The budget for the City Council of La Laguna for the year 2025, which was recently approved by the Municipal Plenary, allocates 24,007,099 euros to the Social Welfare and Quality of Life Area. This sum represents 11.42% of the total budget and is designated for the advancement of social policies aimed at supporting the elderly and children, families with limited resources, individuals with disabilities, housing access, social integration, and assistance for those in vulnerable situations, among other initiatives, as stated by the City Council.
The Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, remarked that “the dedication of this governing body to social justice is evident in a budget proposal that prioritises financial resources for the most disadvantaged, ensuring benefits and addressing emergency situations.” He emphasised that “both direct assistance and support through third sector entities or commissions to Muvisa enable us to combat social exclusion.”
Meanwhile, the Councillor for Social Welfare and Quality of Life, María Cruz, indicated that “one of the most significant aspects in the area for this year is the rise in costs for the home care services contract (SAD), which is currently in the tender process with a budget of 5.88 million euros.”
The SAD serves an average of 1,200 residents in the municipality each month, primarily those in need of support. The councillor elaborated that this service offers preventive, instructional, and rehabilitative activities conducted by qualified professionals in individuals’ homes. It encompasses physical, mental, and social assistance for users and families in need, focusing on hygiene, personal care, cleaning, domestic maintenance, as well as psychosocial and educational support.
Housing
In the housing sector, the budget includes 1,969,507 euros for the management of guardianship, aimed at assisting those in street situations, families facing eviction, or those with difficulties accessing housing; in addition to 610,000 euros allocated for low-intensity accommodation resources at Clemencia Hardisson.
María Cruz noted that in 2024, the City Council provided accommodation assistance to a total of 160 homeless individuals. “These interventions do not solely focus on providing shelter; they also cater to basic needs such as food, hygiene, and necessary psychosocial support, while also offering training opportunities for job market integration,” explained the councillor. She also mentioned that funding for rental assistance (677,269 euros), housing rehabilitation (60,000 euros), and property tax payments (10,000 euros) remain unchanged.
Elderly Care
Within the senior section, 751,836 euros are earmarked for dynamic initiatives, managed through a commission to Muvisa, alongside 493,000 euros for the Acaymo Day Centre for the elderly and 84,000 euros for the telecare service. The budget also includes direct assistance valued at 167,413 euros, discounts on water consumption for pensioners (55,000 euros), and a budget for the development of the Senior Social Tourism Programme, “an initiative that receives great support within our municipality,” stated María Cruz.
Child Welfare
Social initiatives concerning children are allocated 2.13 million euros for municipal nurseries (managed through Muvisa); 253,548 euros for services directed towards minors; 416,893 euros aimed at combating school absenteeism; and 221,000 euros for the implementation of the child welfare plan, along with various campaigns such as Family Day, the organisation of summer camps, and others. Families with children will receive a line of direct aid amounting to 100,000 euros.
Disability Support
In relation to disability, social welfare has 70,000 euros designated for advancing the implementation of the disability plan and 260,000 euros allocated for direct aid to individuals with disabilities.
Third Sector Entities
Nominative grants to third sector organisations remain intact, contributing 1,124,937 euros towards projects related to the management of elderly homes, shelters, disability care, and support for both the elderly and children, among others. Furthermore, funding for social emergency assistance to meet essential needs will continue at 741,084 euros, alongside two initiatives with organisations addressing fundamental requirements such as food and shelter (Red Cross receiving 304,000 euros and Caritas 135,606 euros).
Municipal Office
The area budget also includes a provision of 462,909 euros for the upkeep and administration of the Municipal Office of Information and Social Attention (OAS), which operates from December 6. This facility offers assistance, guidance, and preliminary evaluations for citizens who approach the City Council’s social services for the first time or who have not accessed them in over a year.
