The annual report encompasses over 30,100 grievances, representing an 8% increase, and indicates that the welfare state “is failing” in the archipelago.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 21st April. (Press Europa) –
The deputy of the common, Lola Padrón, has described the management of disability in the Canary Islands as “serious” and “concerning” this Monday, noting that complaints have surged by 94%. There are islands where the certification process for degrees has been “prolonged,” particularly in Tenerife, where some cases have been documented to take nearly five years, despite the legal timeframe being three to six months.
During the presentation of the annual report for 2024 in the Parliamentary Commission, she remarked that these delays lead to “invisible poverty,” as they “can determine” access to public employment or social resources that families must cover if disability is not officially recognised. “Many families are living below the poverty line, and this is not acknowledged,” she stated.
She reiterated that the welfare state “is not functioning” and that “irreparable harm” is being caused to individuals who are unable to access public employment or are forced to pay for health services.
“This is a very serious matter,” she emphasised, highlighting that 603 individuals are awaiting disability assessment, with numbers on the rise, predicting that in 2025, “the figures do not appear to show improvement.” Therefore, she has called for “strengthening” the assessment teams.
The annual report lists a total of 30,165 grievances, which is over 3,000 more than the previous report (+8%), with a resolution rate of over 71%, and Tenerife leading with nearly half of the cases.
The breakdown reveals that 91% of inquiries were made via telephone or online; 1,688 in person, 8,906 by phone, 18,564 through email/web, 60 by postal mail, and 947 via electronic record.
Padrón has indicated that they are formulating a strategic plan to reduce “bureaucracy” in the handling of complaints and has urged for “consensus” to expand the advisory team responsible for processing these complaints and to replace those who retire, a request that she has extended to the social services sectors of public institutions.
She stated that, according to the current situation, conditions have “not improved” either, citing 471 new complaints, with a significant lack of resources to manage these demands—a situation exacerbated by delays in the minimum vital income and the Canarian citizenship income.
The plight of minors is “bleeding”
Padrón specifically highlighted the housing situation, as it is “impoverishing” Canary families due to “failures” in planning, which have not accounted for population growth or developed adequate social or private housing options.
Additionally, she labelled the regional government assistance to citizens as “minimal” and criticised the lack of coordination between Visocan and the ICAVI, pointing out that the issues extend beyond social matters. There are numerous delays in urban planning that hinder the issuance of licenses or the revision of general plans.
She acknowledged that she cannot provide “miraculous solutions” to the housing crisis but admitted that there is considerable “social discontent.”
Padrón noted that the situation of minors is “bleeding,” with child poverty rates at 44%, along with a “childhood law” awaiting an update. Individualised plans are necessary, particularly for minors with disabilities who require support. “Otherwise, there is true discrimination,” she asserted.
Regarding health issues, she observed an increase in ex officio complaints about accessing specialties and a “clear decline” in the two hospitals in Tenerife, despite improvements in surgical operations data. She also highlighted the situation of over a thousand patients who have been discharged but are still occupying acute beds.
The common deputy has advocated for increased investment in social services, which “must be a commitment that extends beyond the councillors,” citing Basque Country as an example—where a similar population devotes €838.22 per capita, compared to the €378 for the Canary Islands.
Padrón has commended the efforts of the third sector, noting that it is “pulling the chestnuts out of the fire” for public institutions, but insisted that a “catalogue of companies” is essential because “business cannot be intertwined with social services.”
