In a move set to impact water and sanitation receipts over the next three years, the regional council plans to approve a decree that spreads the deferred water and sanitation fee. The postponement, originally granted by the previous Botànic administration, begins to appear on water bills again. Salomé Pradas, the Minister of Environment, Water and Land, announced that the upcoming plenary will not only double the amount available for this payment but also forgive a portion of the debt for vulnerable residents. In particular, 30 percent of outstanding balances will be canceled for those facing hardship, and half of the deferred installments will be forgiven for those hardest hit, easing the burden on vulnerable households.
“Now it’s our turn to fix this,” Pradas stated during a parliamentary appearance in which the decree law was unveiled. The plan extends the repayment period for last year’s deferred amounts to 36 months, distributing the payments evenly across different invoices. That means a longer grace period than currently offered. Additionally, 30 percent of unpaid debt will be forgiven for people in difficult situations, with 50 percent of postponed installments erased for those in serious circumstances.
Cleaning fee: “the straw that broke the camel’s back” for facilities in central Alicante
Pradas used this moment to present his department’s four-year action plan in the regional parliament. He, who alternates between Valencian and Spanish and was the sole one of the nine council members present at the session, signaled that various legal changes regarding climate policy would move away from environmentalism of prohibition toward environmentalism grounded in reason. The plan references the Albufera Use and Management Plan, the introduction of Metrovalencia networks and Alicante and Castellón trams, and a push to ensure dependable water supplies to avoid unjustified interruptions.
“We are opening a new era; our politics stands in clear opposition to the left, and change will be evident.” That aspiration was echoed by a Valencian Community consultant, who also highlighted the review of investment regulations to ensure there is no longer a ban simply for the sake of banning. The idea is to align environmental protection with economic growth, making both compatible rather than conflicting.
Law changes
The Climate Change law, the forest use law, Turia planning frameworks, Lotup, and a potential Natural Parks law appear to be focal points for enabling this compatibility while keeping investment attractiveness intact. Pradas also mentioned the creation of a future coastal law designed to maximize the use of regional resources, harmonize uses, and safeguard traditional maritime towns. This would include a redefinition of Pativel. He underscored the need to review animal welfare legislation in a balanced way.
One clear priority for the councilman was to eliminate bureaucratic barriers that simply hinder opportunity. He cited ongoing files on renewable energy installations, noting that a single directorate has been established to unify criteria and end conflicting interpretations in environmental and landscape impact statements. He declared that a shift had occurred from a restrictive stance to a welcoming climate for investment in the Valencian Community.