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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
UK Voting Rights for British citizens living in France
Over the last few years we have reported on the lifetime vote for those who have lived outside of the UK for more than 15 years. Those UK residents who lost that right to vote because of this rule will now be able to re-register from January 2024 (subject to Government completion of secondary legislation) […]
Scams – How to protect your personal data.
The incidence of scams is increasing. They pose a constant worry to many of us. One useful Government system ‘FranceConnect’ is a digital authentication guaranteeing the identity of a user to official sites or applications. It is based on existing accounts for which their identity has already been verified. This has created a new layer […]
Restrictions on plastic packaging of fresh foods
In the French government’s efforts to reduce waste another law came into effect on July 1st 2023 that restricts what fresh foods can be packaged in plastic. Other than 29 listed exemptions and items sold in batches weighing over 1.5kgs, plastic can no longer be used to sell fruit which must be presented loose or […]
Incorrect Charges demanded by La Poste
Small packages sent by post from outside the EU – Incorrect Charges demanded by La Poste. There have been reports of invalid charges being made by La Poste on delivery of low value packages. Several complaints have been upheld, but the problem remains. If you have received such a charge and wish to challenge it […]
An MBE Investiture at Windsor Castle
The Unforgettable Experience: An MBE Investiture at Windsor Castle As the King was unable to conduct this investiture, he was represented by The Princess Royal who entered the Investiture attended by two King’s Gurkha Orderly Officers and a detachment of the King’s Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard. Lady and Gentleman Ushers to the […]
Mr Roger Haigh MBE
Dear Members and Readers, When I look back over the year, I feel quite proud knowing that the FBN has helped so many people. We have provided information to members who have set up businesses, helped them with the ongoing administrative burden of running a business and how to establish their lives here in France. […]