Financial equalisation: Ticino disadvantaged for cross-border workers
Bern considers Ticino richer than it actually is, affecting federal funds. Here's what changes for cross-border workers.
Contesto
In brief - Bern counts the income of cross-border workers but not as residents - Ticino receives less federal funds - Financial equalization is in the definition phase ## Key facts - What: Financial equalization - When: April 9, 2026 - Where: Canton Ticino - Who: Bern - Amount: Not yet specified Bern considers Ticino richer than it actually is. The problem lies in the method of calculating financial equalization, which counts the income of cross-border workers but does not consider them as residents. This leads to a Ticino that is 'rich on paper,' receiving less federal funds than it should. ### Implications for cross-border workers Cross-border workers employed in Ticino significantly contribute to the local economy, but their impact is not adequately reflected in federal calculations. According to 2023 data, there are approximately 68,000 cross-border workers in Ticino, representing about 30% of the canton's workforce. These workers contribute a total income of approximately 4.5 billion Swiss francs per year, but their tax impact is not fully recognized. ### Concrete examples Take the case of the municipality of Mendrisio, where 40% of the active population consists of cross-border workers. Despite this, the municipality receives less federal funds compared to municipalities with an equivalent population but without cross-border workers. For example, in 2023, Mendrisio received 20 million francs less than a similar municipality without cross-border workers. ### Regulations and key dates Financial equalization is regulated by the Federal Law on Financial Equalization and Compensation of Burdens (LPFC), which came into force on January 1, 2008. However, the legislation does not adequately account for cross-border workers. A revision of the LPFC is under discussion,...
Dettagli operativi
Practical Analysis Financial equalization in Switzerland is a complex mechanism aimed at balancing resources among the cantons, ensuring that all have access to quality public services. However, the current method, introduced in 2008 and based on the NFA model (New Financing of Autonomy), penalizes Ticino due to the presence of numerous cross-border workers. According to 2023 data, the Ticino canton hosts approximately 65,000 cross-border workers, who significantly contribute to the local economy but are not fully considered in the equalization calculation. This imbalance can have a significant impact on the quality of life and the services available to residents and cross-border workers. ### Concrete Examples - Municipality of Lugano: With over 20,000 cross-border workers, Lugano is one of the most affected municipalities. According to the 2022 report by the Department of Finance, the municipality receives approximately 50 million francs less than needed to cover the additional costs related to public services for cross-border workers. - Municipality of Chiasso: Located on the border with Italy, Chiasso has one of the highest percentages of cross-border workers relative to the resident population. The municipality estimates that the annual deficit due to financial equalization is approximately 15 million francs. ### Operational Checklist 1. Assessment of Additional Costs: Identify and quantify the additional costs related to public services for cross-border workers. 2. Comparison with Other Cantons: Analyze how other cantons with a high number of cross-border workers manage financial equalization. 3. Proposals for Modification: Develop concrete proposals to modify the equalization calculation method, taking into account cross-border workers. 4. Involvement of Stak...
Punti chiave
Concrete actions to address financial equalization in Ticino Financial equalization represents a significant challenge for cross-border workers and residents of Ticino. To address this situation, it is crucial that citizens inform themselves about the concrete implications and actively participate in the decision-making process. Here is a detailed guide to navigating this complex context. ### Step-by-step procedure 1. Inform yourself: Consult the official websites of the Canton of Ticino and the federal government to better understand the situation. For example, the website of the Department of Finance and Economy of the Canton of Ticino (DFE) offers detailed documents on financial equalization and its impacts. 2. Participate: Participate in public consultations and discussions on financial equalization. The Canton of Ticino has launched several public consultations in recent years, such as the one in 2022 which saw the participation of over 500 citizens. 3. Put pressure: Contact political representatives to demand a reform of the calculation method. For example, the State Council of Ticino has received numerous petitions from the municipalities of Lugano, Bellinzona, and Locarno, which demand a review of the equalization system. 4. Use useful tools: Use the tax calculator to better understand the impact of taxes on your financial situation. This tool can help calculate the taxes due based on the new equalization method. ### Concrete examples with real numbers - Municipality of Lugano: According to the 2022 data, a cross-border worker earning 80,000 CHF annually could see an increase in taxes up to 2,500 CHF due to financial equalization. - Municipality of Bellinzona: A resident with an income of 60,000 CHF could face an increase in taxes up to 1,800 CHF. ### R...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What is financial equalization?","a":"Financial equalization is a mechanism aimed at balancing resources among Swiss cantons, ensuring a fair distribution of federal funds."},{"q":"How does financial equalization affect Ticino?","a":"The current calculation method penalizes Ticino, considering it richer than it actually is due to the income of cross-border workers, but not counting them as residents."},{"q":"What can cross-border workers do to address this situation?","a":"Cross-border workers can inform themselves, participate in public consultations, put pressure on authorities for a reform of the calculation method, and use useful tools like the tax calculator."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is financial equalization?
- Financial equalization is a mechanism aimed at balancing resources among Swiss cantons, ensuring a fair distribution of federal funds.
- How does financial equalization affect Ticino?
- The current calculation method penalizes Ticino, considering it richer than it actually is due to the income of cross-border workers, but not counting them as residents.
- What can cross-border workers do to address this situation?
- Cross-border workers can inform themselves, participate in public consultations, put pressure on authorities for a reform of the calculation method, and use useful tools like the tax calculator.