The general secretary of the Popular Party of Huelva and Andalusian parliamentarian, Berta Centeno, recently highlighted the progress made in the area of dependency in the province. According to Centeno, Huelva closed the year 2024 with 23.625 people in dependency situations receiving care, who received a total of 35.156 benefits. This progress has resulted in a 71% decrease in waiting lists compared to the end of 2018, period in which the PSOE governed the Andalusian Government.
In 2018, Huelva registered 7.400 people waiting for care services. Currently, that number has been reduced to 2.135, meaning that approximately 5.300 Huelva residents are no longer on the waiting list for care. Centeno attributes this achievement to the "firm commitment" of the current Andalusian Government and the Ministry of Social Inclusion, Youth, Families and Equality to improve care for the dependent. According to their statements, "So much has never been invested in Huelva" as in the last six years to meet citizen demands in this area.
During the 2024 year, A total of 2.621 new beneficiaries were incorporated into the dependency system in the province of Huelva., which translates into 5.318 new benefits granted. This increase has led to the highest number of beneficiaries in the province, reflecting the effective management and commitment to social services of Juanma Moreno's government.
Comparison with previous management
Centeno emphasized that during the previous PSOE governments in the Andalusian Regional Government, there were cuts in the social sphere. In contrast, the current figures demonstrate the progress achieved in the last six years under the administration of Juanma Moreno in matters of dependency.
This progress in Huelva is part of a positive trend at the regional level. The Andalusian Regional Government has doubled the number of decisions issued by Disability Assessment Centers, achieving a 58% increase by 2024. This improvement is attributed to the structural reform undertaken by the Andalusian Government, based on the expansion of human resources, technological modernization, and optimization of administrative procedures.
In addition to improved management and care, significant investments have been made in infrastructure for dependent individuals. A notable example is the construction of a new residence in Arahal, Seville, with an investment of 1,8 million euros. This center will offer 49 places for elderly people in dependent situations, helping to reduce waiting lists and modernize the facilities dedicated to this group.
Pending challenges: state underfunding for dependency
Despite the progress made, dependency in Andalusia continues to face challenges, especially related to financing. Since 2019, The central government owes the autonomous community 4.000 billion euros in dependency matters.This underfunding has placed an additional burden on the Andalusian Regional Government in the provision of essential services. However, The Andalusian Government has maintained its commitment, reaching record numbers with more than 296.600 people served and 442.200 benefits granted since 2019.
The data reflect a substantial improvement in long-term care in Huelva and throughout Andalusia under Juanma Moreno's administration. The significant reduction in waiting lists, the increase in beneficiaries and benefits, as well as investments in infrastructure, are key. Indicators of the Andalusian Government's commitment to people in situations of dependencyHowever, challenges related to state funding persist and require attention to ensure the sustainability and continuous improvement of these essential services.
