Municipal finances squeeze pools, clubs and culture in Upper Austria

A survey of 108 mayors found that financial pressure is forcing Upper Austrian municipalities to raise fees, cut support and postpone investments, ORF reported. The Upper Austria Chamber of Labour warned that the measures could reduce quality of life in local communities.

Nearly four in 10 mayors said budget cuts had negatively affected residents, while a similar share reported difficulties financing essential public services. Almost half said projects had been scrapped, including infrastructure work and municipal facilities.

Two-thirds of respondents said their municipalities had raised charges for sewerage, water and rubbish collection. Nearly half had also increased fees such as rents for sports rooms or the cost of Meals on Wheels. Some 39 per cent said they had raised service charges, including kindergarten meal contributions.

About two in 10 mayors said opening hours had been reduced at facilities such as swimming pools, libraries and youth centres. More than a quarter of municipalities had cut arts and cultural activities, while around a third had reduced grants to clubs or other forms of support, including subsidies for semester travel tickets and Christmas payments.

The Chamber of Labour called for long-term financial security for municipalities and a reduction in their levy burden, so they can continue to meet their core responsibilities.