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IMMEDIATE HALT DEMANDED THE ISSUING OF NEW VV LICENCES IN THE CANARY ISLANDS

Immediate halt demanded on issuing of new VV licences in the Canary Islands
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Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) Canarias has submitted a set of objections to the draft of the new Vacation Rental Housing Law, which, among other things, calls for an immediate halt to issuing new VV licences until the new legislation comes into force.

This is because there has been a huge increase in applications since the draft of the new law was announced and the legislative process started, with even more homeowners withdrawing "thousands" of houses and apartments from the long-term rental market in favour of holiday lets.

In a statement, the union specifies that another of its objections is to ensure that current holiday rental properties count towards the 10% proposed maximum of holiday homes allowed in an area, determined by the urban plans, "to prevent this type of accommodation from continuing to grow".

It also requests that the law distinguish between large and small property owners more clearly when applying measures and deadlines.

The CCOO urges that the criteria established to consider an area as “stressed” should be set as a limitation mechanism, regardless of whether it is declared “stressed” or not, as a necessary requirement when accepting more holiday rental properties.

The union also proposes that the memoranda required for obtaining a VV license, include a maintenance plan for the properties and provisions regarding the minimum employment for cleaning, maintenance, or reception.

For the proper implementation of the Vacation Rental Housing Law, CCOO says that the number of staff is "essential for the challenge ahead, with necessary and sufficient means for inspection and enforcement of the new regulations”.

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The City Council pockets 1.4 million euros for the new hotel in Corralejo.
The Northern Consistory granted the municipal building permit on October 31 and the establishment will have three floors above ground and two basements.
Plot under construction in Corralejo.
The City Council of La Oliva has paid 1,416,934 euros in fees for urban planning licenses to the developer of the new hotel in Corralejo, with a capacity for almost a thousand tourist beds.

On 31 October, the Northern Consistory, chaired by Isaí Blanco, granted the building permit for the new hotel to the company Herculina Las Dunas, whose sole partner is the Galician group Anjoca.

Anjoca's hotel division operates under the Elba brand, which is based in the resort town of Caleta de Fueste, where it is also responsible for the management of the Sheraton Hotel.

The building permit was granted after having "favorable reports from the municipal technical and legal services", dated October 19 and 27 last year. On 27 October, the proposed resolution was drafted and approved by the Governing Board four days later.

Although the new hotel made headlines on Monday, after the Canary Islands Government Council gave its approval to the project, in terms of compliance with quality and energy efficiency standards, in reality, the earthworks and even construction on the Corralejo plot have been underway for some time.

The regional government said in a statement that the tourism legislation establishes that "prior authorisations will only be granted for tourist accommodation places in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife, as a requirement for urban planning licenses that aim at the new establishment of accommodation establishments".

In this case, the City Council of La Oliva granted the "municipal building permit for the basic project of a four-star hotel" more than half a year before the aforementioned agreement of the Government Council of the Canary Islands was produced.



Three floors and two basements

The plot is one of the largest in the area: 66,352 square meters according to the license and a couple of thousand meters less according to the cadastre, in the Corralejo Playa urbanization and about 150 meters away from the old Baku theme park.

According to the building permit, to which Diario de Fuerteventura has had access, three floors above ground and two basement floors will be built. In total, 46,872 square metres will be built: almost 26,000 square metres in surface area (9,863 on the ground floor, 7,925 in the first and 7,780 in the second) and about 21,000 square metres in the two basements.

In total, the height of the hotel may not exceed 10 meters, which will also have 191 parking spaces. The pools will cover an area of 3,794 square metres. "The water to be used in the pool must be desalinated", unless authorisation is obtained to carry out a tasting, in which case "discharge into the general sewer network is prohibited" without having been "previously treated", the licence states.
The term for completion of the works, according to the municipal license, will be four years.

Budget

The promoter of the hotel, which it presents as "the largest resort in the north of Fuerteventura", assures that the investment will be "around 100 million euros".

