Canary Islands Government Allocates €1.132 Billion for Dependency System Enhancements

The government of the Canary Islands has announced a substantial investment of €1.132 billion aimed at enhancing the Dependency System within the archipelago, covering the period from 2025 to 2028. This strategic funding initiative is designed to address the pressing needs of individuals requiring dependency and disability services across the islands.

This significant financial commitment is further bolstered by an additional €469.6 million from the island councils, bringing the total anticipated investment for dependency and disability services to an impressive €1.602 billion. Candelaria Delgado, the Minister for Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Childhood, and Families, emphasized that this approval fulfills a commitment made by President Fernando Clavijo at the beginning of the current legislative term. Delgado highlighted the importance of prioritizing people in political initiatives, reflecting a deep commitment to social welfare.

Strengthening the Foundation of Social Welfare

Delgado articulated that this financial commitment not only addresses a long-standing obligation but also aims to provide stability for the third sector, which plays a crucial role in delivering essential services. The new funding framework establishes common regulations and ensures secure funding for the entire welfare network across the islands, fostering a sense of reliability and trust among service providers and recipients alike.

One of the key objectives of the new agreement is to promote territorial equality. By implementing standardized criteria for access to reserve lists and mandating accreditation for third sector organizations, the government aims to guarantee consistent levels of care throughout all islands. This approach is essential in ensuring that no region is left behind and that all individuals, regardless of their location, receive the support they need.

Revised Management and Service Protocols

As part of the new framework, services that are directly managed by the Autonomous Community will be excluded from the island agreements. This includes teleassistance services, which have already been contracted at the regional level, as well as specialized home assistance in regions such as Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, and Tenerife. The Canary Government will now oversee these services to ensure uniformity and comprehensive coverage across the territory, thereby enhancing the overall quality of care.

The agreement also introduces a revision of pricing structures to align with actual costs, informed by detailed reports from the islands and an independent study. This adjustment is crucial for ensuring that service providers are adequately compensated for their efforts, which in turn will lead to better care for individuals in need. Additionally, a new socio-health protocol has been introduced, aimed at regulating hospital discharges and addressing social emergencies. This initiative seeks to prevent the loss of state funding while enhancing coordination with the health system, ultimately leading to a more integrated approach to care.

Projected Budget Increases and Impacts

Looking ahead, the budget allocated to the Ministry for the year 2026 is projected to reach €837.7 million, reflecting an 8.2% increase from the previous year. When considering potential external funds, this figure could rise to €1.037 billion. A significant portion of this budget, specifically €635.9 million, will be directed towards sustaining the island network and agreements, accounting for an impressive 75.9% of the total budget.

Investment specifically earmarked for dependency services is set to amount to €387.4 million, marking a 30.4% increase. This enhancement is expected to facilitate improved care intensity and service quality for individuals who are dependent or have disabilities. The increase in funding is anticipated to have a profound impact on the lives of many residents, ensuring that they receive the support they need to lead fulfilling lives.

Key points

• The Canary Islands Government has approved a €1.132 billion investment for the Dependency System from 2025 to 2028.
• An additional €469.6 million will come from island councils, totaling €1.602 billion for dependency and disability services.
• Candelaria Delgado emphasized the approval fulfills a commitment by President Fernando Clavijo to prioritize social welfare.
• The agreement aims to ensure uniform care standards across all islands and mandates accreditation for third sector entities.
• Directly managed services by the Autonomous Community will be excluded from island agreements.
• The budget for the Ministry in 2026 is set to increase to €837.7 million, with potential external funds bringing it to €1.037 billion.
• Investment in dependency services will rise by 30.4%, enhancing care for dependent individuals.