More income from the increase in the transfer from the state and from taxes

In terms of income, the budget anticipates an increase of 128 million euros in the  transfer of funds from the state, as well as an extra 43 million euros from the update of the property tax (IBI) in line with new cadastral values, 40 million euros from the surcharge on the tourist tax and an extra 80,3 million in taxes such as the tax on the occupation of public space, the sewerage tax and the city’s green and blue parking areas.

The main goals of the new expansive budget are to achieve the sustainable development goals, reduce inequalities, promote affordable housing, preserve public space for people and take action on the climate emergency.

Measures for a greener and more sustainable city

Another priority area involves policies and measures to combat the climate emergency. In this respect, more backing will be given to quality public transport and to the promotion of active mobility. An investment fund of 50 million euros is also planned to facilitate the sustainable energy transition of the city’s housing stock and facilities. The fund should have a multiplying effect and attract alternative funding (private or from other administrations).

Thirty million euros will also be invested in greening up the city, with the completion of the green corridors still to be implemented, the recovery of quadrangles in the Eixample district as urban parks, the installation of green rooftops, green walls and more.

Social cohesion as a priority

A third of the budget will be used to boost social cohesion and combat inequalities between people and the different neighbourhoods.

Twenty-eight projects and improvements to basic services are planned to help reduce inequalities, boost the social and solidarity economy and defend the rights of women, particularly those who are socially vulnerable, and the LGBTI community.

In terms of quality employment, an employability plan is to be put together for collectives at risk of exclusion. There will also be a boost for professional training and a subsidy wage programme to cut the risk of people dropping out.

At the same time, a plan will be created to universalise the education of children up to the age of three, as a means of reducing social imbalance. Municipal nursery schools will be built in neighbourhoods that still don’t have them and support for other education opportunities for babies will also be given.

More investment, particularly in housing

This year will see overall investment to the tune of 621,8 million euros, an increase of 164,1 million compared to the last budget. The budgetary item for housing has grown the most and is the biggest one, with an investment prevision of 171,1 million euros, nearly 100 million than last year’s budget.

A sum of 169,5 million euros will be allocated for urban transformation and the improvement of public space. Some of the main investments planned correspond to:

• Improvements to the road system in Plaça de les Glòries with the construction of a tunnel in C/ Los Castillejos and C/ Badajoz: € 48,8 M.
• Investment package linked to housing policies to cut waiting lists for social housing: € 50 M.
• Creation of an energy transition investment fund: € 50 M.
• Culmination of the Neighbourhood Plan: € 35,6 M.
• Fourth stage of housing in Bon Pastor: € 15,6 M.
• Housing renovation grants in the city: € 14,1 M.

Increased spending in all budgetary items

In terms of current expenditure, all budgetary items will be increased significantly, with an overall sum of 2,386 million euros, some 202,4 million more than last year.

The distribution of planned expenditure for 2020 by area is as follows:

• Environment: € 415 M (+26,4M compared to 2019).
• General services: € 404,7 M (+18,1 M).
• Social services: € 356 M (+23,8 M).
• Safety and mobility: € 315 M (+21,6 M).
• Public transport: € 185 M (+17,6 M).
• Culture: € 153 M (+7,2 M).
• Housing and urban planning: € 147,7 M (+20,6 M).
• Education: € 139,3 M (+22,5 M).
• Economic promotion and employment: € 93,8 M (+7,2 M).
• Participation and citizen support: € 65,1 M (+ 6,5 M).
• Digital transformation: € 57,3 M (+6,9 M).
• Sport: € 26 M (+2,7 M).
• Health: € 25,8 M (+5,2 M).