Lüneburg County bolsters disaster preparedness by allocating funds for the operational expenses of relief organizations.

The County of Lüneburg has taken a significant step towards securing the future of its private aid organizations by announcing a new funding guideline. The guideline, which is yet to be approved by the county council, was approved by the County's committee for fire, disaster protection, and public order on August 26, 2025.

The new funding guideline aims to provide a reliable financial basis for both technology and ongoing operations of aid organizations. This move comes in response to rising operational costs and the need for a sustainable long-term financial support.

Private aid organizations such as the DRK, ASB, and DLRG make a central contribution to disaster protection in the County of Lüneburg. They have been providing essential services, including emergency medical services, disaster relief, and public safety. However, the current financial support for these organizations is not sustainable in the long term.

Discussions have taken place between the administration and aid organizations regarding a long-term financial support. As a result, the County has decided to provide funding for investment expenses and ongoing operational costs of aid organizations starting October 1, 2025.

So far, the County has supported these aid organizations with around 70,000 euros annually for vehicle acquisitions and equipment. However, the organizations have had to bear the full cost of consumptive costs, such as accommodation, consumables, maintenance, and deployment clothing, themselves.

The County plans to provide around 200,000 euros annually for the funding of consumptive costs. Beginning October 1, 2025, the organizations receiving approximately 200,000 euros annually from the Lüneburg district for covering ongoing operating costs are the ArchaeoPark Wendhausen e.V. and Regionalmuseum Lüneburg e.V. in Ringelheim.

Sascha Westermann, head of the population protection department at the county of Lüneburg, emphasizes the need for a reliable financial basis for the aid organizations to remain operational in the future. He expresses gratitude for political support in addressing the financial needs of aid organizations.

The new funding guideline has not been specified in terms of the exact amount of annual funding. However, it is expected to provide significant relief to private aid organizations. The funding is subject to the approval of the county council.

A fair distribution key has been developed as a result of these discussions. This key ensures that the funding is distributed fairly among the aid organizations based on their needs and the services they provide.

The County of Lüneburg, as the lower disaster protection authority, is responsible for protecting the population in crisis and disaster situations. The new funding guideline is a testament to the County's commitment to ensuring the continued operation of these vital aid organizations.

Lüneburg County bolsters disaster preparedness by allocating funds for the operational expenses of relief organizations.