On the other hand, the municipal licence indicates that the budget for material execution according to the project amounts to 32.1 million euros. Another amount is given in the licence itself: the budget according to modules (standard price per square metre) amounts to 64.4 million euros.

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PRESIDENT OF ASCAV SPEAKS OUT ABOUT HOLIDAY HOMES AND VV LICENCES.

Renting a long-term property in the Canary Islands has become a daunting task for those with low incomes. Owners are demand inflated prices, months of rent in advance, and proof of income significantly higher than the rental value, making it nearly impossible for many.

Amid ongoing debates about how to manage this sector, Doris Borrego, the president of the Canary Islands Vacation Rental Association (ASCAV), has addressed the issue on Radio Marca Tenerife. Borrego said, "We've always cooperated with the authorities, yet all we've received are setbacks."

Borrego and ASCAV support people who own one or two holiday let properties, claiming that many rely on this income. However, they oppose the proliferation of entire buildings dedicated to holiday rentals. Borrego clarified, "We do not represent large property owners, nor do we represent entire holiday rental buildings, or intermediary websites attempting to enter the market."

"Demonisation is not the solution," Borrego emphasised. She noted a growing distortion in the holiday rental market and urged against blaming all participants. With the impending draft law on tourist housing in the Canary Islands, Borrego called for a balanced approach, recognising both honest operators and those taking advantage of legal loopholes.

ASCAV has long advocated for differentiation between owners with multiple properties and those with only one or two. Borrego highlighted a concerning trend in Las Palmas, where individual property owners have been sidelined in favour of entire buildings and blocks.

According to ASCAV's data, holiday rentals contribute significantly to the islands' economy, comprising one-third of its total economic activity. Borrego also pointed out that the Canary Islands voluntarily pay the General Indirect Canary Islands Tax (IGIC), despite no legal obligation to do so, demonstrating the sector's commitment to compliance.

As discussions on holiday home rental regulation continue, stakeholders like ASCAV hope for a balanced approach that protects both the residents, interests, and the tourism industry's vitality.

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DGT INTRODUCES NEW MEASURES TO COMBAT RISING ACCIDENT RATES IN THE CANARY ISLANDS.

DGT introduces new measures to combat rising accident rates in the Canary Islands
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The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) and the Guardia Civil have announced enhanced road safety measures in response to the recent increase in traffic accidents in the Canary Islands. In 2024 alone, the archipelago has had 14 traffic-related fatalities, with seven in Las Palmas and seven in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with a particularly noticeable spike from early April to mid-May.

This announcement was made during a press conference by Anselmo Pestana, the Government Delegate in the Canary Islands; DGT Coordinator, Eva Canitrot; and Lieutenant Colonel Jesús Ángel Hernández, Chief of the Guardia Civil Traffic Police (ATGC) in the Canary Islands. The primary goal of the meeting was to introduce a series of measures aimed at reducing the number and severity of traffic accidents in the region.

MEASURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE CANARY ISLANDS:
1. Increased Presence and Visibility:
There will be a bigger presence of Guardia Civil Traffic Police on motorcycles on the roads. Service orders across all ATGC sectors will be updated based on the DGT's "Framework Instruction for Surveillance."

2. New Speed Control Points:
Fixed speed control points, including section radars, will be installed. There will also be an increase in alcohol and drug tests and intensified control and surveillance campaigns aimed at motorcyclists.

3. Enhanced Collaboration With Municipalities:
The DGT will work closely with road owners to identify and improve safety on specific road sections through infrastructure measures. Collaboration with local municipalities and their Police forces will be strengthened to reduce urban road accidents.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns:
Efforts to raise awareness about road safety issues will be boosted, involving the Provincial Traffic and Road Safety Commissions. This includes participation from various public administrations and the distribution of targeted safety messages to specific age groups and areas with high accident rates.

All of these proposed measures align with the broader safety initiatives presented by the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, on April 26th in Madrid. Pestana emphasised the fundamental role of the state in ensuring the safety of its citizens, noting, “The Government of Spain remains steadfast in its efforts to enhance road safety and minimize traffic-related fatalities, which is also a part of defending the right to life and physical integrity as protected by Article 15 of our Constitution.”

