Magdeburg (dpa/sa) – In view of the energy crisis, the Saxony-Anhalt Association of Towns and Municipalities has called on the federal government to act. With regard to the housing benefit and citizen benefit, there must be “a fundamental simplification of the procedure” so that the relief arrives promptly and the administrations can also implement the tasks, said a spokeswoman for the municipal association. Both support services would lead to a considerable additional administrative effort from January 1st.
In the short term, the high energy prices must be met with significant financial resources, said the spokeswoman. All existing energy sources should also continue to be used in order to cushion the costs somewhat. “Coal and nuclear power are essential for bridging the gap,” said the spokeswoman. With the expansion of renewable energies, attention must be paid to using them as regionally as possible.