Sant Cugat approves increase in IBI and waste tax for 2026

A few weeks after the initial approval of the tax ordinances, the City Council revised one of the package's most sensitive points: the waste charge would ultimately not rise in 2026 and would remain frozen following a recalculation of costs announced in January. The planned 26% increase approved in December was thus cancelled, in a reversal that the council linked to a technical review of the service.

This correction does not change the substance of the debate under way in Sant Cugat about how to fund municipal services and adapt local taxation to new regulatory requirements, but it does reduce the immediate impact anticipated for residents on their waste bills. The episode also revealed the political and social pressure generated by the measure from its initial approval, against a backdrop of intense public attention to taxes, street cleaning and the cost of living.

Sant Cugat City Council has given the green light to a 2.4% rise in property tax (IBI) for 2026, matching the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In addition, the waste collection and transport charge will rise by 26% to comply with European regulations, which require the full cost of the service to be covered.

The decision, supported by Junts and ERC, passed despite rejection by the entire opposition. The local government argues that the IBI adjustment is technical and aims to keep pace with inflation, while the increase in the waste charge responds to European legal obligations.

Among the new provisions, the 40% IBI discount for homes with photovoltaic installations is retained after several submissions were accepted during the public consultation. The initial cut to this incentive was dropped following criticism from political parties and property organisations.

The new waste ordinance introduces measures to soften the impact of the increase. The discount for using the recycling centre doubles from 5% to 10%, and private parking spaces are exempt from the charge. In multi-family buildings that have not been legally divided into individual properties, officially protected rental homes will pay the minimum charge.

During the process, 43 submissions were made by municipal political groups, organisations and individuals. The government has ruled out applying direct socioeconomic criteria when calculating the charge, although it promises to strengthen support for vulnerable families.

Carles Brugaroles, deputy mayor for the Economy, highlighted the political contradiction surrounding the waste charge at the council meeting, recalling that the national law had been rejected by the parties in the municipal government.

Approval of the tax ordinances coincided with approval of the 2026 municipal budget, which grows by 2.01% to €172,000,000. The executive says these resources will improve the financial situation and strengthen key areas such as social rights, cleaning, housing and public facilities.