He further highlighted the active role played by the DGT and Police forces, particularly the Guardia Civil and its Traffic Department, in maintaining road safety. Their commitment is evident through their daily work and ongoing efforts to supervise and study new measures for safer road mobility.

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123 FAMILIES FACE EVICTION FROM A COMPLEX IN CORRALEJO.
Canarian Weekly 10-05-2024 Fuerteventura Photo Credit: C7
123 families face eviction from a complex in Corralejo
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In the scenic town of Corralejo, nestled on the northern coast of Fuerteventura, 123 villas and duplexes in the Mirador de Lobos urbanisation are home to nearly as many families, most of whom have children. However, their lives have been overshadowed by the looming threat of eviction due to the imminent auction of all the properties because of a debt of nearly €36 million owed by the owner.

Daily life for these families, who all rent these properties, is challenging as they have had no running water since 2022 when it was cut off due to unpaid bills, and is now delivered by trucks.

Once a luxurious tourist complex boasting amenities like swimming pools and a golf course, remnants of Mirador de Lobos Golf can still be found in scattered sculptures, remnants of streams, and abandoned golf carts.

150 villas and duplexes were constructed between 2003 and 2008, with 27 under private ownership. While signs of neglect occasionally dot the landscape, the community strives for dignity amidst adversity.

The majority of these properties are under rental agreements, with tenants paying substantial sums for several years. However, despite their financial contributions, the property management company, Dunas Pozo Servicios SL, failed to maintain the properties or provide essential services like water.

123 families face eviction from a complex in Corralejo

When Dunas Pozo Servicios SL went bankrupt in 2017, tenants began paying the court-appointed administrator directly. However, they continued to endure a lack of basic services and maintenance. They are now facing uncertainty with the imminent auction of their homes by the Commercial Court No. 1 of Las Palmas.

Legal consultations offer little solace amid the confusion. Despite their precarious situation, the tenants of Mirador de Lobos assert their right to remain in their rented homes, even as the auction deadline approaches on May 16th.

It is being overseen by Banco Santander, the creditor, with Dunas Pozo Servicios SL, the debtor. Each plot, of approximately 330 square metres in size, is valued at €239,000. If all the properties are auctioned at this price, proceeds could reach around €29.4 million.

Mirador de Lobos has been embroiled in legal battles since 2017, from Commercial Court disputes to labour disputes, culminating in the current auction threatening the 123 families who don’t know where they will be living in the future.

123 families face eviction from a complex in Corralejo

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Prosecutor's Office asks for 11 years in prison for a man for attempted robbery and homicide in Corralejo
The Events took place in April 2022, in the vicinity of a beach near a well-known nightclub



The Prosecutor's Office is asking for 11 years in prison and a fine of 8,300.86 euros for the accused of a crime of attempted robbery with violence and another crime of attempted homicide. The Events took place in April 2022, in the vicinity of a beach that is close to a well-known nightclub in Corralejo. The trial will take place this Wednesday, May 22, in the sixth section of the Provincial Court of Las Palmas.

In the early hours of Monday, April 11, 2022, "the defendant went to the vicinity of the beach near the Waikiki nightclub, on La Red street in Corralejo," begins the indictment to which Diario de Fuerteventura has had access. Once there and "with the intention of obtaining an illicit patrimonial benefit" he approached the injured party "demanding that he give him the Money he had, feeling and putting his hands in his pockets while the victim resisted," the document adds.

As a result of the resistance, a struggle arose between the two and it was then that the defendant brandished a knife, "he wielded it and without further delay and with an unequivocal intention of killing his opponent, he stabbed him in the vital region of the left hemithorax of his back, as well as several cuts in the left arm and third and fourth fingers of the left hand", includes the brief of the Public Prosecutor's Office.

