The Observatory for Family Friendly Municipalities (OAFR), promoted by the Portuguese Large Families Association APFN, delivered the green flag of “Family Friendly Municipality” in Coimbra to 110 Portuguese municipalities, for effective practices to support families, with data reported to 2023.
In its 16th edition, the OAFR recorded the highest number of participants in the survey – 169 municipalities, 20 more than in the previous edition (+13%), which means that 55% of the 308 national municipalities were consulted.
Support for people in situations of social fragility remains at the heart of the concerns of the Portuguese municipalities (97%) that distinguish themselves in the 16th edition of the OAFR, while birth support is provided in 66% of municipalities.
The OAFR also notes that some municipalities apply reductions/exemptions on IMT (municipal property tax) when families need to move house because they are taking in an ascendant or because of the birth of (more) children.
This is also the case with family water tariffs, which are present in 90% of the award-winning municipalities. Another measure to which the distinguished national municipalities have remained faithful is access to basic services for low-income families, so that they have the possibility of accessing water, sanitation and waste services. 91% of the municipalities already have a Social Water Tariff.
This year, 7 municipalities are newcomers to the “Family Friendly Municipality” distinction and will receive the OAFR green flag: Celorico da Beira, Gavião, Olhão, Ourém, Sabugal, Valongo and Vila Verde.
For 16 consecutive years, the municipalities of Angra do Heroísmo, Cantanhede, Torres Novas, Torres Vedras, Vila Real and Vila de Rei stand out for their family-friendly policies.