The United Left party has formally complained about the criteria used when deciding whether to charge for the use of public spaces and buildings.
The United Left councillor, Fermín Tejero, made the complaint at the Board of Local Government meeting on 24th November, citing requests from three different organisations:
The Promoters and Builders Association asked permission to use the Plaza Kuwait in Almuñécar for three days, to put up a tent and have a Property Fair. The local government team agreed the request without charge, even though, points out Mr. Tejero, that the request is from a profit making organisation.
The next request was from The Brotherhood of Penitence and Gloria Holy Sepulcher of Christ, who wanted the Civic Centre in La Herradura to celebrate a festival of vocal artists. This request for the two day use was also agreed, and at no charge.
The problem arose with the next request, which was from the Department of Physics and Electromagnetism, who requested the Civic Centre in La Herradura for five days to celebrate the International Congress on their subject. However, on this occasion the Town Hall has decided to charge for the usage of the space.
According to Fermín Tejero, it makes no sense to charge for the use of the Civic Centre by an educational entity, whose only intent is to disseminate scientific knowledge, and no doubt, some much needed revenue to the local shops, hotels and restaurants from the many Congressmen who would be attending the five-day event. He believes the Town Hall should be thanking these people for choosing La Herradura, not slapping a large bill in their hands.
Councillor Tejero believes the decision to charge should be rescinded and that the use of the Civic Centre should be free of charge for the conference and all other similar activities.