The Teguise Town Hall has expressed its discontent with the central government's decision to withdraw municipal management of Imserso trips. This measure will affect the elderly in the municipality, who will lose direct support from the council.
The Teguise Town Hall has voiced its displeasure at the Spanish government's decision to eliminate municipal management of Imserso trips, a social tourism programme for older adults. The recently announced measure removes the councils' role in organising these trips, which until now handled registrations, logistics, and participant support.
The mayor of Teguise, in statements reported by municipal sources, has described the decision as "a step back in the care for our elderly." According to the mayor, "for years, the Town Hall has managed these trips with closeness and efficiency, ensuring that the elderly of Teguise could enjoy affordable and safe holidays."
The new regulation, which comes into effect next season, centralises management in the hands of Imserso and the awarded travel agencies. This means that interested parties will have to process their applications directly through these companies, without the help of the council.
The Teguise Town Hall warns that this measure may create "confusion and misinformation" among the elderly, especially those with less internet access or difficulties in completing bureaucratic procedures. "Many of our senior neighbours do not have the means or the ease to manage these trips on their own," lamented the mayor.
The Imserso travel programme is one of the most popular initiatives among older adults across Spain, and in Teguise, it enjoys high participation. Each year, dozens of residents from the municipality enjoy stays in destinations on the mainland and the islands, with subsidised prices and organised activities.
The central government's decision has been criticised by numerous town halls across the country, which believe that a local service is being lost. In Teguise, the governing team has announced that it will explore "all possible avenues" to continue supporting the elderly, albeit in a limited way.
"We are not going to leave our elderly alone," assured the mayor, who revealed that the council will set up "information and assistance points" for those in need. However, he acknowledged that "without direct management, our capacity for action is greatly reduced."
The news has generated concern among regular users of the programme in Teguise. Senior associations in the municipality have expressed their "disappointment" and have urged the Town Hall to "do everything possible" to maintain the service. "For many, these trips are the only opportunity to go out and explore other places," said a community spokesperson.
The Teguise Town Hall has sent a letter to the Ministry of Social Rights and the 2030 Agenda, requesting a meeting to present its complaints and propose alternatives. "We want them to listen to us and to value the work we have done over the years," stated the mayor.
For now, Imserso trips for the upcoming season will be managed centrally. Elderly residents of Teguise wishing to participate will need to stay alert to announcements from Imserso and the authorised agencies. The Town Hall has promised to disseminate all necessary information through its usual channels.
Meanwhile, the debate about the role of municipalities in social programmes remains open. Teguise joins the critical voices advocating for greater decentralisation and proximity in the management of these services.
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