Pension spending continues to rise in the state and New record every monthThis is due to both an increase in the number of beneficiaries and an increase in the amount of benefits, but these benefits remain below the national average. According to the latest authorities, Payroll paid monthly by Social Security in Alicante This month was exceeded for the first time in September 347 million eurosso one 11.4% increase in just one year.
This increase was even higher than that recorded throughout the country, and the copayment bill also increased by 10.9%, reaching a record level of 12,051 million per month.
What explains this evolution is, on the one hand, a remarkable increase in the number of pensionsThe number has already reached 335,562 in the province. 5,615 people more than 12 months ago. A growth resulting from the ever-increasing number of people reaching retirement – above all considering the retirement age baby boom generations– but also longer life expectancy This means that retirees receive their salaries for longer.
On the other hand, total expenditures were also affected. higher amount of benefits. Thanks to this, the average pension of all categories in the province now reaches the following level: 1,035 euros, 9.5% more In August 2022, thanks The government’s decision to revalue them in line with the CPI -closed at 8.5% on average due to higher new benefits.
Of course, despite this increase, Alicante retirees Hispanics continue to earn, on average, 13.4% less than the general populationThis means approximately 160 Euros per month.
Highest pensions by type pensionWith an average of 1,174 euros in Alicante; those who follow him permanent disability, With 1,016 Euros; of these widowhoodwith 769; performance in favor of family memberscorresponding to 668 euros per month; and those orphanhoodWith 422 euros.
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This sharp increase in pensions caused the deficit created by SSI in the province, that is, the difference in income and expenditure recorded in the region, to increase this year. And this despite the fact that the good performance of employment has also significantly increased contribution collection. Thus, in the first seven months of the year – the latest data available – the public institution Up to 1.734 million euros entered the statemainly because Withholding taxes applied to payroll and payments of self-employed people, what does it mean 162 million More than in the same period in 2022.
But, Total Social Security expenditure in the region was 3 billion 20 million lira -309 million more than the period between January and July of the previous year-, that is, the budget deficit increased by 147 million compared to a year ago and reached 1 billion 286 million.
Despite the numbers, the UGT’s general secretary in l’Alacantí i la Marina, Yolanda Diaz Defends viability of public pension system and advocates separation Entry into force of the latest reform agreed upon by the government with the unionsIncreasing the maximum contribution and establishing a solidarity quota for the highest salaries.
For his part, general secretary of the CC OO in l’Alacantí i les Marines, Francisco GarcíaHe is aware of his concern about the development of the figures, but argues that pensions should be re-evaluated according to the CPI. Guaranteeing retirees’ purchasing power As you remember, it represents an increasingly important part of consumption and therefore economic activity. Also, compared to those who advocate mixed systems, García reminds us that workers must be able to save to contribute to private plans, and most current salaries do not allow this. He therefore calls for a calm discussion and does not welcome the fact that a large portion of pensions have been paid It is transferred to the General State Budget.
Some experts, such as a GNA Labor Law professor, are more skeptical: Pedro Pablo Ortuno, Evaluating that all measures taken to date to control the Social Security deficit have failed and warning: The current system is not sustainableRemember, this was designed at a time when the population pyramid was different and the proportion of active workers relative to the number of retirees was much higher. Ortuño also warns about the consequences of paying pensions through the budget, because, as he points out, this would mean: Redirecting these resources from other public services.