The Funchal City Council approved, at its meeting today, another set of measures intended to help those affected by the lockdown.
Thus, it was decided to suspend, upon request, municipality debt instalment payments for March, April, May and June 2020, regardless of the amount of the debt. Taxable persons wishing to benefit from this suspension must have their contributory and tax status regularised by Social Security, the Tax Office, as well as the Municipality of Funchal.
In addition to this, four more measures were approved. These include advance payment of €178,000 to support fourteen social institutions: Hug, AFARAM, APPDA, Monte de Amigos, Portuguese Association of People with Special Needs, Portuguese Association of Disabled, Female Presence, CASA, CCD São José, AMI, Solidarity Hand, Olho-Te, UMAR and Acreditar.
Furthermore, the CMF has pledged to cover 50% of water and sewage bills for all those living within the municipality of Funchal. Also, commercial customers who have suspended trading will be exempt from paying rent on business premises and terraces, due to the new restriction of movement laws.
Last week the municipality decided to safeguard Madeira’s Volunteer Firefighters by providing at extra €100,000 in ‘extraordinary’ support.
During his press conference the Mayor of Funchal, Miguel Silva Gouveia stated that where possible the economy needs to keep going and has urged all those who can work, do to so. He went on to say that the Funchal City Council is leading the way as it had already paid 5.9 million euros to suppliers for March and all bills received at the Câmara will be paid within fifteen days for the next three months.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com