Both parties point out that the “barely passing” score is thanks to the legacy of previous legislatures and that the rating has fallen for three years. They are also focusing on the current state of home care. The average level of provision in Aragon is 11.2 hours per month, less than half the national average of 23.8 hours.
THE PSOE CALLS FOR A STUDY COMMISSION
The PSOE in the Aragonese Cortes has called for the creation of a Special Study Commission on improving the System for Autonomy and Care for Dependency and disability policies in Aragon. “The Azcón government cannot continue looking the other way while Aragon loses ground in social services,” said Mónica Iglesias, the party’s spokeswoman for Social Welfare.
Iglesias has placed particular emphasis on the evolution of public spending. According to the data contained in the report, Aragon allocated 498.3 euros per inhabitant to social services in 2024, compared with the national average of 575.1 euros, and reduced spending by around 11 euros compared with the previous year.
“We do not want a commission to produce another diagnosis. We want to put the problems on the table, listen to service users, families, professionals, social organizations and administrations, and establish a road map with measurable objectives,” said the Socialist politician.
CHA CALLS FOR RESIDENTIAL CARE NOT TO BE THE PRIORITY OPTION
Chunta Aragonesista has denounced that the fall in investment per inhabitant and the shortage of professionals have led to longer waiting lists, a heavier workload for people working in social services and growing difficulties in guaranteeing appropriate care throughout the region.
Its secretary general, Verónica Villagrasa, has called for a change in the approach to dependency. She argues that care should prioritize each person’s wishes and that the necessary resources must be available “so that they can develop their life plan with the greatest possible autonomy,” whatever option they choose.
CHA warns that primarily promoting residential solutions could also have a particularly negative impact in rural Aragon, where distance and a lack of alternatives could end up making residential care the only option available. It has also warned of setbacks in processing the Minimum Insertion Income and in family fostering for minors.
