Regional Government approves applications from parish councils amounting to 850 thousand Euros - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, who is also responsible for Local Government, has already approved applications submitted by the Region's parish councils amounting to 850 thousand Euros in financial cooperation with these entities

Among the 155 Azorean parishes, 121 submitted applications under the current Technical and Financial Cooperation Scheme between the Autonomous Regional Administration and Parishes, for a total eligible investment of 1.034 million Euros.

More than 500 thousand Euros of approved support is designated for the conservation and renovation of parish council buildings. About 344 thousand Euros are allocated for the purchase of computer equipment and software, furniture and other miscellaneous equipment deemed essential for the regular operation of parish councils.

The XIII and XIV Regional Governments, led by José Manuel Bolieiro, and through the Regional Directorate for Cooperation with Local Government, granted 3.02 million Euros to parish councils between 2021 and 2024 under the current Financial Cooperation scheme, excluding Collaboration and Coordination Agreements with Local Government, at parish level.

Between 2017 and 2020, under socialist governments, the support transferred under the same measure did not exceed 809 thousand Euros.

It should be noted that this is a crucial week for all parish councils and mayors in the Azores: the New Technical and Financial Cooperation Scheme between the Autonomous Regional Administration and parishes and associations will be discussed and voted on. This includes the Azores Regional Delegation of ANAFRE, which has played a very active role in terms of planning and good coordination with the Regional Government, always in defence of parish mayors.

It is an innovative legislative framework that will provide a relevant contribution to better-shared management between the Regional Government and parishes within an institutional approach of respect for the autonomy of those involved, always safeguarding transparency and equal treatment for all entities.

Under this scheme, which is intended to be dynamic, there will be a clear increase in the areas of investment and intervention of parish councils' competences as well as an increase in the areas of collaboration and coordination, whether at the initiative of the government or the council itself.

With a view to effectively implementing this new system available to parishes, the Fund for the Development of Azorean Parishes was created, which already has an allocation of 2 million Euros for 2024.

With a sense of responsibility and honouring its commitments, the current Regional Coalition Government is putting parish councils at the service of an important and challenging tool for progress, one that will certainly ensure a better public service for people and meet their legitimate demands.