Bureaucracy burdens Brandenburg's crafts

The results of a recent survey show worrying effects of bureaucratic burdens on the skilled trades in Brandenburg.

This article is part of the special feature on bureaucratic madness in the skilled trades.

Bureaucratic burdens have increased over the past five years , according to 82,2 percent of Brandenburg craft businesses participating in a recent survey . The main reasons cited were the constant need to adapt to new regulations (73,3 percent) and the rising number of new requirements for proof, documentation, and reporting (57,2 percent).

This leads to almost 70 percent of businesses having less time to process orders . This results in longer waiting times for customers. The increasing bureaucracy also has financial repercussions : 47,4 percent of businesses report that they have to make their services and products more expensive due to bureaucratic requirements.

Potential for tax relief

Over 60 percent of participants find self-employment in the skilled trades unattractive due to the high level of bureaucracy . Despite digital options, 61,5 percent of businesses still do not primarily communicate online with authorities and administrations. The main reason given (by 61,3 percent) was that digital communication methods are perceived as too complicated and time-consuming.

The survey also shows that the greatest potential for effectively relieving businesses of verification, documentation and reporting obligations is seen in the areas of tax law requirements (44,2 percent), data protection (32,7 percent) and statistical reporting obligations (35,5 percent).

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Promote bureaucracy reduction

Robert Wüst Photo: © Michael Lueder

"The survey results confirm that politicians must finally get serious about reducing bureaucracy. The skilled trades sector has submitted proposals for this. The requirements have long since reached a level that is no longer manageable for our businesses ," says Robert Wüst , President of the Brandenburg Chamber of Skilled Crafts.

Frustration is running high: "Instead of fewer regulations, many have the impression that the administrative burden is constantly increasing . Tradespeople want to work on construction sites or in workshops for their customers and not constantly fill out forms. That's why a change of thinking is finally needed in Brandenburg as well . Otherwise, our craft businesses will be crushed by bureaucracy."

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