Atrish Sanchez accuses political opponents of holding women to different standards

The tone of the Opposition's Budget response was set from the outset, with Atrish Sanchez accusing political opponents of holding women to different standards. She said female politicians were criticised for their appearance and even subjected to comments about photographs shared on social media, arguing women should be judged on their policies rather than their personal lives. And, she said, this was a deterrent for attracting women to public roles.

She then turned to what she described as years of failures affecting some of Gibraltar's most vulnerable people, focusing on disability services, mental health and elderly care.

Ms Sanchez said almost eight years after the Disability Act became law, key provisions remain unimplemented.

She said Gibraltar still has no National Disability Strategy, no statutory SEND framework and no equivalent of Education, Health and Care Plans, leaving many families without the support they need.

Despite welcoming the increase in disability benefits announced in this year's Budget, Atrish Sanchez argued the system itself remains broken.

She said some benefit appeals have remained unresolved for more than three years and called for greater transparency together with more regular assessment panels.

Ms Sanchez also questioned the Government's handling of the Rooke Elderly Care Facility, saying there were still unanswered questions over its future operation despite significant public investment.

She went on to criticise recurring maintenance problems at Elderly Residential Services, arguing older residents deserved facilities that were safe, properly maintained and fit for purpose.