Canary Islands Government Faces Constitutional Court Threat Over Pension Supplement

On November 28, 2023, the Government of the Canary Islands received a significant warning from the central government regarding a proposed financial initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable citizens. The initiative involves a €400 supplement for non-contributory pensions, which has sparked concerns about potential legal challenges.

Central Government’s Legal Concerns and Regional Response

Candelaria Delgado, the Counsellor for Social Welfare in the Canary Islands, revealed that the central government has expressed intentions to challenge the regional initiative in the Constitutional Court if the €400 supplement is enacted. This proposed financial support is designed to bolster the income of individuals receiving non-contributory pensions, which are specifically aimed at those with limited financial resources.

Delgado emphasized that this initiative was born out of frustration with the slow progress made by the state in addressing a Congressional mandate to amend the Social Security Law. Over the past two years, the regional government has been proactive in ensuring that the income thresholds for non-contributory pensions do not negatively impact beneficiaries. She stated, “We understand that exceeding the income threshold could lead to the loss of benefits, which is why we initiated discussions in Congress to clarify that regional supplements should not interfere with non-contributory pensions.”

Proposed Changes to Social Security Regulations

The proposal submitted to the state aims to amend the General Social Security Law, allowing for the introduction of a supplement for non-contributory pensions specifically in the Canary Islands. This regulatory change would ensure that such supplements are not classified as income, thereby safeguarding the financial assistance provided to the most vulnerable populations in the region.

Delgado reiterated the significance of this initiative, highlighting its goal of improving the living conditions of those who rely solely on non-contributory pensions. She expressed her concern regarding a recent communication from the Spanish Government, which suggested that the proposed measure could be viewed as unconstitutional. This has raised alarms about the potential implications for the financial security of many residents.

Challenges Faced by Vulnerable Communities

Currently, the Canary Islands are home to approximately 43,934 non-contributory pensions, with a substantial majority awarded to women. This statistic places the region fifth among Spain’s autonomous communities in terms of the number of non-contributory pensions, highlighting the critical role these benefits play in the local social fabric.

Delgado pointed out that the Canary Islands face unique challenges, including a higher cost of living and limited access to essential services. These factors make the need for financial support even more urgent. She expressed disappointment over the central government’s position, which seems to prioritize avoiding potential conflicts with state pensions over the welfare of vulnerable individuals in the region.

The implications of this proposed supplement extend beyond mere financial assistance; they touch upon the dignity and quality of life for those who are often marginalized. The regional government’s efforts to introduce this supplement reflect a commitment to addressing the pressing needs of its citizens, particularly in a landscape where economic disparities are increasingly pronounced.

Key points

• The Canary Islands government has proposed a €400 supplement for non-contributory pensions.
• The central government has warned of potential Constitutional Court action against this initiative.
• Candelaria Delgado is the Counsellor for Social Welfare in the Canary Islands.
• There are nearly 44,000 non-contributory pensions in the Canary Islands.
• The proposal aims to improve the living standards of those with limited incomes.
• The Canary Islands rank fifth in Spain for the number of non-contributory pensions.
• The regional government seeks to ensure that supplements do not count as income.