Irregularities Uncovered in La Laguna’s Housing Report: Drago Canarias Exposes Controversy

In a startling revelation, Drago Canarias, a local political party, has exposed a series of irregularities in a housing report commissioned by the Ayuntamiento (City Council) of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. The report, titled "Análisis de la vivienda vacacional y residencial e impactos socioeconómicos en el Municipio de San Cristóbal de La Laguna," has sparked significant controversy due to its alleged biases, questionable contracting processes, and delayed publication.

Contracting Irregularities

The contract for the report was awarded to the Cátedra de Territorios Sostenibles, Desarrollo Socioeconómico y Turismo of the Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), which is notably sponsored by the Asociación Canaria del Alquiler Vacacional (ASCAV). This sponsorship has raised concerns about the report's objectivity, as ASCAV has a clear interest in the vacation rental market. The contract itself was valued at 14,994.12 euros, just shy of the 15,000-euro threshold for minor contracts, a move that has been criticized as an attempt to avoid stricter procurement regulations.

Delayed Publication and Partisan Use

Drago Canarias has also highlighted that the report's conclusions were deliberately delayed. Despite the contract specifying that the results should have been presented by June 2024, the Ayuntamiento did not release the report until October 14, 2024, a day after national protests for housing rights. This timing has led to accusations that the report was used for partisan purposes, capitalizing on public discontent to serve political interests.

Political Implications

The report's delayed release and its alleged biases have been vehemently criticized by opposition parties. Alberto Rodríguez, a concejal (councilor) from the opposition, has denounced the Ayuntamiento for withholding the report's conclusions from other council members and the public, further fueling suspicions of partisan manipulation.

Measures Announced

Following the report's publication, the Ayuntamiento announced several measures aimed at addressing housing issues, including a significant increase in the Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles (IBI) for vacant properties. However, this measure was initially proposed by Drago Canarias in a plenary session on June 13, 2024, which adds to the perception that the Ayuntamiento is adopting opposition ideas while ignoring their original context and intent.

Broader Context

The controversy surrounding this report reflects deeper issues in housing policy in the Canary Islands. The region faces unique challenges, including high construction costs and a significant portion of protected land, which exacerbate housing shortages and drive up prices. These issues are compounded by the shift of many residential properties to vacation rentals, a trend that has further reduced the availability of affordable housing for local residents.

For expats living in Spain, particularly in the Canary Islands, this situation underscores the complexities and challenges of navigating local housing markets. The debate highlights the need for transparent and unbiased policy-making to address the pressing housing needs of both locals and expatriates. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed and whether the necessary reforms will be implemented to ensure fair and accessible housing for all.