Benalmadena gets a wrist slap for spending too much

According to a report by the council auditor, Benalmadena Council was told to develop a financial plan that is more reasonable for 2024-2025. This comes after they exceeded spending limits established by law. 

The council’s 2024 budget saw a 20.26 per cent spending increase, from €85.09 million in 2023 to a whopping €101.43 million, spending way past the 2.6 per cent GDP growth mark. The plan is subject to approval by regional authorities as well as strict oversight from both Andalusian & national financial authorities. It maintains tight control on future spending.

The rules for spending, which had been suspended from 2020 to 2023 because of the pandemic were reinstituted in 2024. This caught the council by surprise. Local government, headed by Mayor Juan Antonio Lara dismissed the reprimand as a formality and not a call to take drastic measures. Instead, they’ve played more to the landmark achievement of a 2024 budget surplus of €4.3 million.

The mayor has been praised for steering Benalmadena into a new golden era – the town not only achieved a surplus but also reduced taxes while boosting investments across council services. The treasury grew from €99 million in June 2023 to €124 million by the end of 2024. The town has also announced plans to pay off inherited debts. This confirms the town’s financial health.