In every parliament, district councillors [Bezirksverordnete] divide the work amongst themselves, as it is not possible for one councillor to take care of everything. This is why each BVV has political groups and committees.

Political groups [Fraktionen]

A political group [Fraktion] primarily consists of district councillors from the same party. They discuss current issues, possible solutions and agree on shared political goals. This makes it easier to find a compromise among different political groups [Fraktionen].

Committees [Ausschüsse]

Most of the work for the BVV is carried out in committees [Ausschüsse]. Each committee [Ausschuss] is responsible for specific topics, such as urban development, integration and health. The district councillors [Bezirksverordneten] themselves decide how many committees [Ausschüsse] to form and where their focus lies.

Within the committees, district councillors [Bezirksverordneten] act as specialists representing their political groups. Each political group [Fraktion] appoints one or more members to the various committees [Ausschüsse]. It is here that proposed solutions are discussed and decisions are prepared, which are then submitted to all district councillors [Bezirksverordneten] in the plenary for a vote.

Voluntary role

District councillors serve on a voluntary basis. This means that they prepare and attend regular meetings in their free time.

District councillors devote significant time to carrying out their duties. In return, they receive an allowance of approximately €1,225 per month. They also receive an attendance fee of €20 to €31 per meeting and a monthly travel allowance of €41