The budget for Santa Cruz de Tenerife for 2024 has been finalized and approved in an extraordinary plenary session held at the city’s Town Hall. The total accounts amount to 374 million euros, representing an increase of almost 60 million from the previous year. The budget will come into effect today upon its publication in the Official Gazette of the Province (BOP).
This economic allocation for the municipality includes an investment plan for future works totalling 98 million euros. The budget was approved with the votes of the governing team composed of CC, PP, and Vox.
However, the socialist municipal group voted against the budget, criticising the lack of funding for social housing, reduced allocation for public transport, absence of funds for promoting public employment, and the disproportionate amount allocated to advertising and propaganda compared to nursery schools, according to PSOE spokesperson Patricia Hernández.
The socialists also raised concerns about the delayed approval of the 2024 budget, highlighting that it should have been approved last October to be in effect from January 1 of this year. They also pointed out the absence of 2.9 million euros in income compared to the previous year, which were fees that the City Council should have charged companies for services on municipal land, such as kiosks, cemeteries, swimming pools, and the Market.
In response to these claims, the Councilor for the Treasury, José Alberto Díaz-Estébanez, clarified that the outstanding income is being addressed and accused the socialist councillor of spreading falsehoods and showing arrogance.
During the municipal plenary session, the Councilor also mentioned three claims presented to the 2024 budget, which were rejected after a technical assessment as they did not align with the political guidelines.
The budget for Santa Cruz de Tenerife reflects the highest growth rate among all administrations in the Canary Islands, with a 17.1% increase. The context is influenced by the economic recovery post-Covid19 crisis, with projections indicating a slowdown in growth for the current year.
Development of Inclusive Park Project
In addition to the budget approval, the plenary session also sanctioned a partnership agreement with the Tenerife Cabildo for the implementation of an inclusive children’s area project in Santa Catalina park, located in La Gallega. The project, which will be the second-largest of its kind in Tenerife, will receive an investment of nearly one million euros financed entirely by the Island Corporation. The area will cover almost 4,000 square meters, providing a space for children of all abilities.
