NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FOREIGN RESIDENTS
FUENGIROLA MONTHLY Information provided by
AUGUST 2013
ISSUE Nº 2
Ayuntamiento de
Fuengirola
952 58 93 00 // 952 58 94 40
FOREIGNRESIDENTS@FUENGIROLA.ORG
NEWS Property tax benefits for residents
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NEWS
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Fuengirola tourism on the rise
WWW.FUENGIROLA.ORG FUENGIROLARESIDENTSRESIDENTESFUENGIROLA
NEWS
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New reptile enclosure for Bioparc
Foreign Residents’ Department relocates to Tourist Office COUNCILLOR for Foreign Residents Katja Westerdahl has announced that her department has moved to the Fuengirola Tourist Office. She held a press conference with Tourism Councillor Ignacio Souviron to say that the aim is to offer a better service to both foreign residents and tourists. The Foreign Residents’ Department was on the fourth floor of the town hall building but is now located in Paseo Jesus Santos Rein, 6, in the building which many years ago was Fuengirola train station, just opposite the Mercacentro Shopping Centre and market. Administrative matters for foreign residents will be dealt with from 9am to 2pm. Souviron said the move is a “rational, logical and positive measure which will improve the service, because the Foreign Residents’ Department staff will reinforce the Tourism Department and vice versa, without increasing costs.”
NEW HOME: The former Fuengirola train station in Paseo Jesus Santos Rein. Westerdahl pointed out that in July, the number of enquiries received by the Foreign Residents’ Department continued to increase, with 610, compared to the 470 in July 2012. British residents continue
to ask the most questions, with 416, followed by the Danish (37) and Finnish (34). She also said this new monthly bulletin, published in collaboration with Euro Weekly News and sent by email to residents
who request it, has been a great success. She encouraged locals to request the bulletin because it has useful information about important local matters translated into English so that foreign residents are better informed.
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FUENGIROLA MONTHLY
Property tax discount for ‘empadronados’ This year there has been a change for residents on the ‘padron’ CARMEN MALO, the local councillor for taxes, reminded residents who are on the local ‘padron’ (census) that they still have time to benefit from help to pay their Property Tax (IBI). This is thanks to a newly approved set of grants worth 30 per cent of the tax amount, and which replace the former tax subventions, which were annulled by the Supreme Court following a case put forward by the Socialist party in 2004. She explained that the new grants establish a first payment period for 70 per cent of the total IBI, and residents who are on the ‘padron’ will receive a receipt for the remaining 30 per cent.
Residents who are on the ‘padron’ and fulfil a set of requirements to receive the grants will not have to pay the second amount. The councillor said that for residents who are on the ‘padron’, the period for the first IBI payment is until September 20. Regarding the new environmental refuse management tax (GEMER), the period varies depending on the date when each resident was notified of it. “It is important for residents to be informed, carry out payments during the voluntary period and not have debts with the town hall in order to benefit from the help,” the councillor said.
Mayor Oña and the children.
Bringing children closer to animals THE mayor, Esperanza Oña, has visited the summer schools which are being held at El Tejar and Maria Auxiliadora schools. They are being attended by 220 local children between three and 12 years old throughout July and August. Among the many activities they took part in was learning about how to respect and care for animals, which was organised by the local animal shelter.
Requirements to be eligible for the help are “to be a registered on the local ‘padron’ on December 31 of the year immediately before the help is granted, be a passive subject of the taxes from which one is to benefit, and have all tax payments up to date. The councillor insisted that residents should visit the town hall to find out their tax situation and resolve any questions which may arise. The town hall has informed all local residents of the procedures they must follow to benefit from the new set of grants for residents, who are on the ‘padron’ as well as having held several meetings with locals to explain the procedure. The councillor also pointed out that due to a computer error, receipts for payments paid in the bank by direct debit have not included information about the new grants and the division of the tax into two payments, so she explained that the quantity that has been paid is 70 per cent of the total. “We want to remind residents who have their taxes paid by direct debit that the first amount which was paid at the beginning of July is for 70 per cent of the IBI and GEMER taxes, so if they fulfil the requirements, they will not have to pay the remaining 30 per cent. We are sorry the receipt didn’t include this information due to a computer error,” Malo said. She announced that the town hall will send a letter to taxpayers who pay their IBI by direct debit to inform them of this, so they have all the information they need to benefit from the grants.
