Izquierda Unida (IU) has formally presented a total amendment to the proposed General Budget of Santander for 2027, urging the local government to reconsider the financial plan. The party claims that while the budget reflects a 7.4% increase compared to the initial budget of 2026, it fails to guarantee the execution of essential investments needed by the community.
Keruin Martínez, a councillor for IU, emphasised that merely increasing budget figures does not address the underlying issues. "The council is not translating its budgets into improvements for citizens," he stated. Martínez pointed out that the latest budget proposal coincides with an election year, suggesting that it is more about political expediency than genuine fiscal responsibility. He highlighted that the previous budget saw only 29.83% of available investments executed, with just €25.76 million out of €86.35 million effectively utilised.
The council's own reports have linked the low execution rates to delays in contract processing and a lack of administrative capacity, with numerous services warning of insufficient staffing. Martínez remarked, "If the services themselves indicate that the volume of credits is unmanageable with the current administrative structure, we can conclude that these are not realistic budgets."
On the topic of mobility, IU has raised concerns regarding the disparity between planned investments for the municipal transport system (TUS) and actual execution. As of September, €3.29 million earmarked for vehicles had yet to be spent. Martínez called on the ruling Popular Party (PP) to clarify the timeline for vehicle purchases and how it aligns with the initial €150,000 allocated for vehicles in 2027.
Furthermore, he cautioned against using poor execution as a justification for the gradual privatisation of TUS lines, as seen with ALSA. "The solution to service deficiencies cannot be to increasingly hand over lines to private companies. We must strengthen public transport and the municipal capacity to manage and oversee it," Martínez asserted.
IU's criticisms extend to all public services, warning that outsourcing should not become a permanent solution to municipal resource shortages. "Citizens need functioning services and a council capable of directing and ensuring they are delivered correctly," Martínez added.
In terms of housing and neighbourhood improvements, IU deemed the budget's allocation of €200,000 for social rental housing reforms insufficient, especially given that only 3.35% of this amount was executed in 2025 and just 2.36% had been recognised by September 2026. Martínez lamented, "These are the same €200,000 promised year after year that always end up in the drawer."
For neighbourhood projects, execution rates were similarly low, at 23.65% in 2025 and just 1.12% until September 2026. The proposed budget includes €1.484 million for improvements in Cueto, Monte, San Román, and Peñacastillo for 2027. "We need a realistic programming that is intended to be fulfilled, as promising figures does not compensate for the systematic neglect of neighbourhoods," he stated.
Additionally, IU has condemned the PP for failing to implement participatory budgeting, despite a motion approved by the council in May 2025 to reinstate it. Martínez argued, "Trust cannot be requested in new promises while an agreement that would empower residents to decide on their neighbourhood priorities remains unfulfilled."
The amendment calls for prioritising municipal capacity, public housing, and realistic investment programmes in neighbourhoods, along with a timeline to restore citizen participation. Martínez concluded, "More budget does not automatically mean better services. Santander needs clear priorities, personnel, and resources to manage effectively, along with commitments that are fulfilled. Otherwise, the figures will remain on paper once again."
