The Cádiz Provincial Council has reinforced its commitment to social policies by increasing contracted places in residences and day centers for the elderly and disabled. This initiative, announced by the institution's president, Almudena Martínez del Junco, and the head of the Social Services, Families, and Equality Area, Paula Conesa, brings the total number of places to 224, a 4.5% increase compared to the previous year.

The investment allocated to this social program amounts to 5,597,545 euros. To facilitate this expansion, the Council has signed 28 agreements with 25 entities across the province, including four town councils: Villamartín, Alcalá del Valle, El Gastor, and Setenil. These agreements fund care places for both the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

Of the agreements signed, 16 focus on care for people with disabilities and 12 for the elderly. According to the president, these agreements are crucial for 'maintaining essential resources' that might otherwise disappear, ensuring the continuity of vital care services in numerous municipalities of Cádiz and responding to the demand from local councils facing a shortage of residential places.

The initiative aims not only to guarantee rights and improve the well-being of users and their families but also to combat unwanted loneliness, promote local roots, and generate local employment, particularly for women, given the sector's predominantly female workforce.

Paula Conesa emphasized that these resources offer 'peace of mind' to families caring for dependent individuals or those with disabilities, addressing the uncertainty about their loved ones' future. She described social policy as 'policy with heart,' focused on people and institutional support.

Additionally, progress was reported on the Santa Margarita residence project in La Línea de la Concepción, with its operational launch expected before the end of 2026. The Provincial Council has also maintained 40 places at the Botafuegos residence, benefiting the Campo de Gibraltar region.