Local Government Law in North Rhine-Westphalia: The Census and Local Government Financial Equalisation – What do missing residents have to do with a smaller budget?

The 2022 census has resulted in the „official population figure“ being recalculated for all local authorities. The results are highly questionable – in many towns and parishes, dozens of residents have „disappeared“ practically overnight. The population registers show completely different figures. However, the lower population figures from the census form the basis for calculating the key allocations under the municipal financial equalisation scheme.

The result: lower block grants and less money in the budget.

Rechtsanwalt Dr Tobias Schröter is handling several cases in this regard; he highlights the link between the census and formula-based allocations, and explains how local authorities can and must defend themselves against this.

After all: once the 2022 census is over, it’s time to start thinking about the 2031 census!