1º) The padron is a register that was created by inspectors who used to visit every house in the city every 10 years, this contains details of the people living in the town. Since 1990, when data was transferred over to computers rather than paper, the census information was entered on the computer and has remained fixed, changes are only made when there are births, deaths or changes of address. In other words, it is you who has to go if you want to be included or removed.

2º) Regarding foreigners, there are two possible ways you may be registered on the ‘padron':

(i) Temporary - If your residence is temporary, OR
(ii) Permanent - if you have permanent residency.

Back in the 90's, many Town Halls ignored or disregarded this regulation, as they wanted to have as many people registered as possible, this was in their interest as the number of people registered corresponds to the grants sent by the government.

3º) The time has come to ensure the statistics held by the Town Hall are a true reflection of the current situation and it is important that our statistics are accurate, so some Town Halls are removing many foreigners because they haven't proved permanent residence in the last two years. The pardon , that shows all inhabitants of Mijas, is the base used by government institutions to send money to the Town Hall. For example, the Government of the State sends about 180 euros per person every year for general purposes, but also consider the number of residents to allocate funds for hospitals, local transport, postmen, etc.

4º) The census is a registry of those above 18 years of age, nationals of a country that is either a member of the European Union, or have signed an agreement with Spain so they can vote in each country (only in one of them, obviously).

THEREFORE,

a) It is advisable for all foreign Residents to visit the Town Hall at least every 2 years, to check that you are up to date with your rates and rubbish bills and to ensure the Town Hall is not trying to get in touch with you for any reason. Those of you who are not permanent residents may not have received important notifications by post, for example, and may not be aware that your road is going to be asphalted, or you have overpaid a tax and may get a return, it is not always about bad things.

b) When you go, you should register your email in the Foreigners Department (first desk on the right, on the ground floor). This will ensure you are kept up to date, and they will send you periodic information about everything that happens in the Town Hall, in your own language.

c) You should visit the PADRON department, to check 2 things: whether you are already registered on the padron, and whether you are member of the census (polling lists).

d) Being registered in the padron means that you can participate for free in several activities organised by the Town Hall, you can also get assistance if you are disabled or temporarily ill, and depending on your situation, you get some reduction in taxes.

e) Being registered on the polling lists means that you can vote in the local elections (22-May-2011) and in the European elections (sometime in June 2015). This gives you the power to decide which Party should govern the Town Hall and administrate your taxes.

d) To register, you only need 30 minutes of your time, to pay a visit to Mijas Town Hall. You will need to take some documents with you:
• I.D. - Your original passport and a photocopy
• To see whether you are registered/to register with the tax office - Your NIE Number. (You need to take the original piece of paper (A4 size) that the Police gave you some time ago. It is never too old)
• To prove that you are living in Mijas - The rates bill is enough, as long as it is in your name. If you pay it by direct debit, and you cannot find the bank extract, you can ask for a copy in the Town Hall (Collection Department-Recaudacion), which is also on the ground floor, first desk on the left.

Please bear in mind that proving the identity of your partner/husband/wife is not always as easy as just showing they have the same surname, or even that they live at the same address, this is subject to the interpretation of the civil servant who helps you, but where possible, it is advisable to ensure each individual takes their necessary ID and other relevant documentation.

TO CONCLUDE:

1. If you want your Town Hall to get 180 euros every year for you being living here, you should be registered in the padron, that is "empadronado"
2. If you want to be able to decide who should spend that money properly, you should be registered in the census - polling list, that is “censado”

Don't keep complaining saying the Town Hall is doing nothing for you. You need to take action, let the Town Hall receive 180 euros more per year, and vote the right people to administer this money.