Ok unanimously in the Council of Ministers to the reform of bathing concessions, that is the missing piece of the competition reform, which aims to overcome the extension regime by restoring the tenders starting from 2024. The measure will now be submitted to Parliament's scrutiny.
The guidelines include the protection of investments made and of those who mainly owe their income to the management of a bathing establishment. In addition to a strong push to future investments connected to improving the service, with price containment and a brake on the "expensive umbrella", to protect consumers. Furthermore, one of the requirements will be to guarantee access to the sea for all. A provision already foreseen by law but subject to violations and abuses. The rules for the competitions will therefore include "the constant presence of gates for free and free access and transit", reads the draft.
Tenders must also respect "the principles of impartiality, non-discrimination, equal treatment, maximum participation, transparency and adequate publicity". "Prerequisites and cases for the possible splitting into small batches" will be defined and a "maximum number of concessions" that can be owned to "favor the access of micro and small enterprises", in addition to "third party entities" sector".
An adequate balance is also envisaged between the state-owned areas under concession and the free or free equipped areas, but also a fair relationship between the rates proposed and the quality of the service for everyone, even for the disabled. The deadline for receiving applications must not be "less than 30 days".
The duration of the concession must be for a period not exceeding what is strictly necessary to guarantee the amortization and fair remuneration of the authorized investments, with an express prohibition of extensions and renewals, including automatic ones. An indemnity is also foreseen to be paid to the outgoing concessionaire, charged to the incoming concessionaire, for the non-amortization of the investments made.
THE DISCUSSION - The objectives - explain sources from Palazzo Chigi - are to ensure a more sustainable use of the maritime state property, to favor its public use and to promote greater competition on bathing concessions.
