The Urban Development department of Torrox Council ended 2009 with a deficit of €200,000 and the first three months of 2010 are not looking particularly healthy.
Much of the municipal income is derived from building licenses and during the boom years in the construction industry, the Council was receiving between four and five million euros each year. However, this money has all disappeared, squandered by the previous PSOE government according to the current four-party government.
The Council earned a mere €300,000 last year, but had to pay back €500,000 from previous years leaving them in deficit to the tune of €200,000. Barely a dozen permits were issued last year for new housing developments and most of those were for minor alterations and repairs.
This year is no better so far, only half a dozen permits being issued for minor projects.