Council members from the CDU-City Council faction express concern over the swift discussion of tax hikes in Halle.

Halle's Tax Proposals Met with Resistance from CDU

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Halle has expressed concern and criticism over the city administration's proposed tax increases, particularly the increase in property taxes and the dog tax.

In a recent development, the city administration has suggested increasing property tax A from 250% to 600%, and property tax B from 500% to 680%. The dog tax is proposed to be increased from 100 € to 120 € for the first dog. The second-home tax is also set for an increase, from 10% to 15% of the annual net cold rent.

The CDU finds these tax increases problematic, as the administration had previously recommended rejection for their own application (VIII/2025/00819). The CDU believes that the development of property tax revenues would only be evaluated until 2026, and the introduction of differentiated tax rates would also be examined.

Councilor Ulrike Woelfel has expressed her concern over the proposed dog tax increase, stating that it primarily affects families and elderly people. The CDU faction believes that further tax increases will be hardly bearable for many families, singles, and elderly people.

The CDU's criticism of the administration's tax increase proposals includes the dog tax increase. The party urges the administration to identify and examine specific cost-saving opportunities and excessive expenses before deciding on tax increases.

CDU parliamentary leader Christoph Bernstiel has criticised the introduction of tax increases as "wrong" and demanded examination of concrete saving effects and additional costs before raising taxes. He believes that the proposed dog tax increase is the wrong way to address the budget deficit.

The CDU city council faction is skeptical about the city administration's plans to reduce the budget deficit by increasing taxes. They suggest concrete proposals for savings and efficiency gains, such as the use of new technologies.

In addition, the CDU faction criticizes the administration's premature blanket increase in taxes, including the dog tax. They believe that the public order office should be responsible for examining whether all dog owners in the city pay taxes for their pets.

The CDU continues to express skepticism about the city administration's plans to reduce the budget deficit by increasing taxes. The party is hoping for a more balanced approach that considers the financial burdens on Halle's citizens.