In September, the cabinet approved an increase in the commuter allowance, the Second Act to Strengthen Company Pensions and the strengthening of voluntary work and civic engagement. The Federal Government also voted in favour of a lower VAT rate for the catering industry – as well as a lower electricity tax for manufacturing companies and agriculture and forestry. It decided on better financial framework conditions for start-ups, more favourable tax conditions for investments in renewable energies and thus for a strong economy with less bureaucracy. It also voted in favour of implementing the Common European Asylum System.