August 2013
Courses and workshops 2013/14 THE Casa de la Cultura is offering the following courses for the 2013/2014 term: Ballet, regional dancing, ballroom dancing, university access course, painting for adults, painting for children, tapestry, engraving, pottery, pottery for children, pottery wheel use, binding, Tiffany glass work, photography, English, German, Spanish for Foreigners, Yoga, etc. How, where and when to register? For courses at the Casa de la Cultura, visit the ground floor of the building in Avenida Juan Gomez Juanito, 12, from September 2 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm, and ask for a prior appointment ticket. On the day of your appointment, you or someone acting on your behalf, can visit the Secretary’s Office at the Casa de la Cultura with the course fee and your original ID. You can only register if there are places available and if you have an appointment. For university access, training cycle and university access exam courses, tickets are not required. More information about courses, timetables and prices at the end of August at the Casa de la Cultura, 962 589 349 or email cultura@ fuengirola.org. *For courses at Los Boliches Town Hall offices and the Siglo XXI building, request the tickets there.
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Pensioners can apply to pay less taxes FUENGIROLA Town Hall has approved grants to help the elderly residents of Fuengirola to pay their taxes. Pensioners can receive up to 15 per cent off their property tax (IBI) and 100 per cent off the Environmental Refuse Handling (GEMER) tax, up to a maximum of €2,900, as long as they fulfil the criteria. This is as
well as the 30 per cent off taxes available to all registered residents who meet the requirements. Taxes Councillor Carmen Malo explained that the aim of the grants is to improve the living conditions of people on limited incomes, especially senior citizens with pensions lower than the minimum wage.
The requirements for pensioners are amongst others, to have less than the minimum wage coming into their household per year, be registered residents of Fuengirola on December 31 prior to the year for which they request the grant, and that they fill in the request form within the specified period.
Making life easier for foreigners TO avoid having to go to Fuengirola National Police station to get an appointment to request any procedures regarding foreign matters, from August 19, there is now a phone number for appointments. It can be used for all foreign residents’ matters dealt with by the National Police at this station, such as requests for NIE numbers, invitation letters, residence cards, and Registration Certificates for EU Citizens. The number for English speakers is: 952 197 114 For Spanish speakers: 952 198 355 Timetables for Foreign Residents’ matters at Fuengirola National Police station from August 19: 9am–11am – with appointment: NIE request, authorisations to return, invitation letters. 11am–1pm – with appointment: Request and issue of Residence Cards, Request and issue of Registration Certificates for EU Citizens. 1pm–1pm – without appointment: Collection of residence cards, request for urgent procedures.
POSITIVE PREDICTIONS: Mayor Oña and President of AEHCOS Jose Carlos Escribano.
Tourism in Fuengirola showing positive signs Visits to the Municipal Tourism Office increased in July due to the positive tourist season FUENGIROLA Tourism Councillor Ignacio Souviron reported that visits to the Municipal Tourism Office in July increased considerably compared to last year. This, he said, reflected the positive tourist season which Fuengirola and the Costa del Sol are having this year. “We are at the height of the summer season, with the streets and beaches full of people, and registered visits to the Tourism Office have allowed us to monitor the influx of tourists,” Souviron explained, pointing out that “throughout July the number of visits has risen a lot compared to last year, which ties in with the
data and predictions given the other day by Mayor of Fuengirola Esperanza Oña and the president of the Costa del Sol Hoteliers’ Association (AEHCOS), Jose Carlos Escribano.” The councillor added: “The importance of increasing the Municipal Tourism Office’s opening hours is to offer better quality service to the tourists who visit us.” They are from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 2pm at weekends. On weekdays, the office is visited by an average of 370 people every day, while at weekends, there have been 341 visitors in the four hours it is open.
