Funchal's Local Accommodation Regulation Under Scrutiny
Madeira GuideFunchal's City Council faces pressure from political groups to clarify the status of the local accommodation regulation review, crucial as the suspension of new licenses ends in March.
In a recent city council meeting, the regulation of local accommodations (Alojamento Local or AL) in Funchal became a heated topic of discussion. With the temporary suspension of new AL licenses set to expire in March, political parties are demanding updates and clarity from the municipal executive.
The Socialist Party (PS) through its representative, Rui Caetano, has pushed for transparency regarding the promised review of the AL regulations. This suspension was initially implemented following controversies over the licensing of local accommodations in cooperative housing buildings. Caetano emphasized the urgency, stating that without a revised regulatory framework, new registrations might resume unchecked, potentially affecting residents' quality of life and housing rights.
In parallel, councilors from the Chega party have also sought detailed explanations from the city council. They insist on a written and well-supported response about the municipality's future strategy concerning local accommodations, highlighting the nearing end of the license suspension as a critical point for urgent action.
The debate also touched on specific cases such as the cooperative 'Cortel'. Questions were raised about the repayment of financial benefits withdrawn by the council, a decision affecting over 60,000 euros in fiscal incentives.
Local accommodation in Madeira, an island known for its tourism, is a significant aspect of its economy. The regulation of ALs is vital not only for maintaining tourism appeal but also for ensuring that the interests and quality of life of local residents are safeguarded.
As March approaches, the pressure mounts on Funchal’s city council to clarify their intentions and ensure that regulatory measures are in place to balance tourism growth with residential stability.
Sources
Madeira Guide
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