AM-CC proposes birth grants and study scholarships to tackle population decline in Betancuria

The municipal group of Asamblea Majorera-Coalición Canaria (AM-CC) on Betancuria Town Council will put forward a series of measures at the next council meeting to stem population loss in the municipality, the least populated in the Canary Islands.

The proposals include direct birth grants and a municipal study scholarship programme. They aim to help families put down roots, promote equal opportunities and reverse the demographic trend affecting the Historic Town for years.

AM-CC spokesperson in Betancuria Enrique Pérez said the initiative responds to a steady population decline driven by factors including low birth rates, an ageing population and the difficulties many young families face in settling in the municipality and building their lives there.

The first motion proposes direct grants of €1,500 for each birth registered in the municipality. This would rise to €2,000 if the newborn has a recognised disability of 33% or more.

The proposal also states that the grants would be backdated to 1 January 2026.

Pérez said having a child entails significant costs for families. He believes public authorities should help ease that burden and encourage people to settle in municipalities at risk of depopulation.

The second initiative put forward by the nationalist group proposes a municipal study scholarship programme for students registered as residents in Betancuria who are studying for Bachillerato qualifications, vocational training, arts courses or university degrees.

The measure aims to help families meet the costs of education outside the municipality, a common situation for young people from Betancuria after they finish compulsory schooling.

The grants would cover expenses related to transport, accommodation, school materials, enrolment and education fees, funded through a dedicated allocation in the municipal budget.

Under the proposal, applicants in greatest financial need would be given priority, while students’ academic performance would also be taken into account.

AM-CC considers education a key tool for ensuring equal opportunities and supporting young people’s personal and professional development.

The group therefore argues that the Town Council should take every possible measure to encourage people to put down roots and enable younger generations to build their lives without being forced to leave the municipality.

The two motions will be debated at the next council meeting, where the nationalist group will seek the support of the other political groups to advance these measures for families and young people in Betancuria.