The Câmara de Lagos has launched a new set of measures to support families and the local economy, including exemptions and reductions in fees and tariffs, support in different areas and reinforcement of promotion activities, with an estimated value of 3,3 million of euros.
The measures of the “Lagos Apoia” program, which were unanimously approved by the elements of the municipal government, aim to have “a multiplying effect on the local economy”.
With regard to support, the Lacobrigenses can count on them in the sectors of housing, social action, sports, culture, education, social solidarity, transport, companies and taxes.
One of the exemptions provided for in this package of measures by the municipality of Lacobrigens is linked to water supply. At the level of domestic users, consumers in the 1st level will be exempt from the variable water tariff and those in the 2nd level will have a 10% reduction. Non-domestic users will also benefit from a 10% reduction, "in relation to consumption made between March and December 2020".
"In the case of domestic users, access to the benefit of the social variable tariff, upon request, will be analyzed based not on the household income for the previous year, but on the income of the last month", according to the Chamber of Lagos.
«Although the issuance of invoices is currently suspended, as soon as it is resumed, consumers will receive a single invoice with the respective discounts that will respect the consumption levels without any penalty, referring to the total period in which there was no invoicing, accompanied by a plan payments, which can always be adjusted to the needs/situation of the consumer. With the implementation of this measure, it is expected an impact on the economy and on families of approximately 1 million euros”, added the municipality.
Economic agents have not been forgotten and will have measures designed for them, namely "the exemption from payment of occupation taxes on public roads and publicity for the year 2020 - with provision for the return of amounts already paid - and the exemption of municipal rents relating to shops, market stalls and fairs in the period between April and December'.
«Sector with a lot of weight in the local economy is the maritime-tourism and bathing entertainment activities, to which the municipality will also exempt the payment of fees in matters that are within its licensing competence. The surcharge, which the municipality usually charges companies with a certain taxable income level as a contribution to structural works for the municipality, will not be applied in 2021», announced the Chamber.
In terms of taxes, the Chamber will "study the feasibility of reducing the IMI and IRS rates to be applied next year, since there is no longer a legal possibility to change what was set for 2020".
On the other hand, the Câmara de Lagos will create a program to stimulate commercial activity, thinking of all types of companies and individual entrepreneurs, «which will enable support for companies in a situation of fragility, upon request and demonstration of deficit financial situation', in terms that will be disclosed 'in a timely manner'.
With regard to families that, in many cases, "suffer from a drop in income from the impact of the pandemic", they will be helped by the Chamber in terms of housing, "whether through the mechanism to support private leases, extending the criteria of eligibility foreseen in the regulation (increasing the effort rate up to 65%), or with the exemption from the payment of supported rents (for households residing in municipal housing), to be in force between April and December».
At the level of social support (consubstantiated in food support, medication, hygiene products and others) «the spectrum of beneficiaries will also be expanded, since households with per capita income up to 80% of the IAS will be eligible (ie, with per capita income up to €351,05)'.
In the area of education, a telephone helpline for psychological assistance will be created, «aimed at parents and especially with regard to the complex family management of households with school-age children».
The expansion of the operation of the Family Support Services of Pre-School Education, in the months of August and September, is another of the actions planned to support families when economic activity resumes.
The acquisition of computer equipment with Internet access is also planned, to be delivered to school groups, «so that all students can be on an equal footing in the use of the tools that provide them with access to new distance learning platforms. The payment of meals that are being provided to children in grade B of the Social School Action will also be exempted, equating them to those in grade A».
On the other hand, the IPSS “will receive specific support with a view to the acquisition of individual protection material, as well as assistance in the payment of social contributions by households with proven economic difficulties”.
As for sports and cultural associations, care will be taken to maintain the level of financial support to ensure that the needs of clubs and associations are met throughout this period.
Another of the measures taken by the Municipality of Lagos is the exemption from the tariff for the A ONDA – urban transport service in Lagos between April and June 2020, «subject to possible extension, if the assessment of the circumstances so recommends».
This set of measures to support families and the local economy has already entered into force, being taken to the May 6th Chamber meeting for ratification.
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