Souviron mentioned that in July, a noticeable rise in the number of French tourists was registered, as well as Russians. He spoke of the work the town hall has done to make sure the town and its beaches are at their best, and highlighted the additional leisure and entertainment activities, including the facilities at the River Park, which has a zipline, boats for hire, bouncy castles and food kiosks, the concerts at Sohail Castle, the Summer Cinema, the Beer Festival, the Medieval Market, and handicraft markets such as the one held on Fridays at the Finca del Secretario Roman archaeological site.
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August 2013
Leisure activities for senior citizens Fuengirola Town Hall has organised a variety of leisure activities for elderly residents • Party to honour the elderly Invitations can be collected from September 3 to 20 at the Puebla Lucia Hogar Social (Social Home) in Calle
Blanca Paloma, 4, from 9.30am to 1pm. The party will be on September 24 at 2pm at the Juan Gomez ‘Juanito’ Pavilion.
• Film afternoons at the Alfil Cinema Monday to Thursday (except holidays) at the Alfil Cinema in Avenida Camilo Jose Cela. Price €3.50. Must show Fuengirola Pensioners’ Card at the box office along with ID. • Weekly Dance Free live music, on Friday at the Hogal Social (Social Home) at Complejo Elola, Calle Miguel Bueno, and on Saturday at the Hogar Social in Puebla Lucia, Calle Blanca Paloma, 4. There are also municipal workshops in ballroom dancing (beginner and advanced level), regional dancing (advanced level), computer techdoctor, a technical nology (several levels), oil director, an ambulance painting and acting. driver and a nurse at Places in the workshops the co-ordination for the 2013/2014 term centre, two sailors and will be given out from a communications September 2 at the Hogar operator. Social. Limited places The Health Assisavailable, given on a first tance and Maritime come, first served basis. Lifeguard Services aim Registration for the to guarantee that first Active Maintenance workaid is provided in shop is from September minor cases, a nurse is 10. Classes will start on on call if an emergency October 16. requires it and there is Other services for a doctor for more elderly residents with severe injuries, as well Fuengirola Pensioners’ as specialised transport Card at affordable prices ready to take the include: Chiropody, patient to hospital if appointments on: 699 825 necessary. 901. At the Hogar Social It also includes the in Puebla Lucia, Calle monitoring of all Blanca Paloma, 4. bathing and all Chiropodist: Maria del preventative tasks Mar Claros Gomez related to lifeguard Hairdressing: service in the sea, and Appointments on: 606 providing information 049 498 and advice to beachAt the Hogar Social in goers, in order to deal Puebla Lucia, Calle with any incident Blanca Paloma, 4. which might arise in Hairdresser: Juan relation to search, Aragones Gomez. rescue and lifesaving.
