The Barcelona Provincial Council today approved a €20 million allocation to 310 municipalities and four decentralised municipal entities across the province. This funding aims to guarantee the continuity, quality, and accessibility of essential municipal services, according to the council.
The move advances the approval of the fourth edition of the Specific Programme for Local Autonomy 4.0. The council stated that approving the programme now allows the aid to cover both current expenditure and investment, strengthening local autonomy.
Municipalities can use the funds to address increased energy bills, promote quality employment, support the labour inclusion of vulnerable groups, and maintain public facilities. Investment areas include public spaces, energy-sustainable and socially inclusive facilities, and local sports, educational, youth, cultural, or senior citizen facilities.
Funding Across the Province
Sabadell, for example, will receive €525,636. Mayor Marta Farrés of the PSC party welcomed the support, stating it allows the city to dedicate funds to essential services such as cleaning, waste management, and public space maintenance. Farrés highlighted that these resources help guarantee service quality in a context of rising costs.
Other municipalities in the Vallès region will also receive significant allocations, with Terrassa getting €545,895 and Sant Cugat del Vallès €268,000. In Barcelonès Nord, Santa Coloma de Gramenet is set to receive €414,037. Baix Llobregat will see Castelldefels receive €221,267 and L'Hospitalet de Llobregat €31,470. Manresa in Bages will be allocated €291,359.
Strengthening Local Autonomy
Lluïsa Moret, President of the Provincial Council, explained that local autonomy depends on the financial solvency of town councils. This solvency is critical for them to provide basic public services and respond to citizen demands. Moret noted that local governments often face underfunding, even when they take on services outside their direct responsibility, despite meeting fiscal requirements.
Following the pandemic, the Provincial Council launched this programme to ensure the liquidity of local councils. Moret acknowledged that while it is too early to fully assess the impact of the conflict in the Middle East, recent weeks have brought concerning geopolitical uncertainty and price volatility. The Provincial Council aims to prepare for a potentially adverse economic scenario, hoping it will improve soon but not ruling out its possibility.
