While there is still disagreement in the federal government over how to deal with high energy prices, Burgenland is pushing ahead and presenting an anti-inflation package designed to help low-income earners.
Even when the weather gets warm: next winter is definitely coming. And many people are already worried about how to cope with the next heating season. But commuters also feel how inflation eats up their paychecks every time they visit a gas station. In many conversations he noticed that there was great uncertainty among the people, says governor Hans Peter Doskozil. Since the debate at the federal level is currently purely political, the state has decided to act and put together an aid package.
Up to 700 euros bonus plus housing allowance
On the one hand, this includes an anti-life insurance premium, which is calculated on the basis of the heating cost subsidy. The bonus depends on the income and the number of children and is a one-off payment of 400 to 700 euros. This is intended to help low-income households in a targeted manner. Applications can be made from September, the payment will take place in October. The second part of the package concerns housing assistance, for which the subsidy percentage will be increased from three to five euros per square meter in September. So those who previously received 150 euros for 50 square meters will receive 250 euros in the future.
A fifth of all households should benefit from this
Discussions are still ongoing with the community representatives that the communities will also support the population with the heating cost subsidy. About 30,000 households are expected to benefit from the aid package. This corresponds to approximately one fifth of the total number of households in Burgenland. The package will be funded through the state holding company’s dividend, a special distribution from Burgenland Energie and the state budget. For now, the campaign is only intended for this winter. According to the governor, the development of the price increases will be reviewed in the spring.
Minimum wage and price ceiling demanded
The federal government is now particularly responsible for Doskozil. 50 percent of the fuel price is tax, a reduction to 25 percent is quite feasible. At the same time, a cap of 1.50 euros per liter is needed. The CO2 pricing planned for October – which will make fuel even more expensive – will have to be postponed indefinitely. “A national minimum wage would now have the most effect, because it provides permanent relief where it is most needed,” adds Deputy Leo Schneemann.
Source: Krone
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