Lifeguard service on hand in 1,700 cases
Most have been preventative measures and informative talks carried out on land THE Fuengirola Councillor for Beaches, Ana Mula, has reported that the local Lifeguard Service carried out 1,700 actions during its first month, most of which were preventative measures on land. Mula pointed out how well the service was operating on the seven local beaches and no serious incidents were reported. She said that the town hall makes a huge effort to ensure the beaches are as safe as possible so that everyone who comes to enjoy the coast of Fuengirola can do so with the greatest guarantees. However, she reminded locals and visitors that there is no better safety guarantee than prevention. Out of all the actions, 1,500 were carried out on land,
while 200 were in the water. Most of them were for minor first aid due to knocks or small injuries, which accounted for 91 per cent, while the rest were due to nausea, burns or contusions. Meanwhile, 96 per cent of actions in the water have been preventative measures aimed at people (115) and boats (72). There have only been 12 sea rescues, and none of them while red flags were flying. Therefore, the most important thing to point out is the job the lifeguards are doing to prevent risk and accident. During the first month of the service there were no serious events to report. Other actions have
included getting 24 lost children back to their families. Lifeguards have identity bracelets to hand out to children, which allow them to quickly locate their families in case they get lost on the beach. There are 34 people in the beach service which was launched on June 15 and will continue until September 15. For the first time this year, the Local Police are co-ordinating the service, which is carried out by lifeguards, the coastguard, and maintenance and cleaning staff. There are 25 lifeguards distributed at points on each of the local beaches, as well as two co-ordinators, a
As yet no serious incidents reported
August 2013
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Beach massage service Between eight and 15 massages carried out every day LOS BOLICHES Beach had a visit from Beaches Councillor Ana Mula. She was there to learn firsthand how the professional massage and physiotherapy service on the beach is working. The service has been available since August 3. Councillor Mula was accompanied by Jose Manuel Pastora, representing the company Rehab Costa del Sol, which is in charge of offering the service, and who pointed out that “in just a week, we have seen a rise of almost 35 per cent in the number of services required compared to the beginning of last season, with between eight and 15 massages per day.” The service was available in the summer of 2012 in two areas of the Fuengirola coast, and was a huge success. Mula explained: “The council aim to offer a massage service provided by professionals with official qualifications to carry out this activity. “In this case, on this local beach, we are fighting against people practising a profession without qualifications, by offering a legal, regulated service with qualified staff.” She added: “The coastguards ensure the activity is not carried out illegally, and there have been 302 actions against such activities so far this summer.”
Mayor Oña visits the site. Inset: Children on the beach learn through play at a Bioparc tent.
Bioparc plans new reptile enclosure BIOPARC Fuengirola is to create the largest reptile exhibition in Spain. Mayor Esperanza Oña visited the 2,000-squaremetre area, which will open to the public at the beginning of September, with exotic creatures including the
Komodo dragon, considered the most dangerous reptile in the world, and giant tortoises from the Galapagos Islands, which can weigh up to 350 kilos and live to more than 150 years old. Meanwhile, Bioparc is carrying out a campaign on
local beaches this summer to raise awareness about the importance of caring for the environment. Children and adults alike have visited the marquees set up along the beaches to take part in educational games and workshops.
AECC to stay in Carvajal Town council renews agreement with cancer charity FUENGIROLA Council has renewed its agreement with the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) to use a municipal building in the Carvajal area. The charitable organisation has 130 volunteers in the area and offers free services for cancer patients and their relatives. Councillor for Social Services Francisco Jose Martin met with AECC’s regional president Paula Casas to renew the agreement for another year.
IN AGREEMENT: Councillor Jose Martin and Paula Casas.
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August 2013
Grants available in municipality FUENGIROLA Town Hall provides municipal grants for: • Municipal Sports Programmes • Workshops at the Casa de la Cultura (Cultural Centre) • Municipal Infant Schools • Youth Area Workshops • Summer Schools (certain periods) • Disabled Children (certain periods)
To access municipal grants, check the list of requirements and documents needed, which is available at the municipal facility where you wish to request registration for a course or municipal workshop. Once you have gathered the required documents and filled in the request form (available at the municipal facility where you wish to request registration for a
course or municipal workshop) you must had it in at the ‘Registro General’ desk on the ground floor at the town hall, from Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm. ***The list of requirements, documents needed and request forms for municipal grants are also available from the Foreign Residents’ Council.
