Lagoa: PS accuses PSD of prioritizing new Local Accommodation registrations

In a note sent to newsrooms, PS Lagoa accused the local PSD of prioritizing the opening of new Local Accommodation (AL) registrations to the detriment of housing support measures for residents.

According to the Socialists, their position was made clear at the September 5th City Council meeting, where a three-month suspension of new AL registrations in the municipality was discussed and approved. The proposal, presented by the executive led by Luís Encarnação, aims to create time to regulate the activity and "defend the interests of Lagoa residents" in accessing housing.

The Socialist Party emphasizes that the suspension has no impact on the 3,744 existing registrations, but aims to prevent the emergence of new units in residential areas, social housing, and urban centers. According to the same statement, the proliferation of tourist accommodations, often acquired by investors from outside the municipality, has fueled real estate speculation and made it difficult for young people to settle in the area.

At the meeting, PSD councilor Cesário Belém, replacing Mário Vieira, voted against the proposal. The Socialists state that the mayor "defended the economic interests of big business" and even admitted that, "on the PSD side," new registrations will be open until the final vote at the Municipal Assembly, scheduled for September 24th.

The Socialist Party's proposal was approved by a majority, with five votes in favor from the Socialist councilors and one vote against from the PSD. The suspension does not apply to coastal tourist areas, such as the Urban Rehabilitation Area of ​​Carvoeiro, Senhora da Rocha, Alporchinhos, and much of the coastal front.