Canary Islands Push for Fairer Funding for Dependency Care
Candelaria Delgado, the Canary Islands’ Minister for Social Welfare, has urged the state for stable, adequate funding for the Dependency Care System, aiming to align it with the national Dependency Law. Speaking at the Territorial Council for Social Services on June 29, Delgado emphasised the need to clarify how Spain’s announced additional funding will benefit local communities.
While she welcomes any increase in funding, Delgado warned it must genuinely cover the state’s share and the system’s actual costs. She cautioned against raising public hopes regarding this funding, noting it requires Congress approval, where the government lacks a majority, and highlighted the ongoing issue of underfunding.
Delgado pointed out that the Dependency Law mandates an equitable funding structure between the state and regional governments. For years, the Canary Islands have borne a disproportionate share of costs alongside island councils. The proposed funding, which could come through a royal decree, remains non-structural, creating anxiety among regional leaders about the sustainability of future funding.
In 2025, the Canary Islands’ certified expenditure on dependency reached €403.9 million, while state support was roughly €101.8 million, highlighting the imbalance in funding.
She also noted the unique challenges posed by the islands’ geography, including higher transport costs and limited economies of scale.
The meeting confirmed that the Canary Islands will receive €44.2 million in 2026 from the Agreed Level, up from €23 million the previous year—a 92% increase—reflecting improvements in care indicators such as increased recipients and reduced processing times.
While she acknowledged this funding boost as recognition of the Canary Islands’ efforts to enhance care services, Delgado reiterated the need for continued progress towards equitable funding that acknowledges the islands’ specific circumstances.
She reported significant improvements in dependency care management, with monthly expenditure rising from over €8 million at the beginning of her term to approximately €16 million now, which has translated into more care resolutions and beneficiaries. From 2023 to the projected figures for 2026, annual costs are expected to nearly double from €95.52 million to €189.43 million due to expanded rights.
Delgado highlighted a significant reduction in processing times, with the backlog of pending care applications down by 91.9% and the average resolution time cut from 782 days to 335 days.
Additionally, regarding the regional share of 0.7% of the IRPF tax, the Canary Islands are set to receive €22.43 million in 2026, maintaining their relative share of state distribution. Delgado stressed the importance of funding criteria reflecting the realities of regions like the Canary Islands.
“We will continue to work with the state to enhance the system, but we will not stop demanding fair funding. Our improved management has enabled more people to access their rights. Now we need financing that reflects the true costs of dependency care in the islands,” she concluded.
