On Thursday, Jesús Machín Tavío, a councillor from the Lanzarote Cabildo, reported during the Corporation’s Plenary Session on the housing initiatives being implemented by the current government. He expressed regret that during the previous legislative term, led by the Socialist government, not a single euro was invested in this area.

Machín emphasised that access to decent housing “is one of the primary challenges faced by the citizens of Lanzarote” and asserted that the Cabildo is acting “responsibly and within its competencies, mobilising nearly €15 million to expand the island’s housing stock.”

This investment has enabled the acquisition of three plots in Arrecife and Uga for the construction of public housing, as well as the purchase of 42 additional homes in Playa Blanca, which will be designated for affordable rental, in collaboration with the Canary Islands Housing Institute (ICAVI).

The councillor lamented the “total abandonment” by the previous insular administration. “In 2021, the past Socialist government requested a loan of €23 million, of which over €13 million was intended for housing. How much of that money was actually executed? Zero euros. The funds were diverted to other items, such as banners or dismantleable fencing pistes, while over 2,000 people continued to await housing solutions,” remarked Machín.

Furthermore, the councillor, who spoke as the spokesperson during the session, criticized the current state housing law for failing to provide legal security to property owners. He recalled that “during the previous legislative term, the Socialist government in the Cabildo did not conduct a single inspection of holiday homes on the island,” whereas the current insular government “has already eliminated over 134 holiday homes that did not comply with legal regulations.”

Public Housing in Progress

Additionally, through collaboration with the Government of the Canary Islands, nearly €70 million has been invested in Lanzarote, resulting in around 400 new homes on the island. The works for three housing developments in Maneje, totalling 201 homes with an investment exceeding €28 million, have been awarded, and tenders for 136 homes in Playa Blanca and another 46 in Arrecife will soon be issued.

Moreover, since the enactment of Decree Law 1/2024, 39 commercial premises have been converted into homes as a measure to increase housing supply.

“We are transforming the housing reality in Lanzarote with actions rather than empty rhetoric,” reiterated councillor Jesús Machín, who added, “We will continue to work alongside the Government of the Canary Islands to promote and expand the public housing stock and ensure real solutions for those who need them most.”

Young Renters’ Voucher

It is also noteworthy that last June, the Lanzarote Cabildo became the first in the Canary Islands to approve the Young Renters’ Voucher, after passing a credit modification of €1.4 million to fund this initiative, with the vote against from the Socialist Party, alongside the ICAVI.

“Access to housing has become a real barrier to youth emancipation. With this Young Renters’ Voucher, we are taking a firm step so that our young people can build their lives on the island without needing to leave or resign themselves to precarious conditions,” concluded councillor Jesús Machín.