The Municipality of Vila do Bispo has approved its 2026 Budget and Major Planning Options (GOP), totalling more than €26 million.
The documents were approved by the Municipal Council on January 23, with votes in favour from the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and abstentions from the Socialist Party (PS) and CHEGA. At the Municipal Assembly session held on February 4, the budget was passed with votes in favour from the PSD and the Parish Councils, abstentions from the PS, and votes against from CHEGA.
In 2026, the local authority will manage a budget of over €26 million. On the revenue side, €19,580,057 is projected in current revenue and €6,649,943 in capital revenue. As for expenditure, current spending is expected to reach €15,811,000, while capital expenditure totals €10,342,800.
In line with the strategic vision outlined in the Major Planning Options, the 2026 budget is framed within a context shaped by commitments undertaken in 2025 and a reliance on external funding, notably through Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and the Algarve 2030 programme.
Despite these constraints, the 2026 budget already incorporates strategies and policy choices reflecting the priorities set by the new municipal executive for the year ahead, although the allocated funds do not allow for the full implementation of all planned measures.
Education stands out as a key priority. The municipality plans to develop major structural projects, including the renovation of São Vicente Basic School, as well as the construction of a canteen, library and multi-purpose sports hall. The design project for Vila do Bispo’s EB1 primary school is also included.
Educatuion
The completion of renovation works at Sagres EB1 No. 2 Primary School is also highlighted, with an allocation of €285,000, alongside a further €200,000 earmarked for equipment. These investments aim to improve educational conditions and provide high-quality facilities for the school community.
Habitation
Housing is another strategic focus. Plans include the development of projects for new housing construction, notably 25 controlled-cost housing units and 13 houses in the Areias area of Budens. The budget also provides for the development of detailed design and execution projects for the Roça do Veiga subdivision in Sagres.
This budget heading further includes the completion of 29 housing units in Senhora do Amparo, Vila do Bispo, representing a planned municipal investment of €2,805,000 for 2026. These homes are being built under a controlled-cost scheme as part of a collaboration agreement between the Municipality of Vila do Bispo and the Institute for Housing and Urban Rehabilitation (IHRU), under the 1.º Direito – Housing Access Support Programme, funded by the PRR.
These initiatives reflect the municipality’s commitment to addressing local housing needs, promoting social cohesion and encouraging population retention within the municipality.
Spatial Planning
In the area of spatial planning, the executive’s focus is on preparing projects that will enable the future execution of works and interventions. Notable among these are the completion of architectural and specialist designs for the expansion of the cemeteries in Budens and Sagres, as well as the preparation of architectural and technical projects and the subsequent execution of works at the Municipal Markets of Sagres and Vila do Bispo.
Healthcare
In healthcare, the budget includes the rehabilitation of the Vila do Bispo Health Centre, with a base contract value of €1,722,500. Of this total, €850,000 is allocated for 2026, with the remaining amount scheduled for the following year. This represents the largest financial allocation within the health sector for the year.
