In recent statements, Antonio Marín, councillor and spokesperson for the VOX Municipal Group in Manilva, has set out his party’s position on the tax on the increase in value of urban land (Plusvalía Municipal) in mortis causa cases (inheritances), describing it as «tremendously unfair» and stressing «the negative impact it has on families with fewer resources» when receiving an inheritance. Marín expressed his surprise and dissatisfaction at the decision of the Town Hall, led by the Partido Popular mayor, not to apply a 95% reduction on this tax, «a measure that would have significantly eased the tax burden on heirs».
«It is unfair, it affects people and families with fewer means when it comes to receiving an inheritance», the VOX councillor insisted. «We were surprised», he continued, «that, precisely with the casting vote of the Partido Popular mayor, this reduction was not carried out», Marín stated. He also highlighted that «the European Union has long indicated that this tax is unfair, opening up the possibility that in the future some municipalities may be forced to refund it with interest».
The councillor also strongly criticised the Town Hall’s justification that it was «impossible to adjust the budget to cover the impact of the reduction», which is estimated at 160,000 euros. «This makes no sense whatsoever», he said, arguing that «the municipal budget, which amounts to approximately 26 million euros a year, could have been adjusted, without any problem, to include this measure».
Marín also spoke of the importance VOX places on «taxpayers’ money, as far as possible, remaining in the pockets of citizens», keeping taxes «to the minimum necessary to sustain public services». Taxes are there, he said, «to provide services, but this is nothing less than a way of trampling on people with scarce resources», he noted, stressing how «the Plusvalía Municipal tax, in mortis causa cases, can strip humble families of the legacy of their ancestors».
Finally, the VOX spokesperson in Manilva referred to other municipalities, such as Torremolinos, where the Partido Popular, too, «has applied a similar reduction, despite facing tight budgetary situations». It is, he indicated, «a question of political will», Marín explained, lamenting the «lack of action in Manilva on this matter» and reiterating VOX’s commitment to defending the most disadvantaged classes. These statements, he concluded, «reaffirm our position since the start of the term of office, when we already said that we would remain in opposition, ensuring good work and continuous scrutiny».
