Madrid: Spain's care reform faces final Congress vote

Spain's care reform faces its final test in Congress in Madrid on Wednesday, 16 September. MPs will decide whether to accept or reject the Senate's changes to the disability and dependency laws. The package includes measures on building access, care services and state funding.

The Senate approved the reform last Wednesday by 235 votes to none, with 23 abstentions. Partido Popular, the Socialists and Junts backed it, while Vox, PNV, Esquerra Republicana and EH Bildu abstained.

45 Senate changes

The version before Congress contains 45 amendments from the Partido Popular. One would remove from the LOMLOE the priority given to inclusive education over special education.

Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda Minister Pablo Bustinduy has called for unanimous backing in Congress. He said the bill would be the legislature's biggest social reform and the widest change to Spain's social protection system in decades.

Ramps, care services and funding

The reform would require homeowners' associations to apply for public aid before carrying out accessibility work such as installing ramps or lifts. It would also end the rule preventing people from receiving some dependency benefits and services at the same time.

It would allow disability status to be recognised automatically from a level of care dependency and introduce a personal assistant. The state would be legally required to fund 50% of the System for Autonomy and Dependency Care, linked to an extra €6,200 million for Spain's autonomous communities between 2026 and 2027.

The Partido Popular has also highlighted revised priority criteria for access to services and a 4% VAT rate for accessibility work in main homes and shared areas of buildings.

Topics: Social affairs · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com