The governing group of the Cabildo of Lanzarote will approve on Thursday the incorporation of €53.48 million from treasury surpluses into the 2026 budget. The majority will be allocated to investments in housing, free public transport and hydraulic infrastructure.
The Cabildo of Lanzarote is preparing to greenlight a €53.48 million plan aimed at addressing some of the island's most pressing issues. The extraordinary plenary session on Thursday, with votes from CC, PP and the councillor from the Mixed Group Armando Santana, will allow the incorporation of accumulated treasury surpluses into the 2026 budget.
Of the total, €31.48 million will be allocated to direct investments in various areas. Another €8 million will go towards maintaining free public transport, a measure that eases the financial burden on residents. The remaining €14 million will be used to pay off debt from the previous mandate.
The president of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, has emphasised that the budget modification responds to the main objectives of the governing group. According to Betancort, it will allow for continued investment in projects deemed a priority for Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
Public housing and water: the star allocations
One of the most anticipated allocations is for housing, with €5.7 million to increase the public housing stock. The lack of affordable housing is a chronic problem on the island, and this injection aims to alleviate the pressure on residents who cannot find flats at reasonable prices.
In the water sector, the Cabildo has reserved €2 million to improve and renew hydraulic infrastructure. This measure comes after the Lanzarote Water Consortium took over the integral water cycle, following the end of the contract with the previous management company. Residents will notice improvements in the quality of supply and in the management of water resources.
Municipalities and emergencies: €8.1 million for local services
The extraordinary municipal cooperation plan, endowed with €6.3 million, will be distributed among the seven municipalities of Lanzarote. It will finance local projects that would otherwise be left in limbo. Additionally, the Security and Emergencies Consortium will receive an additional €1.8 million, aimed at Civil Protection groups, health coverage in Famara, and coastal surveillance.
For the average citizen, this translates into increased safety on beaches and a quicker response to emergencies. The €1.8 million allocation will, for example, allow for the maintenance of lifeguard services on the busiest coasts.
Tourism, agriculture and social policies: the rest of the pie
Social Welfare, Inclusion and Elderly Services will have €1.66 million for accessibility programmes, active ageing and care for people with disabilities. A relief for families caring for the elderly or dependents on an island where social resources are always scarce.
The Lanzarote Promotion Society (SPEL-Turismo Lanzarote) will receive €4.5 million to strengthen tourism promotion. The agricultural and livestock sector will receive €2.5 million, along with aid for fishing and €400,000 for the Insular Craft Fair. There is also €850,000 for waste management, especially at the Zonzamas Environmental Complex, and new investments in animal welfare, employment and education.
With this plan, the Cabildo of Lanzarote demonstrates that treasury surpluses can have a direct impact on citizens' lives. However, it will be necessary to wait for the execution of the allocations to see if the promises become realities. On Thursday, the first step will be taken in the plenary session.
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