Jesús Machín Tavío, the councillor of the Lanzarote Cabildo, addressed the Corporation’s plenary session on Thursday, outlining the actions undertaken by the current government regarding housing. He expressed concern that the previous socialist administration had failed to invest a single euro in this area during its term.
Prioritising Access to Housing
Machín emphasised that accessing affordable housing is “one of the primary challenges faced by the citizens of Lanzarote.” He 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 allowed the acquisition of three plots in Arrecife and Uga for public housing construction, alongside the purchase of 42 additional homes in Playa Blanca, which will be allocated for affordable rental, in collaboration with the Canary Islands Housing Institute (ICAVI).
Critique of Previous Administration
The councillor lamented the “total neglect” of the previous island administration, noting, “In 2021, the former socialist government requested a credit of €23 million, more than €13 million of which was earmarked for housing. How much of that money was executed? Zero euros. It was diverted to other items, such as tarpaulins or dismantable fencing, while over 2,000 people continued to wait for a housing solution,” stated Machín.
Addressing Legislative Gaps
Furthermore, as the spokesperson during the plenary session, the councillor critiqued the current national Housing Law for failing to provide legal security to property owners. He reminded attendees that “during the last legislature, the socialist government at the Cabildo did not conduct a single inspection of holiday homes on the island,” while the current island government “has already eliminated over 134 holiday homes that did not comply with legal regulations.”
Collaborative Efforts for New Housing
Additionally, through collaboration with the Canary Islands Government, nearly €70 million has been invested in Lanzarote, leading to the creation of approximately 400 new homes on the island. The contracts for three developments in Maneje, totalling 201 houses with an investment of over €28 million, have been awarded. In the near future, 136 houses in Playa Blanca and another 46 in Arrecife will also be tendered.
Moreover, since the enactment of Decree Law 1/2024, 39 commercial premises have been converted into residential properties as a measure to increase housing availability.
Commitment to Housing Solutions
“We are transforming the housing landscape in Lanzarote through tangible actions, not empty rhetoric,” stressed Councillor Jesús Machín, who added, “We will continue to work alongside the Canary Islands Government to promote and expand the public housing stock, ensuring real solutions for those who need them most.”
It is worth mentioning that last June, the Lanzarote Cabildo became the first in the Canary Islands to approve the Young Rental Voucher, following the approval of a €1.4 million credit modification to finance this voucher, despite opposition from the Socialist Party.
“Access to housing has become a real barrier to youth emancipation. With this Young Rental Voucher, we are making a firm step to enable our young people to build their lives on the island without having to leave or resign themselves to precarious conditions,” concluded Councillor Jesús Machín.
