IBI Freeze Maintained for Most Households and Businesses

The Municipal Council of El Prat de Llobregat has provisionally approved the fiscal ordinances for 2027, freezing property tax (IBI) for homes and businesses across nearly the entire municipality. The decision, ratified at the plenary session on Thursday 22 October 2026, continues a policy of no inflation-linked increases for the third consecutive year, following a 2% decrease in 2026. Under the approved measures, the IBI freeze applies to the vast majority of properties. Only around 70 larger properties will face a 5% increase, while tourist accommodations and vacant apartments will be subject to an IBI surcharge starting at 50%. The Port and Airport will continue to pay the maximum possible IBI rate. El Prat residents currently pay around 20% less in IBI than in surrounding municipalities, according to the municipal government.

Targeted Discounts and Support for Vulnerable Groups

The council has maintained a range of tax reliefs for households in need. These include IBI discounts for large families, low-income pensioners, and the long-term unemployed. A 95% discount will continue for property owners who make their homes available through the Prat Espais social rental mediation programme. Additionally, a 50% IBI reduction will be available for three years for homes undergoing energy-efficient renovations, as part of the city’s progressive fiscal model.

The IBI freeze for households and businesses was already kept without increases in 2025 and 2024 and experienced a slight decrease of 2% for this 2026.

Other Fees and Public Prices Frozen

The freeze extends to other municipal charges. The water supply fee will remain unchanged, which the Catalan Water Agency’s price comparator shows is already 40% cheaper than in nearby municipalities. The waste collection fee has already been reduced by 15% due to improved recycling rates, and a 40% discount on this fee remains for households that recycle. Discounts for entrepreneurs starting new economic activities are also preserved. The sanitary services fee will remain frozen.

Changes to Parking and Sports Facility Fees

The orange parking zone in the Mas Blau business park will introduce a new daily payment option of €0.40, benefiting workers with irregular schedules, including teleworkers and sales representatives. This follows the definitive approval of modifications to the municipal parking fee ordinance. At municipal sports facilities (CEM), users will receive a proportional discount during closures for maintenance. A new 20% discount on subscriptions is also available for young members of Club Esport Jove and young CEM users.

Next Steps and Other Council Decisions

The preliminary fiscal measures will be presented at a public hearing on Tuesday 17 November 2026, where residents can review and comment on the 2027 budget framework. The same plenary session also approved a motion for an integrated pest management model in urban green spaces, starting with a pilot in Plaça de Catalunya. Technical reports will identify critical areas for pest proliferation, focusing on cleaning, waste control, and vegetation management.

Sources: El Prat de Llobregat, elprat.cat, diaricatalunya.cat.