Disabled adult allowance reform
The Disabled Adult Allowance (L’Allocation aux Adultes Handicapés – AAH) guarantees a minimum income for people with disabilities. If you are disabled and live as a couple then the way the disabled adult allowance is calculated has now changed. From the 1st October 2023 only the beneficiary’s personal resources will be taken into account when […]
Solving disputes with your neighbours
From 1st October this year it has become compulsory that certain disputes between neighbours must first try to be solved amicably before going to court. This applies to claims not exceeding €5,000, to unusual or abnormal disputes and also complaints relating to boundaries, tree pruning and the like. Mediation can be handled via the courts […]
Increased bonus for repairing electrical equipment
In a bid to encourage people to have their broken electrical and electronic equipment repaired rather than replaced, from the 1st January 2024 the Ministry of Ecology is increasing the value of bonuses available for goods no longer covered by a guarantee. For some items, such as televisions and washing machines, this aid has doubled. […]
New government mobile app is launched
‘AGORA,CITOYENS & GOUV’ is a new mobile app which enables the public to communicate directly with the government by asking questions about, or expressing their opinions on, certain subjects and policies proposed by ministers. According to the Ministry for Democratic Renewal, one of the aims of the Agora app is to involve the French more […]
Reduction in reimbursements of dental treatment
From 1 October 2023, dental treatment and dental surgeons’ fees will be reimbursed at 60% of the standard health insurance rate, compared to the previous rate of 70% (decree no. 2023-701 of 31 July 2023). Dental care, prostheses and orthodontic treatment are reimbursed, but are governed by specific tariffs and some of these have changed […]
Changes to taxe fonciere from this year onwards
A flat rate increase of 7.1% has been applied to this year’s taxe foncière (property tax) bill but several changes have been made. In particular the conditions for exemptions and rebates for the elderly and disabled have been extended. The Finance Act for 2023 provides for a ceiling on the tax on main residences and […]
Online first class post
After first class stamps (timbres rouges) were discontinued at the beginning of this year, a new online service called “e-lettre rouge” (red e-letter) was introduced. This allows you to scan and send your mail online, tracked or untracked, in the same way as a standard letter, for next day delivery in France (excluding weekends and […]
Grants available for electric cars
The procedures relating to bonus-ecologique (or eco-bonus) changed on 10th October 2023. Eligibility for grants now requires a minimum environmental score. This is part of the energy transition and the national “Green Industry” strategy. Up until now, only the gas emissions caused by the vehicle on the road were taken into account to qualify for […]
Changes To Savings Accounts
New higher limit for the LEP savings account from 1st October 2023. From 1st October 2023 the maximum you can invest in a LEP (Livret d’Épargne Populaire / Popular Savings Account) has increased from 7,700 euros to 10,000 euros. This account is aimed at households with modest incomes and the current interest rate is 6%. […]
King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s State Visit To France
by Sasha Smit-Marcadier The FBN’s Board members were invited to attend the event organised by the British Embassy, which took place in Bordeaux on Friday 22nd of September, in honour of the state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The event, part of the British Government’s ‘GREAT’ campaign, was a Franco- British festival […]