The plenary session of the Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa approved on Thursday the incorporation of 53.8 million euros from treasury surplus into the 2026 budget, which amounts to 340 million. The opposition from the PSOE abstained in the vote.
The Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa has greenlit an injection of 53.8 million euros from treasury surplus, raising the island's budget from 289 to 340 million euros for the 2026 fiscal year. The measure, approved in an extraordinary plenary session with the PSOE's abstention, aims to tackle structural problems such as the housing crisis, public transport, and water supply.
Housing, transport and water: the spending axes
The governing group, made up of Coalición Canaria, the Popular Party, and independent councillor Armando Santana, has structured the supplement into four key areas. The vice president and councillor for Finance, María Jesús Tovar, highlighted a budget of 5.7 million euros to “combat the housing crisis through a decisive increase in the public housing stock on the island.”
In transport, eight million euros will be allocated to fully cover the cost of free public transport, providing direct relief to residents' wallets. Additionally, 14 million is reserved to settle the debt inherited from the previous mandate, completely sanitising the Cabildo's accounts.
Regarding water, after taking over the integral supply cycle through the Water Consortium, two million euros will be injected for the urgent modernisation and renewal of the island's hydraulic infrastructure. This measure aims to prevent cuts and improve service quality on an island where water is a scarce resource.
Municipal cooperation and emergency plan
The plenary also approved an extraordinary Municipal Cooperation Plan endowed with more than 6.3 million euros, distributed equally among the seven municipalities of the island. This fund will allow municipalities to address immediate demands without having to resort to their own often tight budgets.
The Consortium for Security and Emergencies will receive 1.829 million euros in additional funding to consolidate the northern fire station, provide health coverage to Famara beach, and strengthen coastal surveillance. This investment enhances the safety of both residents and tourists.
Social boost, employment and primary sector
Inclusion and social welfare policies will receive more than one million euros, aimed at accessibility projects and person-centred care. Additionally, allocations for Employment and Training (784,169 euros), Education (440,920 euros), and the active ageing programme +Vital (205,000 euros) are increased.
The primary sector of Lanzarote and La Graciosa will receive 2.5 million euros for agriculture and livestock projects, aiming to ensure the viability of traditional farms and protect the idiosyncrasy of both islands.
The island president, Oswaldo Betancort, stated that the surplus responds “to a social and real investment that puts the people of both islands at the centre of political action.” For the residents of Lanzarote, this translates into more public housing, free transport, better water, and more support for municipalities. The next step will be the execution of the allocations, which will begin immediately in the operational areas.
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