August Wöginger Wednesday before the Cabinet. The grant compensates for the 20 percent sales tax levied on investments in vehicles and equipment.
Originally, the corresponding bill provided for a provision of only 15 million. However, the assessment showed that the need was slightly higher, Wöginger explained.
The law should be passed in July
In his home state of Upper Austria, there are now 3.3 million instead of 2.5 million, as the club boss explained. The law will be tabled in the National Council in June and passed in July.
Expensive purchases
Wöginger substantiated with figures that the purchase of fire-fighting vehicles is financially difficult. A vehicle may cost 400,000 euros, plus 20 percent VAT. The latter amount can now be compensated by the federal subsidy.
The fire service is the responsibility of the federal states. The federal government already provides 8.89 percent of the disaster fund for the purchase of emergency equipment in the event of a disaster. This year it is about 46.7 million euros. In addition, the federal states receive the income from the fire protection tax, which is around 71 million euros in 2022. Add the 20 million to that.
Source: Krone
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