A busy six months for Foreign Residents Dept The Foreign Residents’ Department attended to 2,501 people and resolved 4,402 queries in the first six months of 2013 This is more than last year, when there were 1,863 people with 3,737 queries. Queries received by the Foreign Residents’ Department in the first six months of the year:
Citizens from
Queries
Germany, Austria UK, Ireland France Norway Sweden Finland Denmark Holland, Belgium USA Other EU countries Non-EU countries
35 2,641 63 58 211 601 217 211 6 278 136
Total
4,402
The European Union (EU) citizens who require the most information are the British and Irish, followed by the Finnish, Swedish, Danish, Dutch and Belgians, although there are also queries from other non-EU citizens including those from Australia, Iran, Morocco, Argentina, Ukraine, India, Malaysia, Iraq, Venezuela, Paraguay, Egypt, Colombia, Philippines, Japan, Cuba, Russia, Thailand, Brazil, Kuwait, China and Nigeria.
During these months, the queries and procedures carried out included the following: • Explanation about the new Environmental Refuse Handling (GEMER) tax • Paying municipal taxes by direct debit • GEMER letter delivery alerts • Information about municipal debts and payment methods • Registration confirmation • Explanation about the system for grants on municipal taxes • Registered residents (new residents, change of address and registration and cohabitation certificates) • Municipal tax calendar • Change of name on municipal taxes • Driving licence changeover • Change of address on driving licence • Disable parking permits • Urban bus passes and pensioners’ cards • UE Residents Registration Certificates • Social Security Affiliation • Registration of common-law couples • Civil weddings • Business opening licences • Financial help • Declaration of assets abroad • Adding co-proprietors to municipal taxes • Free legal aid • Provincial Traffic Department (various procedures) • Clarifying embargoes • Minor building licences • Road occupancy permits • Remote assistance
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IN THE SWIM: Some events will take place at municipal pools.
The 2013/2014 sports season set to kick off in September The sports season will continue into August next year THE 2013/2014 sports season has been announced by local Councillor for Sports, Pedro Cuevas. The main novelty this year is the ‘Fuengirola Cara al Mar’ (Fuengirola Facing the Sea) programme which will continue into July and August. “The season will start on September 2, and this time we are going to extend it so that instead of ending on June 30 as it did in
the past, it will continue until August 31 with sports activities in the summer,” Cuevas said. The sports activities will be held on the beaches, the port and the River Park, and include Paddle Beach, Paddle Surf, Beach Volleyball, Sailing, Fishing, Canoeing and Beach Handball, as well as the water activities in the municipal swimming pools and the Summer Camp, being held for the second
year at the Elola Complex. Cuevas explained that the sports on offer have been divided into four areas: municipal sports schools, physical and sports activities for adults, water sports activities, and the abovementioned summer programme. The Sports Department has introduced novelties in the Sports Schools, and there are now 22, with the new canoeing, padel tennis, chess and volleyball
CHEERS!: Raising a toast to German beer.
Thousands visit German Beer Fest THIS month, thousands of people have visited the beer festival which was held at the Sohail Castle. They were able to enjoy German beer
and traditional dishes, as well as music played by a professional Bavarian orchestra. The event created jobs for 70 locals.
schools. Specialities are: Aikido, Chess, Athletics, Basketball, Handball, Fencing, Football-7, Indoor Football, Gymnastics, Hockey on Skates, Judo, Karate, Swimming, Padel Tennis, Figure Skating, Canoeing, Sailing, Squash, Tennis, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Kiddie Sport. Adults can enjoy activities like physical training, aerobics, bodytonic, Qi-Gong, maintenance exercises, exercise for the elderly, Pilates, back toning, muscle toning, Tai-Chi, Aikido, Chess, Athletics, Fencing, Karate, Padel Tennis, Figure Skating, Canoeing, Squash, Tennis, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Sailing. Cuevas said the water activities will be taking place in the Maria Pelaez and David Meca Swimming Pools. “This year we are going to hold all the children’s activities at the David Meca swimming pool, and the physical and water activities for adults, such as back toning and activities for adults and the elderly will be held at the Maria Pelaez Swimming Pool.” Those interested can get more information by phone on 952 466 777 or via email on deportes @fuengirola.org
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