The Ombudsman sent a recommendation that the social water tariff be applied to the first m3 of consumption/month legally provided for consumers who meet the requirements for its benefit, regardless of whether they may exceed this monthly consumption. It is up to municipal councils to set maximum consumption limits on which discounts or exemptions are applied, but not a maximum…
The Ombudsman issued a new communication on how the Tax Authority (TA) is interpreting and applying the rule contained in Decree-Law 10-F/2020, which suspended tax executions until June 30. After exchanging correspondence with the Director General of TA, the Ombudsman now addressed the Secretary of State for Fiscal Affairs, drawing attention to the issues addressed in that correspondence that are…
Celebrating the Children’s Day, more than a ritual in which every year we renew our words of appeal for the respect of the collection of rights long recognized at international and national levels, must be a moment, an opportunity, to mobilize the community, the State, the citizens, to respond assertively to the problems that affect the children of our country.…
The Ombudsman sent a communication to the government drawing attention to the need to clarify fully with motorway concession companies the toll payment regime applicable to vehicles dedicated to the transport of patients (VDTD). The most recent communication follows complaints from the Portuguese Fire Brigade League that tolls are being levied on this type of vehicle and after the Ombudsman’s…
The Ombudsman notes as positive the changes introduced by Decree-Law no. 20-C/2020, of May 7, to Decree-Law no. 10-A/2020, of March 13, in order to strengthen support for self-employed workers and members of statutory bodies of legal entities in the current economic and financial climate caused by the epidemiological outbreak that the country and the world are facing, but points…
The services of the Ombudsman’s Office resume face-to-face service on May 18, at normal hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., requiring, however, prior appointment by telephone (213926600) or by electronic means (relações.publicas@provedor-jus.pt). Attendance will be provided on an individual basis, being the presence of accompanying persons not permitted, and will take place in compliance with the rules of hygiene…
The Lisbon City Council informed the Ombudsman that it will place H43 information signs on Ceuta Avenue, in each direction of traffic, which will make it possible to inform that this is a route with "instantaneous speed" detectors. The Ombudsman welcomes this decision, which follows a complaint procedure regarding the signposting of that road, where fixed radars are placed by…
The Ombudsman sent a recommendation to the Minister of Health with a view to minimizing the restrictions to which families are being subjected, due to the current pandemic context, in two fundamental moments of human existence: birth and death. To read the recommendation in full click here [in Portuguese only].
The Ombudsman welcomes the prohibition for public authorities and companies providing public services to use telephone numbers at an increased cost for contact with consumers. The Ombudsman had already taken a position in this respect and, following the investigation of several cases, a number of public services had already ceased to use cost-enhanced numbers. This was the case of the…
The Ombudsman suggested adaptations of procedures to ensure effective suspension of the practical effects of all tax enforcement proceedings in relation to seizures (or other coercive acts) on the part of the Tax Authority, the Social Security Executive Chambers and the third parties responsible for complying with them, in the cases of banks, paying entities (of salaries or pensions) and…
