Peine's unpaid debts surge to nearly €5 million amid recovery struggles
The city of Peine is facing a growing problem with unpaid debts. As of April 2025, outstanding claims reached €4.72 million, but the total has since climbed to nearly €5 million. The increase highlights ongoing difficulties in recovering funds owed to the local authority.
The largest portion of the uncollected debt—around €2.8 million—comes from unpaid trade tax. This single category accounts for over half of the city's outstanding claims. Other significant sums include €260,000 in unpaid accommodation charges and €185,000 in overdue property taxes.
Fines, administrative penalties, and regulatory fees add another €1.6 million to the total. Many of these debts risk expiring due to statutory time limits, particularly fines, where legal options to pause the limitation period are limited. Private-law claims also face similar challenges, leaving the city with fewer ways to recover the money.
While the overall debt has risen by nearly €200,000 since April, the increase remains relatively modest compared to previous years. However, the persistent issue of uncollected receivables continues to strain Peine's treasury.
The city now carries a debt burden of almost €5 million in unpaid claims. Without new measures to improve collection, the risk of losing further funds to legal time limits remains. The largest losses still stem from unpaid trade tax, fines, and private-sector debts.
