The joint collection of the Basque Country’s treasuries increases by only 1% due to the returns to mutualists

The tax collection joint venture of the estates of Álava, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa has grown by only 1%as they have been greatly affected by the returns to the mutualists. Until July, the sum of the three collections is 10 189.5 million euros.

The Supreme Court recognised the right of members to recover the deductions made from their pensions for not taking into account the contributions they had made up to 1979. The refunds carried out, therefore, have had the effect of reducing the collection by 1.6% in Gipuzkoa and stagnating in Álava.

Last month, when the total revenue was 4.2% higher than the previous year, the provincial councils already asked for “prudence”, since the figures for the following months were going to be affected by these refunds.

Besides, VAT collection has been lower to the cumulative figure for the same period last year. It has fallen by 8.6% in Bizkaia, and by 7.3% in both Álava and Gipuzkoa.

In absolute terms, revenues up to July have increased by 108.7 million euros.

Increase in Bizkaia

Unlike in Álava and Gipuzkoa, tax collection has increased in Bizkaia. The Bizkaia Treasury has reached 6,207.6 million euros, 2.5% more than last year.

According to the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, the positive trend in tax withholdings from work and personal capital have offset the refunds.