The Councillor for Economy and Finance of the Arona Council, Guacimara Tavío, announced yesterday that efforts are underway to develop bonuses and deductions aimed at easing the anticipated rise in waste collection fees, which could potentially double in 2025. This information was shared during the local plenary session, where she noted that various modifications to tax regulations concerning waste rates are being prepared, including reductions in tax rates or the implementation of discounts to counterbalance the escalation in waste costs.
The mayor, Fátima Lemes (PP), clarified that the European standard, as determined by the Government of Spain, will have a direct impact on residents in terms of the waste collection charges.
Socialist councillor Raquel García pointed out that, four months after this regulation’s enactment, the local government has yet to disclose how much the rubbish bill for residents will rise, affecting both residential properties and commercial venues such as restaurants and others. However, during an informative commission, the responsible councillor indicated that the increase could range from double to triple the existing charges,” she stated.
She also expressed disappointment that the proposal to lower the Real Estate Tax (IBI) to the legal minimum was dismissed yesterday by the tripartite coalition (PP-CC-Más por Arona). The socialist opposition recalls that during their term, the IBI was reduced on two consecutive occasions, in 2018 and 2019.
Consensus was reached during yesterday’s plenary session regarding an institutional motion that encourages the central government to adopt a more “clear and consistent” regulatory approach, which should respect municipal autonomy and enable local councils to “create suitable financing models” tailored to their specific circumstances, along with establishing criteria based on the economic capability of residents.
The session underscored the discussions and differing viewpoints among the groups concerning the new waste collection fees resulting from Law 7/2022 on Waste and Contaminated Soil for a Circular Economy. This law will compel municipalities to cover the full costs associated with the waste collection service, transportation, and processing, and according to the PSOE, could result in rubbish fees doubling from January 2025.
