Barcelona enters the top five nationally for social services

The DEC Local index analyses more than 30 indicators in municipalities with over 20,000 inhabitants.

The DEC Local index examines more than 30 indicators and is applied to municipalities with over 20,000 inhabitants. In this assessment, Barcelona ranked among the five municipalities with the highest scores and received the Premio Anual in the Institución Pública category.

The Asociación Estatal de Directoras y Gerentes en Servicios Sociales (Aedgss) awarded this distinction to the City Council for its work in social care, according to a statement from the council.

What the DEC Local index measures

The tool uses official data to assess the development and quality of municipal social policies. Its criteria include the coverage of services and the financial resources allocated to social care.

It also analyses the ability of administrations to respond to the needs of the population. The evaluation includes care for vulnerable groups and the level of development of municipal social services systems.

The recognition focuses on rights

Aedgss highlighted Barcelona’s commitment to consolidating an accessible and high-quality public system. According to the organisation, the award recognises municipal policies aimed at guaranteeing rights and reducing inequalities, as well as responding to the city’s social challenges.

In another area of the urban agenda, the Manifiesto Barcelona gathered the support of 23 cities and nine regions to call for stable investment and cooperation ahead of the ocean summit in 2027.

Alongside Barcelona, the other top-rated municipalities are Vitoria-Gasteiz and Valladolid; Montilla and Fuenlabrada are also included.