The political coalition Compromís per València has expressed concern over the reduction in places for minors in vulnerable situations in municipal summer schools. The party will present a motion to the Social Welfare Commission of the València City Council on Tuesday, aiming to enhance access for these children to summer educational and sports leisure programs.
According to data from the Municipal Sports Foundation's own reports, the number of minors referred by Social Services participating in these activities has fallen from 469 in 2023 to 405 in 2025. This decline represents a loss of 64 places for vulnerable minors in just two years, a fact that councilor Lucía Beamud considers a "thermometer of who is being left out," especially amidst rising child poverty and social exclusion in the city.
Beamud recalled that the Foessa Report on social exclusion in the Valencian Community indicates an increase in moderate and severe exclusion, exacerbated by inflation and the rising costs of housing and rent, a situation affecting many Valencian families.
In response to a query from Compromís, the municipal government stated that the number of places is set by the Municipal Sports Foundation and that the referral of minors depends on technical criteria from Social Services. Beamud believes this response "explains nothing" and suggests "there are fewer places" rather than a reduced need, resulting in cuts for the children who need them most.
The motion proposes progressively increasing the places reserved and funded by the Municipal Sports Foundation for minors referred by Social Services. It also suggests establishing a stable working group with educational centers, social entities, and neighborhood associations, as well as promoting specific programs in neighborhoods with higher indicators of social vulnerability and an annual evaluation of the participation of these minors.
"This is not about managing a waiting list, but about ensuring that no child is left without a summer because they cannot afford it," the councilor concluded.