These Events caused the victim different wounds to his left hand, left arm as well as left hemithorax. The latter, in particular, caused a mild/moderate anterolateral pneumothorax, left pleural effusion of the lamellar type and left subcutaneous emphysema that required for his healing, in addition to initial medical assistance, immediate and urgent medical-surgical treatment.

These treatments, although they avoided his death, required 30 days, seven of them of serious personal injury with hospital admission and 23 days of personal injury of a lev nature, subtracting 6 points of aesthetic damage as sequelae.

Finally, "the defendant quickly fled the scene of the Events without taking possession of the intended effects of the injured party," the indictment adds.

For the Public Prosecutor's Office, these facts constitute, on the one hand, a crime of attempted robbery with violence and, on the other, a crime of attempted homicide.

For this reason, the Public Prosecutor's Office is asking for a total of 11 years in prison. Three years' imprisonment with disqualification from exercising the right to stand as a candidate during the time of the sentence for the crime of attempted robbery with violence and another eight years' imprisonment and their respective special disqualification from exercising the right to stand for election during the time of the sentence for the crime of attempted homicide. It should be noted that the defendant "will not be able to access the third degree of penitentiary until he has served half of the sentence imposed," the indictment states.

Finally, according to the Public Prosecutor's Office, the defendant must compensate the injured party with an amount of 8,300.86 euros for the injuries and sequelae caused, an amount that will have to be updated on the date of the final judgment and the payment of the costs.

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THE NUMBER OF CASES AGAINST SQUATTERS HAS MULTIPLIED BY 10 SINCE 2018.
The number of cases against squatters has multiplied by 10 since 2018
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The crimes of usurpation and trespassing of properties, more commonly known as squatting, committed by foreigners in Spain and the Canary Islands, have risen alarmingly since 2018 reaching figures that exceeded 4,000 cases in 2023.

In 2018 foreigners only accounted for 29% of these types of crimes, but that shot up to 52% in 2023. Meanwhile, the proposed Law to help landlords and apply more forceful measures against this phenomenon is still in the approval process.

ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF PROPERTIES BY FOREIGNERS MULTIPLIED BY TEN
Since 2020, half of the people arrested or investigated for home occupation crimes have been foreigners. In fact, statistics show that in 2022, of the more than 9,000 people detained or investigated for this type of crime, around 4,900 were of foreign origin.

Many have blamed this phenomenon on the Pedro Sánchez Government, as he became Prime Minister in 2018 when the number of crimes of usurpation and trespassing of properties committed by foreigners was 447 (compared to 4,903 cases in 2023).

THE SITUATION OF ILLEGAL SQUATTING IN THE CANARY ISLANDS.
According to data provided by the Ministry of the Interior to EFE, two houses a day are illegally occupied in the Canary Islands. In September last year, illegal occupancy increased by 52 compared to August, going from 382 properties with squatters to 434.

The Canary Islands are just one of five regions in Spain where numbers increased in the first eight months of the year, as there was an 11% drop in the number of illegally occupied apartments nationally.

This worrying data on the increase of squatters, along with the concerns of landlords about long-term lets, and the increase in VV licenses in the Canary Islands is what is causing the housing shortage and rents to reach levels never seen before.

Currently, according to studies carried out by Solventis, “access to renting a home in the Canary Islands is causing a financial strain that is 36% higher than the Spanish average.”

Added to this, as of today there is no approved Organic Law (it is still under discussion by Congress) to evict squatters from homes in 24 hours. It does, however, propose 3 years in prison as a sanction for anyone found guilty of usurpation or illegal occupation of a property.

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A driver in serious condition after colliding with a wall in Fuerteventura.
On the FV-2 road, in the direction of Costa Calma, in the municipality of Pájara
a driver was seriously injured when he collided with a wall on the FV-2 road, in the direction of Costa Calma, within the municipality of Pájara.

At around 5.45 p.m. on Saturday, the Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES) 112 of the Government of the Canary Islands received a call alerting of the collision of a car against a wall on the road as mentioned earlier.

