Heating becomes more expensive when electricity and gas prices rise. There is already support for people in need, but this is to be expanded.
Federal Minister of Finance Christian Lindner has promised that the traffic light coalition will shortly present plans to relieve citizens of the increased energy prices.
“I assume that this week the coalition will also describe what measures we are taking,” said the FDP leader on Sunday evening on the ARD program “Report from Berlin”. He believes that it is necessary “to relieve the broad center in our country”.
So far, the cabinet has decided on a heating cost subsidy for low-income households and for many students and trainees. However, Lindner emphasized that it could not just be about supporting people in need in the current situation. People “in the middle of society” also suffered from the price increase. “And we need an offer for them. An offer now within this year, but also with a view to the future.”
Abolish the EEG levy sooner
There is consensus in the coalition that the EEG levy to promote green electricity via the electricity bill should be abolished earlier than planned, if possible by the middle of the year – the costs will then be borne by the federal budget. This step was previously planned for January 1, 2023. Lindner emphasized that this should not be underestimated – after all, it was 6.6 billion euros. “But we want to do even more, in particular to give the people who work hard, who depend on the car as professionals, who don’t leave them alone.”
The Minister of Finance had already shown himself open to increasing the commuter allowance. In the interview, he also referred to the plan agreed in the coalition agreement that pension insurance contributions should be fully tax-deductible from 2023. So far, this is only planned for 2025. In addition, Lindner announced that this year he would present a report on so-called cold progression – a kind of gradual tax increase that occurs when the tax rate is not adjusted to the price increase. “I’ll make a proposal and then we have to discuss what to do with this report with the Federal Council, the SPD and the Greens.”
Source: Stern

Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.