Case law of the Contentious Administrative Chamber of the Spanish Supreme Court on local law: some questions regarding local governments and the economic and financial crisis

Abstract

The economic and financial crisis has entailed the reconceptualization of the institutional and competence framework of local administrations. In this regard, municipal competences and functions, particularly on social policies, are now subordinated to the new constitutional paradigms of budget stability and reduction of public deficit. The Spanish Supreme Court has carefully reviewed municipal actions in the field of public expenses. It has contributed with its case law to the equilibrium between fiscal responsibility and social needs, the two values which local administrations must comply

Keywords:

local governance, sustainable economic development, public policies on social cohesion