El Sauzal Approves Business, Rental Aid from Budget Surplus
El Sauzal City Council has approved two new financial aid programs for businesses and residents, alongside improvements to sports facilities, the senior center, street cleaning, and road infrastructure, all funded by the town's budget surplus.
El Sauzal City Council has approved two new financial aid programs. These initiatives will be paid for using the town's extra money from its budget. The local government hopes these new measures will help both businesses and residents in the area.
One of the new aid programs is for business owners, shopkeepers, and self-employed people in El Sauzal. It aims to help them with their running costs, especially with higher taxes and fees this year. Those who qualify can apply for between 500 and 3,000 euros. The exact amount will depend on the size of their business premises and the kind of business they run.
The council has also set up a new rental assistance fund for all residents, regardless of age. To get this help, people must meet certain conditions set by the municipal Social Services. These include earning no more than three times the national minimum wage, not owning another home, and having lived in El Sauzal for over six months. This rental aid will range from 400 to 900 euros.
An initial 250,000 euros has been set aside for the rental aid. Mayor Mariano Pérez said this amount could increase if more people apply. From next year, this rental aid will have its own dedicated budget. Both the business and rental aid programs can be combined with other grants from higher government bodies, like the Government of the Canary Islands.
The town's budget surplus, totaling 5.5 million euros, won't just go towards these direct aid programs. The council has also agreed to use some of this money to improve sports facilities, such as wrestling fields, and the Ravelo senior center. The street cleaning service will also be updated, with its management moving to the Commonwealth. Additionally, a full plan for new road surfaces and signs (both on the road and at the side) has been approved.
Political parties Coalición Canaria (CC), Partido Popular (PP), and Nueva Canarias (NC) supported these measures. The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), however, chose to abstain from the vote.