The Valencian Courts have approved today, in the last plenary session of the legislature, the Comprehensive Law against Depopulation, a norm that provides the framework for action of the Consell and provisions for coordination and collaboration between administrations to curb depopulation, under the principles of cohesion and territorial equity.
The law will benefit more than 80,000 people residing in the 178 municipalities of the Valencian Community, currently considered at risk of depopulation. To this end, it will incorporate the rural perspective in all the policies and regulatory projects of the Generalitat
Elena Cebrián, Regional Secretary for Territorial Cohesion and Policies against Depopulation, points out that the law is based on the Consell’s strategic planning against depopulation presented in 2021, on the experience acquired by DG AVANT projects and the mainstay of financial support of the Generalitat through the municipal cooperation fund against depopulation. Work is done in collaboration with local administrations, maintaining direct dialogue with mayors and mayors of municipalities at risk of depopulation.
A transversal perspective is promoted that addresses all the departments of the Consell; that is, all the ministries must have sectoral actions aimed at depopulation and apply a vision of territory, sensitive to demographic conditions, in their plans, aid or investments. In this sense, access to quality education, health and social services is guaranteed, for which, among other actions, the Consell will encourage public employees in areas at risk of depopulation.
The approach is to reduce the imbalances between rural and urban areas and guarantee citizenship rights regardless of place of residence. To this end, work is being done to improve and expand access to fundamental public services (health, education, social care); improve the conditions of access to housing, public transport, internet, financial services, etc.
In addition, it seeks to promote employment and entrepreneurship opportunities and diversify local economies; and provide specific support measures such as differentiated taxation, subsidized loans, the fight against financial exclusion or regional employment plans. And with special attention to the needs and opportunities of the elderly, women and young people.
