Vice President and Minister for Deregulation, Social Welfare and Family Alejandro Nolasco announced these figures during the closing session of the 18th Technical Conference on Social Services Centres, held in Orihuela del Tremedal. He said the increase aims to guarantee inclusion, equality and adequate care in both rural areas and urban centres.
MORE RESOURCES TO ADDRESS AGEING AND LONG-TERM CARE
Nolasco linked the budget increase to the progressive ageing of Aragonós population, particularly in provinces such as Teruel, where nearly one in four people is older. The regional government believes this demographic trend requires greater resources for care and social support in the coming years.
Regarding long-term care, the vice president said Aragon has an average waiting time of 109 days to process applications, compared with a national average of 293 days, according to data as of September 30. The region currently has 52,232 beneficiaries of long-term care benefits, and the government also plans to increase some allowances for Grade II and Grade III dependency.
During his speech, Nolasco also highlighted the work of social services professionals and coordination between administrations. In his view, cooperation between the Government of Aragon, town halls and counties is key to managing available resources and maintaining social care throughout the region.
