Orihuela Costa has contributed fifteen million euros more to the municipal coffers than it receives in services and infrastructure, according to a recent analysis by the residents’ association, Unidos por la Costa. Of the one hundred seventeen million euros received by the municipality, forty-five point six percent originates from the Costa, which indicates serious underfunding in critical areas like education and social services.

The financial imbalance has been persistent, with residents emphasising that the amount should be allocated annually to enhance basic services and coastal infrastructures. For the upcoming budget, out of forty-one million euros earmarked, only twelve point six million euros are allocated for the Costa, a figure deemed insufficient to address long-standing infrastructure deficits.

Increasingly, residents are advocating for the segregation of Orihuela Costa to better manage local resources. This movement gained traction in recent municipal elections, where the pro-independence party received considerable support from coastline voters. The association argues that segregating Orihuela Costa would allow for more effective financial management, given that the area has the necessary income to sustain its operations independently.

As the population of the Costa continues to grow, the disparities in funding and service provision alongside the local urban area widen. The residents stress that a decoupled budget approach would facilitate strategic decision-making to bolster spending in under-resourced areas, ultimately improving conditions for the communities that contribute significantly to the municipal economy.