250 Euro Youth Rental Assistance Available Monthly for Under 35’s – Orihuela Applications Close 11 September

The City Council in Orihuela is urged to more widely publicize a regional rental assistance programme that provides up to €250 per month for young people aged 35 or under. The Valencian Community's Youth Rental Voucher application period opened on August 24 and will close on September 11. Successful applicants can receive the monthly assistance for up to 24 months, for a maximum of €6,000.

In Orihuela, applicants renting an entire property must pay no more than €650 per month, while those renting a room cannot exceed €300 in rent. The PSOE councillor Juan López has criticized the council for not promoting the programme adequately, especially as the application window is only open for 15 working days. He noted that other councils and organizations have already launched information campaigns, while Orihuela's Youth Department has remained silent.

The PSOE claims the lack of publicity reflects the broader failure of the PP-Vox coalition to introduce an effective municipal housing policy. Orihuela currently has no municipal stock of public housing available to young people and families. The group also pointed out the lack of progress from the Municipal Housing and Land Company, which is part of the local government's housing strategy.

Additionally, the PSOE highlighted the withdrawal of previous municipal grants aimed at helping young people leave the family home. While the Valencian Government administers the rental assistance program, the majority of its funding comes from Spain's Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda (around 76.5%). The Valencian Government contributes the remaining €7 million of the €29.8 million budget.

The PSOE has requested the Orihuela Council to publish the details immediately through all municipal communication channels and to offer assistance with applications through council offices and staff. They emphasize that existing municipal resources could be organized to guide applicants through the potentially complicated process.

López emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that with only 15 working days available, every day counts. The PSOE also called on the Valencian Government to review the maximum rental limits in Orihuela, arguing that the €650 ceiling is particularly unrealistic in Orihuela Costa, where finding a year-round rental property below that amount is impossible.