Region Hannover handles money carelessly
The auditing office does not agree with all points of the financial report for the year 2020 of the Hanover region. According to the audit report, the annual financial statements “does not consistently reflect the actual assets, earnings and financial position of the Hanover region, taking into account the principles of proper bookkeeping”.
Half a million euros more for local transit
The region’s independent auditors accuse the Treasury, among other things, of “negligent handling of public funds”. In concrete terms, this involves more than half a million euros in additional costs incurred in the construction of the Wunstorf-Bokeloh through road. The region made it possible for a civil engineering company to issue final accounts, although the audit office did not agree.
The auditors also criticize a difference of 13 million euros in the accounts of the region in the budget for which the former regional president Hauke Jagau (SPD) was responsible, which, according to the auditors, was not explained by the administration. According to the financial authorities, the millions were transferred between two accounts at the turn of the year, but were not credited to the new account until the new year. In such cases, the auditors recommend a more transparent presentation.
Criticism also of real estate business in the Hanover region
There is also criticism of a real estate transaction in the region with a volume of almost two million euros. Here, the regional politicians were not informed about a price increase, and the tax authorities also incorrectly booked a state subsidy. In total the auditors stop 26 criticisms of the annual accounts.
The region rejects the accusations made by the auditors. In the report, the auditing office also listed comments that the regional administration had already explained in previous years, which is why it asks for the many points of criticism. This was how they acted when passing through Bokeloh – because this was the only way the company could continue to work. Therefore, no negligent handling of budget funds can be seen, according to a statement from the administration. “There are different legal opinions,” said Cordula Drautz, head of the region’s finance department since November 2020. She rejects the impression that the regional administration did not write properly.
problems have been known for a long time
There have always been problems with the budget statements in the past, said CDU finance expert Roland Zieseniß on Tuesday at the regional assembly. “The list of bean stands has gotten longer and longer over the years,” he emphasized. The objections should finally be considered in the administration. SPD faction leader Silke Gardlo suggested discussing the objections of the auditors at a meeting of the finance committee. The regional assembly approved the annual financial statements on Tuesday with the votes of the SPD and the Greens.
By Mathias Klein