Sabadell Ombudsman demands simpler bureaucracy for municipal grants

Josep Escartín proposes a technical assistance service to prevent local entities from returning funds due to formal errors.

Generic image of a municipal administrative office in Sabadell.
IA

Generic image of a municipal administrative office in Sabadell.

The Ombudsman of Sabadell, Josep Escartín, called this February for an urgent reform in the management of municipal grants to reduce the administrative burden on local organizations.

The ombudsman's office has detected that many associations in Sabadell are overwhelmed by the complexity of the procedures. This lack of technical resources often forces entities to return received funds because they cannot meet the formal requirements.
To reverse this situation, Escartín proposes creating a technical support service. The goal is for entities to receive guidance throughout the process and to restore controls prior to the awarding of grants, preventing errors that are currently only found during final audits.

"A formula must be found that complies with current European regulations, while respecting the social and urgent nature of their activity."

Josep Escartín · Sabadell Ombudsman
Additionally, the ombudsman highlighted issues with the Rebost Solidari food bank. He requested that the entity be allowed to purchase food directly with grant funds and urged the council to find a facility that ensures safety for both staff and users.