The sub-delegation of the government in Alicante, represented by Araceli Poblador, evaluated the actions of the current legislature. Despite a long list of initiatives, a key issue remains the shock plan for accessing Social Security offices without an appointment, a system that collapsed in 2022 across the network and particularly affected the region. The central executive representative cited two causes: a low turnover rate and the management of the Minimum Inclusion Revenue, where municipalities play a coordinating role.
The first problem caused services to crash and led to the temporary closure of several offices. In the first quarter this year, Poblador noted the INSS headquarters in Xixona and its expansion into Villena, reinforced by the Government with four technicians. A formal visit was planned for the following Monday to brief the City Council on the measures taken. She also noted that 16 officials were working during this period, bringing the workforce to 115.
Residents of Xixona, Tibi and Torremanzanas can now complete Social Security procedures in person
Alicante is the fifth province in GDP but ranks lower in many other indicators, according to the sub-delegate. The province hosts 12 Centers for Attention and Information (CAISS) of the National Social Security Administration. Appointments can be requested through direct phone lines or by visiting in person at these centers. The Sub-Delegation emphasizes that citizens can attend without an appointment in many cases; staff will inform visitors and schedule a day for the administrative process when needed. For those with limited digital access, over 65s who cannot book online, or those requiring a face-to-face meeting, priority is given to their attendance, with appointments arranged as soon as possible. The balance sheet shows a goal of serving roughly 140,000 people annually across the network [attribution: Sub-Delegation of Alicante].
Renewal investments
On another note, Araceli Poblador summarized the key actions of the organization, noting a total of 6,927 projects and an investment of 245 million in the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Her background as a geographer informs the emphasis on coastal renovation and conservation, with current work spanning Altea, Alicante, Elche, La Vila, Guardamar del Segura, El Campello and Dénia. Significant modernization efforts include irrigation upgrades valued at more than 46 million.
Additionally, welfare-state initiatives are highlighted. The minimum wage increase benefited about 193,000 workers in the Community. Labor reform supported approximately 272,268 permanent contracts in the province, marking a substantial rise over 2019. The Minimum Vital Income covers 75,172 people. Other social supports include 40,429 transportation coupons, 73,405 social coupons, and 10,444 cultural coupons issued to young people. The Sub-Delegation estimates that more than one million retirees in Alicante have seen salary revaluations of about 23%.
Overall, the report stresses improvements in access to Social Security services, ongoing infrastructure investments, and broader welfare measures that affect a wide cross-section of Alicante residents. The information reflects a continuing effort to balance efficiency with accessibility, especially for those facing digital gaps or mobility limitations. The information presented is attributed to the Sub-Delegation of Alicante and related municipal offices [attribution: Sub-Delegation of Alicante].