Escaldes-Engordany Council Rejects Government's Affordable Housing Plan

Escaldes-Engordany council has rejected the government's bill to promote affordable rental housing construction, describing it as poorly developed and lacking evaluation of its effects on parishes.

In response to statements from Housing Minister Conxita Marsol, council leaders Rosa Gili and Quim Dolsa clarified that no endorsement occurred during her presentation at a meeting of parish officials on 30 June. They said parish heads received no prior notice of the agenda, and Marsol outlined executive housing goals while urging public-private partnerships. The session, they emphasised, did not constitute approval of the legislation.

The council dismissed Marsol's assertions of parish support as signs of governmental haste. It argued the proposal fails to secure agreement from local authorities or assess parish-specific consequences.

While committed to increasing affordable rentals, Escaldes-Engordany opposes solutions centred on more building. It cited its own policies, such as the January 2024 pause on new urban licences amid Parish Urban Planning Plan revisions.

Other measures include tax relief on construction fees limited to affordable rental schemes, and mandatory land transfers for public facilities—like shops on Avinguda del Fener and more than 130 covered spaces in the upcoming Clot d’Emprivat car park.

The parish also referenced its Avinguda del Pessebre affordable rental initiative, started locally and later joined by the government, as evidence of successful cross-administration efforts.