The PP of Antequera has outlined the advances in dependency: an investment of €6.5 million, over 1,400 users served, and 300 professionals. Councillor Alberto Arana responds to the PSOE's criticisms.
The Popular Party of Antequera presented a series of data on Wednesday to support its management of the dependency service, after socialist spokesperson José Luis Ruiz Espejo questioned the care for the elderly and dependent individuals in the municipality. In a press conference, the Councillor for Social Welfare, Alberto Arana, and the head of Social Services, María Sierras, detailed how Juanma Moreno's government has transformed the area in the last six years.
"With objective figures we demonstrate that the commitment is real," stated Arana, who flatly rejected the accusations of cuts. According to the data provided, the budget allocated to dependency has increased from €3 million in 2018 to over €6.5 million currently, representing an increase of over 116%.
More Users, More Professionals, and More Hours of Care
The number of beneficiaries has nearly doubled: from 750 people served six years ago to over 1,400 now. To meet this demand, the home help staff has grown from 180 to over 300 professionals, as explained by municipal officials.
The monthly hours of care have also significantly increased. For Grade I (moderate dependency), 37 hours per month have been set; for Grade II (severe dependency), 64 hours; and for Grade III (great dependency), up to 94 hours monthly. "This guarantees much more personalised and quality care," emphasised Arana.
The Hour of Home Help Rises by 34% to €17.46
One of the key points highlighted by the PP has been the improvement of working conditions for professionals. The councillor recalled that during the PSOE governments in the Junta de Andalucía, the price of home help remained frozen at €13 for a decade. "The current Andalusian government has applied a 34.3% increase, reaching €17.46 per hour," he detailed.
According to the PP, this measure not only dignifies employment but also directly impacts the quality of care received by users. "A better-paid worker is a more motivated and stable worker," stated the Social Services department.
Defending Municipal Technicians and Criticising PSOE
Alberto Arana wanted to rally support around the staff of the City Council. "In Antequera, aids are always granted based on strictly technical and equitable criteria, never on political criteria," he asserted. The councillor warned that questioning the management of incompatibilities in social services undermines the professionalism of the pillars of Social Affairs.
The socialist spokesperson, José Luis Ruiz Espejo, had questioned the transparency and coverage of the service, but the PP insists that the data speaks for itself. "We are not going to engage in a pointless debate; here are the figures, let everyone draw their own conclusions," concluded Arana.
What Does This Mean for the Residents of Antequera?
For citizens needing dependency care, the increase in investment translates into shorter waiting lists and more intensive care. Families can request an assessment at the municipal Social Services, where the degree of dependency is evaluated and the corresponding number of hours is assigned.
The City Council reminds that aids are processed through the Junta de Andalucía, but it is the council that manages home help. Interested parties can visit the Social Services office on Infante Don Fernando Street for information on requirements and deadlines.
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