Court Rules Santa Cruz Council Blocked Opposition Access to Public Records

Transparency in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has suffered a legal setback. A court has ruled in favor of the Socialist municipal group, confirming that the Municipal Institute for Social and Health Care (IMAS) systematically blocked the opposition from accessing public records. This ruling highlights the ongoing struggle between local officials and the right of representatives to oversee government activity.

The dispute began last November when PSOE spokesperson Patricia Hernández requested files regarding a contract for dependency assistance services. The City Council withheld the documents for eight months, arguing that the information was already accessible to the councilwoman and that the files were merely internal drafts. The court rejected these claims, ruling that the delay was unjustified and violated fundamental principles of transparency.

The court’s decision criticizes the City Council’s delaying tactics, noting that the documents were only released after legal action was taken. The Public Prosecutor’s Office supported the opposition, stating that IMAS showed no genuine willingness to provide the requested information.

The opposition had sought the files due to concerns about potential irregularities in the bidding process, specifically regarding discrepancies between technical reports from January 2025 and the final documents approved by the Governing Council. The court’s ruling reinforces the legal right of council members to access the data they need to perform their duties without facing bureaucratic hurdles. This case has reignited the debate over the need for better accountability in the management of municipal social services.