Lower Taxes for Construction in Betancuria

In the picturesque municipality of Betancuria, the local political landscape is witnessing a notable initiative aimed at addressing the pressing housing crisis. The Asamblea Majorera – Coalición Canaria (AM-CC) group has put forth a motion to alleviate the skyrocketing difficulties residents face in accessing affordable housing.

This fiscal initiative seeks to amend the current regulations governing the Tax on Construction, Installations, and Works (ICIO) by lowering the tax rate to the minimum legally allowed and maximizing applicable tax breaks. The intent is clear: to ease the burden of housing costs and investment in the community.

The proposal is a direct response to several pressing issues: the scarcity of available housing, soaring prices of construction materials, complex bureaucratic processes, and the overarching economic pressure that residents are grappling with. All of these factors significantly hinder the development of new housing or the rehabilitation of existing properties within this idyllic rural area.

As the AM-CC advocates, it is crucial for the municipality’s council to fully utilize all available fiscal tools to foster community ties and spur local economic development. This initiative is not merely a political maneuver; it aims to create real incentives for residents, particularly young families and workers, to establish their homes in Betancuria.

Enrique Pérez, the spokesperson for AM-CC, passionately defended the necessity of this direct stimulus. He highlighted the increasing challenges faced by young individuals and families desiring to settle in the area. “We want to provide a genuine incentive for the construction or rehabilitation of homes for permanent residence,” Pérez articulated, underscoring the urgency to combat the ongoing depopulation trends in the municipality.

The proposed tax relief would primarily target specific types of projects. These include renovations focused on creating permanent housing, the restoration of traditional buildings, initiatives championed by young residents, and improvements geared towards enhancing accessibility and energy efficiency. Such focused attention aims to ensure that any financial benefits truly serve the community’s pressing needs.

Further, the motion suggests enlisting the municipal technical and economic services to gather an economic and social impact report to assess these measures comprehensively. This assessment would play a pivotal role in formulating additional supportive measures for housing in the municipality.

“With this motion, we aim to convey a clear message of support for those who wish to live and build their life projects within the municipality of Betancuria,” Pérez concluded, emphasizing the broader vision behind this initiative.