Support for business succession
The Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) municipal group will propose tax and economic incentives to promote generational change in Barcelona's small businesses during Friday 30th October's city council plenary session. The measures aim to help sustain commercial activity amid growing concerns over long-term viability, particularly where owners lack successors. ERC plans to suggest subsidising municipal taxes and offering financial aid to cover transfer costs when a new owner takes over. A key proposal is the creation of a structured pathway to allow current employees to more easily assume ownership of the businesses they work in, supporting continuity and local jobs.
IBI surcharge revenue for housing aid
ERC also intends to push for the revenues from a new property tax surcharge on tourist apartments to be directed to the Housing Emergency Board. The board, which manages urgent housing placements, currently has 754 families on its waiting list. The surcharge, approved as part of the 2027 Fiscal Ordinances, applies to owners of two or more tourist flats and can rise to 150% for those owning four or more units. This measure has already faced legal threats from the tourist apartment association Apartur, which calls it disproportionate.
The goal is to support local commerce while ensuring housing justice for vulnerable families.
Call for state property transfers
In addition, ERC will urge the city government to compile an updated inventory of all properties in Barcelona owned by the Spanish state and to negotiate their transfer to the city council. These properties could then be repurposed for social, cultural, or community use. The proposals will be debated at the plenary session on Friday 30th October. Final approval of the IBI surcharge is expected in December.
Sources: Metrópoli, habitatge.barcelona.