The SUC staff assessed and assisted the affected person, who was transferred to the General Hospital of Fuerteventura, in Puerto del Rosario.

The 44-year-old injured man had multiple contusions and severe chest trauma at the time of initial treatment.

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Two children aged nine and five moderately injured after a head-on collision in Pájara.

A nine-year-old boy and a five-year-old boy were moderately injured after the head-on collision between two cars that took place at around 1:20 p.m. on Saturday on the FV-30 road, at the entrance to Toto and within the municipality of Pájara.

According to the Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (Cecoes) 112, the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC) went to the scene, whose staff assisted the minors.

The older one had moderate hip trauma and moderate abdominal pain in the younger one, both of whom were transferred by ambulance to the General Hospital of Fuerteventura.

For their part, agents of the Civil Guard were in charge of making the corresponding attestation.

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CANARIES GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES NEW VACANT HOUSING PLAN TO ADDRESS HOUSING PROBLEM.

Canaries Government introduces new Vacant Housing Plan to address housing problem
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The Government of the Canary Islands has unveiled an updated plan aimed at addressing the issue of empty housing, by trying to make rents more affordable, but align them to an amount that will be attractive to property owners so that they put their properties in the scheme, with payment and maintenance guarantees so they are protected and more willing to participate.

The renewed program, set to be completed by summer, aims to offer rents 20-30% below current market rates, regulated by Decree-Law 1/2024, which extends measures to prevent evictions of vulnerable groups from their primary residences.

Key Features of the Program
One of the significant updates is that potential tenants include all registered housing applicants, approximately 25,000 people, without the previously required income conditions. This change is intended to make the program more appealing to property owners.

To further incentivise participation, the government guarantees property owners punctual rent payments throughout the contract period, which can last up to seven years, and ensures the maintenance and upkeep of the properties while they are rented.

Collaboration with Provivienda
The Canary Islands government will collaborate with Provivienda, an organisation that managed a similar housing program in the mid-1990s. Provivienda will handle the acquisition of properties, selection of tenants, payment management, and issue resolution.

Pablo Rodríguez, the Minister of Housing, announced this initiative during a parliamentary commission meeting on Friday, emphasised that this updated program will run concurrently with a detailed analysis of the 211,000 empty homes in the Canary Islands. Many of these properties are in disrepair or face inheritance issues, making them unsuitable for rental.

Addressing Previous Program Failures
The new program comes after the previous vacant housing initiative was deemed a failure, as it succeeded in placing only one property on the market. Recognising the shortcomings, the government decided to modify the existing housing plan, which is set to conclude in 2025, rather than starting from scratch.

Legislative Feedback and Future Plans
Carmen Hernández, from Nueva Canarias, expressed concerns that if the rents are not aligned with market prices, it will be extremely challenging to attract property owners. Rodríguez acknowledged this point, stating that while the rental rates will not match market prices, they will be competitive and accompanied by legal and payment guarantees to attract landlords to the scheme.

The government is also considering future incentives, such as tax benefits for property owners who participate in the program, and exploring European funds or other financing methods to support the rehabilitation of properties for rental purposes.

Public Housing and Land Allocation
Rodríguez urged Canary Islands municipalities to prioritise land allocation for public housing construction. The Institute Canario de la Vivienda (Icavi) has identified land for over 1,200 new homes, although this is insufficient to meet the high demand for public housing in the region.

Long-Term Housing Strategy
The commission also discussed whether the focus in the Canary Islands should continue to be on reducing public housing stock by enabling long-term tenants to purchase their homes. This debate arose in response to low participation rates in the current homeownership offer programs.

Rejection of National Rent Index
In March, the Canary Islands government decided against using the newly established national rent reference index, opting instead for more targeted measures such as increasing housing construction through private promotions and bolstering the Icavi workforce.

This decision reflects the government's preference for measures that directly increase housing supply rather than price controls, which Rodríguez argued have not been effective based on empirical evidence.

This comprehensive approach aims to tackle the pressing issue of housing affordability in the Canary Islands while addressing the limitations of previous initiatives.